Media Studies A Level

Applications Open: - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - Thursday 20th August 2026.

General Sixth Form Entry Requirements: - Minimum 4 GCSE passes at Grade 4 and above to study BTEC or vocational courses; 5 GCSE passes at 4 and above to study A level/BTEC combination; 5 GCSE's at Grades 5 and above to study straight A Levels.

*Please note there may be subject specific entry requirements which also need to be met.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications via email will not be accepted.

Media Studies A level

WJEC Eduqas

The WJEC Eduqas A level in Media Studies offers a broad, engaging and stimulating course of study which enables learners to:

• demonstrate skills of enquiry, critical thinking, decision-making and analysis

• demonstrate a critical approach to media issues

• demonstrate appreciation and critical understanding of the media and their role both historically and currently in society, culture, politics and the economy

• develop an understanding of the dynamic and changing relationships between media forms, products, industries and audiences

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the global nature of the media

• apply theoretical knowledge and specialist subject specific terminology to analyse and compare media products and the contexts in which they are produced and consumed

• make informed arguments, reach substantiated judgements and draw conclusions about media issues

• engage in critical debate about academic theories used in media studies

• appreciate how theoretical understanding supports practice and practice supports theoretical understanding

• demonstrate sophisticated practical skills by providing opportunities for creative media production.

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

• 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.)

Five GCSE grades 9-4 or equivalent including English Grade 5 or above and/or Media Studies grade 5 or above (students do not have to have studied Media Studies for GCSE).

Jobs directly related to media studies include:

• Media planner
• Multimedia specialist
• Programme researcher, broadcasting/film/video
• Public relations officer
• Runner, broadcasting/film/video
• Television/film/video producer

Jobs where your media studies would be useful include:

• Advertising account executive
• Broadcast journalist
• Editorial assistant
• Event organiser
• Information officer
• Magazine journalist
• Market researcher
• Writer