Course Title Advanced GCE in Media Studies

Examination Board EDUQAS

Subject Code 603/1149/6

Assessment

Exam 70%

Non Exam Assessment 30%

Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences 

Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes 35% of qualification

The examination assesses media language, representation, media industries, audiences and media contexts. It consists of two sections:

Section A: Analysing Media Language and Representation in relation to two of the following media forms: advertising, marketing, music video or newspapers.

There are two questions in this section:

Section B: Understanding Media Industries and Audiences: This section assesses two of the following media forms – advertising, marketing, film, newspapers, radio, video games – and media contexts. It includes:

· one stepped question on media industries

· one stepped question on audiences.

Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth 

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 35% of qualification

The examination assesses media language, representation, media industries, audiences and media contexts. It consists of three sections:

Section A: Television in the Global Age. There will be one two-part question or one extended response question.

Section B: Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media. There will be one two-part question or one extended response question.

Section C: Media in the Online Age. There will be one two-part question or one extended response question.

Component 3: Cross-Media Production Non exam assessment 

30% of qualification

An individual cross-media production based on two forms in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC, applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework and digital convergence.

All equipment is provided.

Future Progression 

Media Studies tests practical and analytical skills, and requires an up-to-date knowledge of how media affects all levels of society in our communication age. From advertising to movies to TV dramas to magazines to social networks, media shapes how we think about and react to the world we live in. It is vital to understand how different media influence our thinking, and increasingly, it is vital to be able to produce our own media texts in order to communicate with others. Media literacy is key to 21st century success. A Level Media Studies can lead to a variety of university courses, including English, Media and Journalism which in turn can progress to a career in journalism, television, marketing, advertising or the communications industry. The following institutions, amongst many other Russell Group Universities offer recognised Media and communications courses: University of Warwick, University of Leeds, University of Sheffield and University of Liverpool.

How to succeed in Media Studies

To be successful in this subject, students need to have a keen interest in how we as consumers use the media and how companies seek to persuade us to use their products. Learners will also need to follow current issues and debates in the media and form opinions on such matters. This will involve them reading around the subject using a variety of sources. Students must be prepared to work independently and be willing to put the time and effort in when it comes to practical productions as this often requires students to film, photograph and edit in their own time.