a level media coursework brief 2022

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AS/A Level Media Studies

For help with e-submission process click here.

Amended question numbering in exam paper and separate answer booklet provided – see Sample Assessment Materials for AS and A level , and Answer Booklet in the Sample Assessment Materials tab below.

Please see our  e-Submissions centre guidance , Media Studies NEA e-Submission Guide , email:  [email protected] , or phone  029 2240 4310 .

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• Key Documents
• Past Papers / Mark Schemes

The Eduqas AS & A level in media studies offers learners the opportunity to develop a thorough and in depth understanding of key issues, using a comprehensive theoretical framework and a variety of advanced theoretical approaches and theories to support critical exploration and reflection, analysis and debate. The study of a wide range of rich and stimulating media products is central to the specification, offering opportunities for detailed analysis of how the media communicate meanings in a variety of forms. Learners will work from the product outwards to debate key critical questions related to the social, cultural, political and economic role of the media. Through studying media products holistically in relation to all areas of the theoretical framework, learners will engage with the dynamic relationships between media products, media industries and audiences. Learners will also consider established media forms alongside more contemporary forms, developing an awareness of emerging and evolving media.

Although the primary emphasis in this specification is on the contemporary media, learners will explore how the products relate to their wider historical contexts. Learners will also extend their experience of the media through the study of products with which they may be less familiar, including those produced by or for a minority group, non-mainstream and non-English language products. This specification aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the transnational nature of the media, considering the effect of different national contexts on representations in media products, the global reach of media industries, and the targeting of audiences on a national and global scale.

Choice and flexibility are a vital part of the specification, enabling teachers to select the most appropriate, relevant and engaging products for their learners to study in Component 2.

This specification also recognises the fundamental relationship between theoretical understanding and practical work, providing learners with exciting opportunities to develop media production skills in different forms, apply their knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework to media forms and products, and become creators of meaning themselves. Learners will be offered a choice of briefs and forms within which to work, enabling them to explore and pursue their own media interests.

The Eduqas AS & 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.

Any requirements set for entry to a course following this specification are at the discretion of centres. It is reasonable to assume that many learners will have achieved qualifications equivalent to Level 2 at KS4. Skills in literacy and analysis will provide a good basis for progression to this Level 3 qualification. Some learners will have already gained knowledge, understanding, and skills through their study of GCSE media studies .

Why choose Eduqas?

• A choice of options for production
• A choice of options for the set products/texts
• Topics and products/texts chosen to appeal to students
• Creative work which is central to the course
• Unlimited access to free resources
• Face-to-face professional learning courses
• Uniform design across GCSE, AS and A level to allow for coherent progression
• Flexibility for teachers to choose relevant and appropriate texts/products
• Direct access to Subject specialists
• Support from our  Regional Representatives

Important information, past papers, marking schemes, entry/amendment uploads & make post-results enquiries.

Grade boundaries are the minimum number of marks needed to achieve each grade.

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AQA Media Studies

Introduction.

Media Studies provides a great opportunity to explore and evaluate why we engage with a wide range of media texts. Representation and media form are other important aspects of the course. AQA’s course also requires you to develop the practical skills needed to create your own exciting products.

Close Study Products

To demonstrate your understanding of the key concepts in media studies, you need to analyse various media texts from a broad range of media forms, such as television, newspapers, magazines, digital media and computer games. The following guides apply the relevant theoretical frameworks to AQA's list of A-Level Close Study Products.

• AQA A-Level

Media One - Advertising and Marketing

Sephora – Black Beauty is Beauty Campaign

Score Hair Cream

Media one - music videos.

Old Town Road

Media one - newspapers.

The Daily Mail

The Guardian Newspaper

Media one - media industries and audience.

The War of the Worlds

BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat

Blinded by the Light

Zendaya, Social Media and Celebrity Culture

The Gentlewoman Magazine

Analysis of GQ Magazine

BBC’s Capital

Deutschland 83

Media two - video games.

The Sims FreePlay

Horizon Forbidden West and Genre

Representation in Horizon Forbidden West

Unseen questions.

Past Papers and Mark Schemes

You can access various materials from the dedicated AQA assessment resources page .

