The WJEC Eduqas AS in Media Studies offers students an opportunity to explore and critically analyse the role of media in contemporary culture, society, and politics. This qualification enables learners to develop an understanding of key media theories, industry practices, and audience interactions while fostering both analytical and creative skills in media production.

Aims and Objectives:

• Develop Analytical Skills: Gain an understanding of how media language, representation, industries, and audiences interact in the creation and consumption of media products.

• Explore Key Theories: Study theories of media language, representation, industry, and audiences, including influential theorists like Barthes, Todorov, and Gauntlett.

• Media Contexts: Understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, and political contexts of media products.

• Creative Media Production: Apply theoretical knowledge in the creation of a media product, demonstrating an understanding of media language and representation.

Qualification Overview:

• Duration: Teaching from 2017, assessment from 2018.

• Assessment Components:

  • Component 1: Investigating the Media (35% of qualification)

  • Component 2: Investigating Media Forms and Products (35% of qualification)

  • Component 3: Media Production (30% of qualification)

Key Topics Covered:

1. Component 1: Investigating the Media:

   • Focus on media language and representation in various media forms like newspapers, advertising, music videos, and more.

   • Study of media industries and audiences, with questions on media production, distribution, and consumer engagement.

2. Component 2: Investigating Media Forms and Products:

   • In-depth study of television, magazines, and online media, analyzing their language, representation, industry context, and audience targeting.

   • Critical evaluation of the impact of digital technologies on media production and consumption.

3. Component 3: Media Production:

   • Non-exam assessment requiring students to create a media product (e.g., television sequence, music video, advertisement) tailored for a specific audience, using knowledge gained from the theoretical framework.

Assessment:

• Component 1: Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) testing analysis of media language, representation, industries, and audiences across various media products.

• Component 2: Written exam (2 hours) covering in-depth analysis of television, magazines, and online media.

• Component 3: Non-exam assessment involving the production of a media product, focusing on creative and theoretical application.

Grading:

• Graded from A to E, with U for unclassified results.

• Resit opportunities are available with full retake of all components in the same series.