Overview

GCSE Media Studies offers students the opportunity to study a range of rich and stimulating media products across different platforms: advertising and marketing, film, magazines, music video, newspapers, online media, radio, television and video games. The course introduces students to the key areas of the theoretical framework for studying media: media language, representation, media industries and audience. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of relevant media contexts (historical, social, cultural and political) and their influence on media products and processes. They will learn to use and apply theoretical perspectives and relevant subject-specific terminology. Students will also be required to create an individual media production for an intended audience in response to a brief set by the exam board. This will allow them to develop their practical skills and to apply their studies from the rest of the course to a creative media production. It is worth noting that whilst there is an element of creative production, this is not a media production course.

KS4 Intent Statement

Promote media literacy in all students. Provide students with the opportunity to develop skills of enquiry, critical thinking and analysis. Enable students to analyse and compare how media products construct and communicate meaning. Provide students with the opportunity to apply knowledge of media language and representation to a media production, developing their practical and creative skills.
Complement and build upon students’ knowledge of English Language, applying similar skills of analysis to media products in different forms. Enable students to become critical consumers of the media, confident communicators, self-reliant independent learners, and socially aware, responsible adults.

Qualification Details

Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas
Qualification Title: Media Studies
Qualification Specification Code: 603/1115/0
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the WJEC Eduqas webpage for the specification.

Why should I study this course?

The power that the media has is huge and its centrality in contemporary life is only likely to increase. This means that by studying GCSE Media Studies, you will be developing knowledge and understanding in arguably one of the most influential parts of our society. The course equips students with excellent communication skills and skills of critical analysis which will be necessary in many other subjects and future careers. The individual media production offers an opportunity to put theory into practice whilst developing creativity and experiencing the real-life industry process of research, planning and production.

What knowledge and/or skills will I need?

The course builds on subject content and skills taught in Key Stage 3 English such as skills of analysis and comparison. Throughout the course, students will: • develop skills of enquiry, critical thinking and analysis • analyse and compare how media products construct and communicate meaning and generate intended interpretations and responses • respond through discursive writing to show knowledge and understanding of media issues • develop practical and decision-making skills, including research and planning

What will I study in this qualification?

Component 1 provides a foundation for analysing media products, introducing students to media language and representation through the study of media print forms. Students will also study products from specific media industries and audiences. They will begin to explore how media products reflect, and are influenced by, the social, cultural, historical and political contexts in which they are produced. The following media forms will be studied: newspapers, advertising and marketing, magazines, radio, video games and film. Component 2 builds on the introduction to key areas of the theoretical framework (media language, representation, media industries and audiences) as well as media contexts. Students will explore particular media forms in depth through two key topics: television (sitcom) and music (music video and online media). Component 3 allows students to draw together knowledge and understanding gained throughout the course and apply it synoptically to a practical production. There will be a choice of two briefs set by the exam board in two media forms: magazines and film marketing. Students will respond to their chosen brief by researching, planning and creating a production aimed at the specified intended audience. Students will have to submit a written statement of aims with their production.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1 - 40% of total mark, written examination
Component 2 - 30% of total mark, written examination
Component 3 - 30% of total mark, non-exam assessment (media production)

Possible Career Paths

Overview

This course involves the in-depth study of media products in relation to the four areas of the theoretical framework: media language, representation, industries and audiences. Students will study a range of media forms: advertising and marketing, film, magazines, music video, newspapers, online media, radio, television and video games. The course will provide comprehensive and integrated coverage of media theory and practice. In creating their own media products, students will develop their technical skills and ability to work to a brief and meet deadlines.
Through studying Media Studies, students will view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products. The course involves contemporary, diverse topics and varied and engaging content. A variety of study methods are used on this course, including debate, discussion, presentations and written analysis. It is worth noting that this is not a media production course; whilst there is an element of media production in the non-examination unit, there is a strong emphasis on media analysis and theory.

Qualification Details

Exam Board: EDUQAS
Qualification Title: Media Studies
Qualification Specification Code:
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the EDUQAS webpage for the specification.

Entry Requirements

Standard Sixth Form entry requirements

What will I study in this qualification?

Possible Career Paths

Careers in Television, Film, Radio, Journalism, Digital Media, Advertising and Marketing, Public Relations, Teaching. This course equips students with excellent communication skills, skills of critical analysis and investigative skills that will be necessary for most careers. Students will develop their research and problem-solving skills, building their capacity for independent research and gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of the role media plays in day to day life. Students will refine their debating skills through the discussion of contemporary issues from a range of perspectives. They will also extend their practical and creative skills through the non-examination unit.