Non-exam Assessment

You need to create a cross-media production which demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework. You also need to produce a Statement of Intent - a 500 word commentary on your chosen brief and how you intend to fulfill its demands.

Research and Preparation

• Statement of Intent

• Indicative Content

Assessment Objectives

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework of media and contexts of media and their influence on media products and processes.

AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework of media to:

(a) analyse media products, including in relation to their contexts and through the use of academic theories; (b) evaluate academic theories; and (c) make judgements and draw conclusions.

AO3: Create media products for an intended audience, by applying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework of media to communicate meaning.

Recently Added

Rule of Thirds

The Classification of Advertisements

Narrative Functions

Key concepts.

Demographics

• Binary Opposition

• Vladimir Propp

Media Studies

• The Study of Signs
• Ferdinand de Saussure and Signs
• Roland Barthes
• Charles Peirce’s Sign Categories
• Jean Baudrillard’s Simulacra and Simulation
• Tzvetan Todorov
• Quest Plots
• Barthes’ 5 Narrative Codes
• Key Concepts in Genre
• David Gauntlett and Identity
• Paul Gilroy
• Liesbet van Zoonen
• The Male Gaze
• The Bechdel Test
• bell hooks and Intersectionality
• The Cultural Industries
• Hypodermic Needle Theory
• Two-Step Flow Theory
• Cultivation Theory
• Stuart Hall’s Reception Theory
• Abraham Maslow
• Uses and Gratifications
• Moral Panic
• Camera Shots
• Exam Practice

Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge international as & a level media studies (9607).

• Syllabus overview

Cambridge International AS and A Level Media Studies offers learners the chance to develop an understanding and appreciation of the place of media in our everyday lives. The syllabus enables learners to take a hands-on approach to the subject. 

Through the coursework components - the Foundation Portfolio for AS Level and the Advanced Portfolio for A Level - they create their own media products from planning through to execution. Learners also consider and analyse examples from existing media, examining production processes and technologies and the effects they achieve.

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

• -->2021 - 2023 Syllabus update (PDF, 166KB)
• -->2024-2026 Syllabus update (PDF, 139KB)

Syllabus support

• -->Support for Media Studies (PDF, 613KB)

Syllabus updates

We have updated this media studies syllabus as part of a wider review of Cambridge International AS & A Level and made some changes in line with the feedback we received from teachers, subject expert panels and universities. The updated syllabus is for examination in 2022, 2022 and 2023.

How has the syllabus changed?

• We have added a subject content section to make it clearer what needs to be taught. This details skills and understanding relevant to the whole course, as well as showing what should be studied at AS Level and at A Level.
• Representation.
• We have added a list of command words and their meanings to help learners know what’s expected of them in the exam.

How has the assessment changed?

• The assessment objectives (AOs) have been revised and updated and the weightings changed.

Component: 1 Foundation Portfolio:

• The number of marks available in Component 1 has changed to 50 marks.
• Collaborative work has been removed: creative critical reflection must be produced and presented individually.

Component 2: Media texts and contexts:

• The number of marks available in Component 2 has changed to 50 marks.
• In Section A of Component 2 the TV Drama is no longer limited to being American.

Component 3: Advanced Portfolio:

• The number of marks available in Component 3 has changed to 50 marks.
• The Creative critical reflection section has been replaced with an essay of around 1000 words (including guiding questions) focusing on evaluation of the Component 3 process and outcome.

Component 4: Critical Perspectives:

• The number of marks available in Component 4 has changed to 60 marks.
• Section A is no longer an evaluation of the candidate’s own work in the Foundation Portfolio and the Advanced Portfolio. Candidates must now answer two questions from a choice of three focusing on media regulation, postmodern media and power and the media.
• Section B is synoptic and now includes one compulsory question.

When do these changes take place?

The updated syllabus is for examination in June and November 2021, 2022 and 2023. Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus above for full details.

Coming soon

We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021-2023 syllabus.

Look out for suggested resources and a coursework handbook that will be available from April 2019 onwards through School Support Hub .

