COURSE OVERVIEW
Through studying Media Studies you will view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of media.
A level Media Studies gives you transferable skills for future careers and experience that prepares you if you choose to progress with your study.
In addition to the broad coverage of all nine media forms, you will engage in the in-depth study of at least one audio-visual, one print and one online social and participatory media form. Each in-depth study will link the specified media form to all four areas of the theoretical framework; Genre, Narrative, Representation and Audience.
COURSE CONTENT & ASSESSMENT
Media One
What’s assessed
Section A will focus on Media Language and Media Representations. Questions in this section will test the following forms:
- Advertising and marketing
- Music video
Section B will focus on Media Industries and Media Audiences. Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:
- Radio
- Newspapers
- Film (industries only)
How it’s assessed
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 84 marks
- 35% of A-level
Questions
- A range of questions relating to an unseen source and Close Study Products
- Two essay questions (20 marks), one of which is an extended response question
Media Two
What’s assessed
Questions will focus on the in-depth media forms of television, magazines and online, social and participatory media/video games
How it’s assessed
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 84 marks
- 35% of A-level
Questions
- One medium length unseen analysis question
- Three essay questions (25 marks), one of which is an extended response question and one of which is a synoptic question
Non-exam Assessment: Creating a Cross-media Production
What’s assessed
- Application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework
- Ability to create media products
How it’s assessed
- A choice of one of six annually changing briefs, set by AQA
- 60 marks
- 30% of A-level
- Assessed by teachers
- Moderated by AQA
Tasks
Students produce:
- A statement of intent
- A cross-media production made for an intended audience
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE
AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework of media and contexts of media and their influence on media products and processes.
AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework of media to:
- Analyse media products, including in relation to their contexts and through the use of academic theories
- Evaluate academic theories
- Make judgements and draw conclusions
AO3: Create media products for an intended audience, by applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework of media to communicate meaning