Media Studies

Key Information

How do Media products that we consume on a daily basis affect us and our lives? This is the main question we seek to answer in Media Studies. It provides an academic approach to help understand how media professionals communicate their messages to their audiences, whether it be through advertising, newspapers, video games, radio, TV sitcoms or music videos. Can we trust the press and the way it reports news stories? How do TV comedy shows reflect the time period in which they’re made? How do free-to-play video games like Fortnite make money? These are the questions that are explored in the Media Studies GCSE course.

Assessment

This linear course is assessed through two exams (a mixture of multiple choice, short answers and extended answers) and one coursework piece.

  • Exam paper 1 (35% of GCSE), 1 hour 30 minutes. Questions about media industries, audiences and representation. Print media, video games and radio.
  • Exam paper 2 (35% of GCSE), 1 hour 30 minutes. Questions on media language and contexts of the media. Sitcoms and music promotion.
  • Non-exam assessment (30% of GCSE). Choice of topics- pupils create a media product with a specific intended target audience. In previous years this has been to produce a promotional poster and DVD cover for an original film idea.

Subject information

The core content covers:

  • Media language (how do media texts communicate ideas to the audience?)
  • Media representations (how does the media present groups/genders etc.?)
  • Media industries (who creates these media texts? What are their motivations?)
  • Media audiences (who consumes the media? How are texts aimed at audiences?)

Topics studied include:

  • Moving image advertising
  • Print advertising
  • Television
  • Magazines
  • Radio
  • The news
  • Online media
  • Music videos
  • Video games

Is this course right for me?

Pupils who choose this course should have an interest in the media and how it affects consumers in their day to day lives. This is an analytical, essay-based subject.

What can this lead to?

Media Studies A Level, Film Studies A Level or other Level 3 media qualifications. The course provides an introduction to elements of journalism, advertising, marketing and a range of other media careers.

https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/media-studies/gcse/

It is important that you speak to your English teacher, Mr Bridger, Mrs Stockley or Miss Leeson before completing your options form if you are interested in Media to ensure you select the best course.

Please note that certain combinations of subjects are not possible, including Film Studies and Media Studies GCSE.