Endorsed resources – coming soon

Enable learners to develop a critical understanding of international media as they approach the Cambridge International AS & A Level Media Studies syllabus (9607). Students engage with key topics, from production processes to media regulation, while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Unpack the pedagogy and get a comprehensive understanding of the assessment through the robust support in the digital teacher’s resource, with a particular focus on guidance for skills development, project-based learning, and differentiation.

Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

Important notices

From 2020, we are changing our policy on the resubmission of moderated coursework. You will no longer be able to resubmit moderated coursework for a future series. Find out how this will impact Cambridge International AS and A Level Media Studies (9607)

For some subjects, we publish grade descriptions to help understand the level of performance candidates’ grades represent.

We paused the publication of grade descriptions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the awarding standard in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

As the awarding standard has now returned to the pre-pandemic standard, we are working to produce up-to-date grade descriptions for most of our general qualifications. These will be based on the awarding standards in place from June 2023 onwards.

Check the Submit for Assessment page and the samples database for information and guidance on submitting moderated and examined work using Submit for Assessment.

School Support Hub

Teachers at registered Cambridge schools can unlock over 30 000 teaching and learning resources to help plan and deliver Cambridge programmes and qualifications, including Schemes of work, Example candidate responses, Past papers, Specimen paper answers, as well as digital and multimedia resources.

Schemes of work

Example responses, past papers, specimen paper answers.

Register your interest in becoming a Cambridge School

Stay up to date

Sign up for updates about changes to the syllabuses you teach

• Past papers, examiner reports and specimen papers
• Published resources

OCR A LEVEL MEDIA STUDIES (Specification code: H409)

Coursework production_video (unit’s code: h409/03-04), examples of students’ work.

You can find below some other examples of students’ work previously graded A*-A.

Example 1: A grade (Level 5 – 51 marks)

Research and planning blog: Media Coursework: Research And Planning

Example 2: A grade (Level 5 – 51 marks)

Research and planning blog: Media Studies: Research and Planning

Example 3: A grade (Level 5 – 50 marks)

Research and planning blog: OCR Media Studies NEA Research and planning

Example 4: A grade (Level 5 – 48 marks)

Research and planning blog: Research and planning

Other examples of students work:

CASE OF STUDY: Daughter Youth (Comparison: official music video/student work)

BRIEF AND MARKING SCHEME FOR 2024-2025

Brief and marking scheme for 2023-2024, brief and marking scheme for 2022-2023.

Click here  to see the briefs and marking scheme for the academic year 2022-2023.

BRIEF AND MARKING SCHEME FOR 2021-2022

Click here  to see the briefs and marking scheme for the academic year 2021-2022.

Music video theory

It is very important that you familiarise yourself with the theoretical approaches of the field you are getting into (the production of music videos ) You must know as much as possible about it, from its history and evolution to the way the music industry operates and its audience response .

Introduction: purpose and types of music videos

Examples of conceptual music videos.

History of music videos

Examples of “pre-music tv era” short music films.

The music industry

Music video channels

Music video theory: andrew goodwin, music video theory: richard dyer.

RESEARCH TASKS

These are the tasks that you will be expected to present in your blog . You will use Slideshare to convert your PowerPoint presentations and Issuu to present your written documents (pdf. format only)

You can find here a checklist that you can use to make sure that you have posted ALL the research and planning tasks.

Music video analysis

Audience analysis, script and storyboard.

You can download the storyboard template for your production clicking on the link below :

OCR guide to storyboards

Location reconnaissance form.

You must survey different locations for your production, looking at all aspects from suitability for the mise-en-scene and photography to accessibility and availability and conditions and requirements of use.

Production schedule

You must carefully schedule your production in order to maximise productivity and minimise costs , while successfully meeting all the artistic requirements of your production as well as your deadline .

Try to plan with the idea of minimising filming days and minimising locations and transport (perhaps using different areas of the same location that look different enough between them)

In the production schedule you must include the dates in which the whole production will be filmed, specifying sequences and shots , the locations , the cast and crew and the material resources needed, from photography (camera, tripod, SD card, batteries, charger, cleaning lens stuff, etc.) to props , make-up and costumes .

Location release form

Your production team will need written confirmation of the availability and permission of the required location for your production.

