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Media Studies GCSE

What will I learn?

Media Studies at GCSE is a demanding, but very interesting course. Throughout Years 10 and 11 you will get the chance to study a variety of different media types and to make some of your own. You will work on your own and as a member of a team.

It is an ideal course for people who want to learn more about the way the media works, or who want to get some experience creating their own media products and working in a professional way.

Examples of topics studied in the last few years include:

Music videos
Computer games
Marketing and advertising
Teen magazines
Television sitcoms
Action Adventure films
Newspapers
Analysing and creating a DVD cover

What are the entry requirements?

Students on this course should have a curiosity about the Media Industry and a desire to find out more about how media products work. An interest in practical work and a willingness to make their own media products is also important. You must be able to work reliably by yourself as well as contributing fully to group tasks.

How will I be assessed?

Media assessments are presented in a number of ways other than formal essays. Assessment will normally include analysing existing Media products before producing your own media product. If you complete the Single Award there are two elements to your final grade in Media.

Unit 1: Investigating the Media

External Examination 40% (20% for Double Award). This paper will last 1 hour 30 minutes. You will be issued a range of stimulus materials and a brief four weeks before the exam to give you time to research and plan. The exam will test your practical skills such as storyboarding, scripting etc as well as your knowledge and understanding of the Media.

Unit 2: Understanding the Media

Three controlled assessments 60% (30% for Double Award). Here you will carry out three controlled assignments in class. At least one of these will involve practical work which might be print or video based.

However, there is also the opportunity to complete a Double Award in Media Studies (the equivalent of two GCSEs). To do this you will need to show the ability to meet deadlines and work with commitment as it means completing a further two units as below. You and your teacher will decide together whether you will complete the Single Award or the Double Award in GCSE Media Studies.

Double Award Extra Units

Unit 3: Exploring Media Industries

External Examination (20% of the Double Award). In this Unit you will study existing Media Industries and their audiences and answer a number of questions on them in the examination.

Unit 4: Responding to a Media Brief

A Controlled assessment project based on a brief set annually by the exam board. You will be asked to research, plan and present your ideas for a Media product based on the set brief. Once your ideas have been agreed with your tutor you will then make and evaluate your product. (30% of the Double Award).

Future opportunities

This is an ideal course for people who want to learn more about the media works, or who want to get some experience creating their own media products and working in a professional way. There are courses at Advanced Level and in higher education which allow you to study Media further.

Is there anything I need to know?

This course combines well with other GCSE courses offering a practical element as a change from more traditional approaches. It is a mix of academic theory and practical work which appeals to many students. It has provided an increasingly popular option since it was first introduced several years ago.

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