Media Studies is an interdisciplinary subject that examines the creation, production, and consumption of media in its various forms, including television, film, advertising, news, social media, and digital platforms. It explores the ways in which media texts are constructed using technical codes (such as camera angles, editing, sound, and lighting) and symbolic codes (such as representations, language, and narrative) to convey meaning and influence audiences.
Media Studies also considers the social, political, cultural, and historical contexts that shape media production and reception, offering critical insights into how media representations reflect and reinforce dominant ideologies, values, and power structures. By studying media, students develop critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation skills, and gain an understanding of the role of media in shaping public perceptions, identities, and global culture. The subject encourages both theoretical analysis and practical media production, making it relevant to understanding the media's pervasive influence in modern society.
The Eduqas Media Studies specification provides a comprehensive framework for students to critically engage with and analyse media texts across a variety of platforms, while also encouraging practical media production. It is designed to develop students' understanding of key theoretical concepts, including media language, representation, industries, and audiences. The specification emphasises a balance between theory and practice, requiring students to analyse a wide range of media forms such as advertising, film marketing, music videos, newspapers, and online media, while also creating their own media products. At A-level, students explore in depth the work of media theorists such as Barthes, Hall, and Levi-Strauss, and learn to apply audience theories, narrative structures, and genre conventions. The course provides a strong focus on the social, cultural, and historical contexts that influence media production, preparing students to understand both the creative and commercial dimensions of the media industry. Eduqas also prioritises the development of analytical, evaluative, and creative skills, equipping students with the tools to critique and produce media in a fast-evolving landscape.
The intent involves equipping students with the critical skills needed to understand and engage with the media-rich world around them. The subject encourages students to analyse the construction of media texts and the ways in which they influence and reflect society, culture, and politics. By studying media language, representation, audience, and industry, students develop a deep understanding of how media shapes perceptions and values, encouraging media literacy and critical thinking. Media Studies also aims to inspire creativity, providing students with the opportunity to produce their own media texts, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical ways. Media Studies prepares students to be informed, reflective, and responsible consumers and creators of media, empowering them with transferable skills valuable in both academic and professional contexts.
The Media Studies course/curriculum has been designed with a spiral curriculum approach, allowing students to revisit key concepts such as media language, representation, audience, and institutions at progressively deeper levels of complexity. This approach ensures that students build on their prior knowledge as they advance through the course, reinforcing their understanding while introducing new theories and contexts. For example, basic media language might be introduced at GCSE level, and then revisited with more advanced theoretical frameworks and critical perspectives at A-level. This incremental development supports learners in mastering concepts over time, with repeated exposure aiding retention and comprehension.
To support SEND learners, the course incorporates multimodal teaching strategies, such as using visual, auditory, and practical learning resources to cater to different learning needs. Additionally, scaffolding is included to break down complex tasks into manageable steps, while differentiated activities allow students to engage with the material at their own pace. High-ability learners are typically challenged through extension tasks that encourage deeper critical analysis, independent research, and higher-order thinking. These learners will explore more sophisticated theoretical concepts or take on more ambitious media production projects. Student’s requirements, strengths and weaknesses are taken into account when planning, resulting in high levels of personalisation. All students begin the course with two weeks of introductory lessons that introduce key concepts, ideas and key skills.
Students are often encouraged to choose their own media texts for analysis or production projects, allowing them to explore areas of personal interest or relevance to their cultural or social background. This encourages engagement and enables students to apply their skills in contexts that resonate with their individual experiences and aspirations.
GCSE
The Eduqas GCSE Media Studies course is over two years, with Component 1 taught in the first year and Component 2 in the second. This structure allows students to progressively develop their understanding of key media concepts and theories. Component 1 focuses on media language, representation, and media industries, giving students a solid foundation in analysing media products across various platforms, such as advertising, magazines, and newspapers. By teaching this component first, students are equipped with the critical vocabulary and theoretical knowledge they will need for more advanced analysis in the second year. In the second year, Component 2 builds on this by focusing on the application of these concepts to specific media forms like television, music video, and online media, with a greater emphasis on how media products target and interact with audiences.
This approach has several benefits. It ensures that students have a firm grounding in media theory and analysis before tackling more complex forms and case studies in Component 2. It also provides a clear structure, allowing students to focus on different types of media at a manageable pace. The second year also includes the non-exam assessment (NEA), where students produce their own media product, applying the skills they have developed.
A wide range of materials are provided to support students’ learning. Weekly PowerPoint presentations are updated on Google Classroom, ensuring that resources are always accessible and current. These are supplemented with YouTube videos that visually explain complex concepts, making the learning more engaging. Extra reading materials encourage independent study, while subject terminology sheets ensure students develop a strong understanding of media vocabulary. Eduqas factsheets offer concise overviews of key topics, and past papers are regularly used for exam practice, allowing students to familiarise themselves with the exam format and question types. This comprehensive range of resources helps cater to different learning styles and ensures that all students, regardless of ability, have the support they need to succeed.
A-Level
Similarly, for A-level Component 1 is taught in the first year and Component 2 in the second year. This approach allows students to develop a strong theoretical foundation before progressing to more complex, in-depth analyses and applications. In the first year, Component 1 focuses on media language, representation, and media industries, helping students grasp essential concepts and terminology. They study a range of media forms, including advertising, magazines, newspapers, and radio, learning how these forms communicate meaning and reflect societal values. By mastering these fundamental areas early, students are well-prepared to tackle more specialised and comparative case studies in Component 2, which is taught in the second year. This second component covers television, music videos, and online media, requiring students to apply their knowledge in more complex and nuanced ways, particularly through an emphasis on audience engagement and the impact of digital convergence.
This structure provides a logical progression for learning, with Component 1 building the necessary groundwork for Component 2’s more challenging content. It also helps students refine their critical analysis skills gradually, increasing their confidence as they move from foundational concepts to more advanced topics. In addition, the Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) in the second year allows students to demonstrate their creative abilities by producing their own media products, applying the theoretical knowledge they’ve accumulated.
A variety of materials are used to support students throughout the course. PowerPoint presentations are updated weekly on Google Classroom, ensuring that lessons remain fresh, relevant, and accessible. These presentations are accompanied by YouTube videos that provide visual explanations of key theories and case studies. Students are also given extra reading assignments to deepen their understanding of media theory, while subject terminology sheets help reinforce key concepts. The Eduqas factsheets provide concise, exam-focused summaries of essential topics, and past papers are used regularly for practice, familiarising students with the exam format and question styles. Wider reading materials allow students to explore media theories and current trends beyond the core curriculum, promoting independent learning and critical thinking. This range of resources ensures that all students, regardless of their abilities, are fully supported in their academic journey.
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| MEDIA Curriculum Overview |