Cast release form

This is a consent form made by the cast of the film, in which they delegate on you (the producer) the rights to use the footage in any form required by your production.

This is the daily production schedule . You must make one for each production day , and needs to be handed every production day, alongside a copy of the storyboard pages that will be filmed, during the briefing for that production day.

Website checklist

Introduction to photography

Administration forms, statement of intent (approx. 500 words).

In this document, you must write a proposal for your production, answering the following two questions:

• How do you intend to use the four areas of the media theoretical framework to communicate meaning and meet the requirements of your chosen brief? Refer to your music video and your website in separate paragraphs. (approx. 400 words)
• How do you intend to link your media products to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the digitally convergent nature of your media production? (approx. 100 words)

Self-evaluation cover sheet

Using the examples provided, the brief and unit’s assessment criteria , you will be expected to self evaluate your production and allocate marks in each of the three objects of the evaluation:

• The music video (25 marks)
• The website (25 marks)
• Digital convergence (10 marks)

EXTENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Goodwin. Andrew. Dancing in the Distraction Factory: Music, Television and Popular Culture. Routledge. 1992

Vernallis, Carol. Experiencing Music Video. Aesthetics and Cultural Context. Columbia University Press, 2004

Eisner, Will. Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative: Principles and Practices.  Norton & Company, Inc., 2008.

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A Level Media Studies

Cohort 2020 – 2022

Category: Music Magazine

Marketing timeline and strategy.

KEY TERMS: Viral, guerilla, promotions, AIDA (attractive/attention, interest, desire and call to Action), marketing campaign, timeline, entertainment, information, social interaction, personal identity, teasers. Timing is an essential skill in building a marketing campaign. A good marketing campaign starts with teasers, publishes launch dates, offers sneak peeks, offers interactive experiences, builds the excitement through a series Continue reading Marketing Timeline and Strategy

Digipak – Mission Statement and Marketing Strategy

KEY TERMS: brand, integrated advertising, promotion, audience, USP, mission statement, call to action, reject the text Remember the brief? “A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music video (major task), together with a social media page for the band and a digipak for the album’s release (minor tasks).” It is Continue reading Digipak – Mission Statement and Marketing Strategy

FINAL COURSEWORK ADVICE

ITS THE FINAL COUNTDOWN TODAY AND TOMORROW Get your magazine finished and uploaded and flipsnacked before EASTER – this will mean for some, after school, lunchtime and independent study, OVER EASTER As some of you have not engaged in independent study time enough this term, some of your will have to: Complete all the CCRs Continue reading FINAL COURSEWORK ADVICE

The Adverts

In order to make the presentation of your pages aesthetically pleasing with the programme Flipsnack, you need another page. Whilst, you won’t be assessed or moderated for this page, it will fit well with evidencing how well you understand your target audience – an advertiser will not advertise in a magazine if the target audience Continue reading The Adverts

Welcome Back

We hope you had a good Christmas and New Year but now we are back, it’s time to get that Media wagon rolling again. This week, your aim is: Get that article into your DPS – now! Droopy Christmas tree! To complete 2nd drafts of Front Page, Contents Page, DPS and get feedback from teacher Continue reading Welcome Back

DPS – Layout tips and self assessment

Revisit the presentation on double page spread layouts and do some research of your own.  Here are two slides of some that we found. Find your photo – lay it out with columns for the article (2-3) Remember you can use place holder text  i’psum lorem’ to act as the text until the article is fully Continue reading DPS – Layout tips and self assessment

Photoshop tricks and techniques

Location shoot – contact sheets.

Upload the contact sheets of the shoot. Introduce and reflect on the post: Where did you go? Why did it work? What could have been better? Choose @ 2 photos that you really like and embed them and reflect on why they work – think of star image, the genre, the narrative you are trying Continue reading Location Shoot – contact sheets

BRIEFING – BREAKTIME TODAY MONDAY 7 DECEMBER – ROOM 70

YOU MUST ATTEND THIS ESSENTIAL MEETING. Also, are you SHOOT READY? PMA – do your models know what they are wearing? Props? Story telling? Locations – look at the photo albums – have an idea of where you are going to head for? Wrap up warm and we mean WARM – proper clothing and a Continue reading BRIEFING – BREAKTIME TODAY MONDAY 7 DECEMBER – ROOM 70

2nd shoot ideas – instagram influences

Your studio shoots were fairly conservative – good head shots were the money shots. However, on the 2nd shoot, as well as some standard mid and close ups, why not experiment and see if you can create some evocative and intriguing photos. Below is a presentation from one of the PEPs this year, who have Continue reading 2nd shoot ideas – instagram influences

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• Qualifications

AS/A Level Media Studies

For help with e-submission process click here.

