
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
This section assesses 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:
one question assessing media language in relation to an unseen audio-visual or print resource and one extended response comparison question assessing representation in one set product and an unseen audio-visual or print resource in relation to media contexts.
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.
Careers and further study
A-Level Media Studies is an industry-recognised qualification, and so offers students the chance to go straight into employment in the industry. It is also a subject which is highly compatible with many others in the curriculum because of the training it provides in independent and critical thinking and analysis.
Like any other GCSE, AS, or A Level course, Media Studies requires students to work in their own time to reinforce what they have learned in class. At GCSE level, students should expect to receive around an hour of homework per week. At AS and A Level, students are expected to be doing around five hours of independent work every week for the subject. In most cases, this homework will take the form of structured tasks set by the classroom teacher. However, in these Media Studies courses there is also the opportunity to complete aspects of the coursework assignments outside school hours, meaning that students are not restricted by the school setting when making film or other media. In addition to the work set, students are also expected to keep up-to-date with developments in the media – useful background knowledge can be built up by reading newspapers and magazines, and watching TV and film critically.
Daniel Friell: “studying Media at JRCS has been really beneficial for my next steps into the further and higher education. I was able to technically and theoretically apply the knowledge I had gained at A ‘Level. I really enjoyed my time at JRCS and it enabled me to become confident in studying Media and Production at University.”