Please see our e-Submissions centre guidance , Media Studies NEA e-Submission Guide , email:  [email protected] , or phone  029 2240 4310 .

• Key Documents
• Past Papers / Mark Schemes

Our AS/A level Media Studies specification provides learners the opportunity to develop a thorough and in depth understanding of a range of key issues, using key concepts and a variety of critical perspectives to support critical exploration and reflection, analysis and debate.

The study of a wide range of rich and stimulating media products is central to the specification, offering opportunities for detailed analysis of how the media communicate meanings in a variety of forms.

OER is a free interactive teaching and learning tool which includes exam answers and examiner comments.

We offer an extensive range of free digital educational resources.

This subject uses e-submission for candidate work for moderated or assessed units and components.

Grade boundaries are the minimum number of marks needed to achieve each grade.

• Digital Resources
• Online Exam Review

Discover FREE Digital Resources!

Unlock your learners’ potential with an impressive range of FREE digital resources, teaching tools and materials.

View Resources

WJEC/CBAC ENDORSED TITLES

WJEC/CBAC NON-ENDORSED TITLES

Access a collection of interactive units that bring together a number of elements including general data, exam questions, their marking schemes and examiner comments, which will lead you through a review of exam questions.

Visit OER Website

• Upcoming Courses
• On Demand Courses
• Materials from previous events

A-Level Media Studies

• Wider reading
• Media Focus
• Film studies

Tuesday 6 September 2022

Coursework brief for submission in 2023.

This is an EXAUSTIVE list of everything you MUST include in your coursework. We need to be frank: you MUST include EVERYTHING on this list. The examiners have been particularly strict about this, and marks have been deducted for even minor infringements.

Your music video must...

• Be between 3 to 3 minutes and 30 seconds long
• Include representations of at least one social group
• Be appropriate to an independent record label 
• Target a specialised audience of 18 - 35 year olds
• Feature a song that doesn't have an official music video
• Use two or more filming locations appropriate to your genre
• Use a wide range of shot types and camera angles and camera movements
• Include a range of different shots of your performer, that establishes a clear identity and image
• Include performance footage, eg lip syncing, dancing, playing an instrument, etc
• Include a clear structure with some element of narrative that visually interprets the song
• Include graphics that depict the name of your fictitious, made up artist and the name of the track
• Be all your own footage, shot by you, for the purpose of this music video

Your magazine must …

• Comprise of a front cover and a double page feature article
• Be a specialist music magazine, with clear genre conventions
• Promote you fictitious/made up artist to the target audience of the magazine
• Use media language to construct representations of at least one social group
• Include at least five original images in total

The front cover must include...

• An original title and masthead
• A strapline
• Appropriate cover price
• Main cover image of your artist, which establishes their clear identity (this image must be different from the images used in the double page spread)
• A main cover line relating to your featured artist
• At least two further cover lines, probably related to other generically appropriate artists

The double page spread must include...

• A stand first
• Subheadings
• Copy in appropriate, justified columns
• details for the latest release of your featured artist
• An interview with your artist (this can either be a complete interview or the first part of a longer feature, approximately 300 words) which discusses the ideas intrinsic to their music and the making of the music video
• Interview must contain details of the latest single/release/availability of the music video
• One main image and other smaller images, each with a caption (these cannot be stills from your music video, but can be 'behind the scenes' images)
• A pull quote
• Links to the artist's social media. website and any other appropriate links

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A-level Media Studies

• Specification
• Teaching resources
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• June 2024 (1)
• Exam timetable (1)

Exam for A-level Media Studies Paper 2 (7572/2) June 2024 series Start time: pm Duration: 2h