Media Studies

Component 1 (Examined) 30%: Investigating Media Language and Representation

This component introduces learners to the knowledge, understanding and skills required to analyse media products through the study of key areas of the theoretical framework - media language and representation.

Learners study media language and representation in relation to examples chosen by the centre from the following forms:

1. Music video and video games - at least two examples
2. Advertising and film marketing - at least two examples
3. Newspapers and radio news/current affairs programmes - at least two examples.

In this component, learners explore and analyse how meanings and representations are constructed in media products through media language, as well as considering how they are influenced by social, cultural, historical and industry (including economic and political) contexts. Relevant theoretical approaches and theories are also studied.

Component 2 (Examined) 40%: Investigating Media Forms and Products

In this component, learners build on the knowledge and understanding developed in Component 1 by studying all four areas of the theoretical framework.

Learners study media language, representation, media industries and audiences in relation to:

1. Television - a choice of three options, each including one product set by WJEC
2. Magazines - a choice of three options, each including one product set by WJEC
3. Blogs - a choice of three options, each including one product set by WJEC.

This component involves the detailed study of set products in a holistic way, building on the study of media language and representation in Component 1 to also consider industry and audience issues. Learners will explore the influence of relevant social, cultural, historical and industry contexts on the set products. Relevant theoretical approaches and theories are also studied.

Component 3 (Non Examined Assessment) 30%: Media Production

Learners create an individual media production in one form, applying their knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, industry and audiences in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC. The forms that learners can work in include television, magazine, film marketing, music marketing and online options. The intended audience and industry context are specified in the brief.

Component 1 30%: Meanings and Representations in the Media

This component introduces learners to the knowledge, understanding and skills required to analyse media products through the study of key areas of the theoretical framework - media language and representation.

Learners study media language and representation in relation to examples of media products chosen by the centre from the following forms:

1. Music video and video games - at least two examples
2. Advertising and film marketing - at least three examples
3. Newspapers and radio news/current affairs programmes - at least three examples.

In this component, learners analyse how representations, discourses and ideologies are constructed in media products through media language, as well as how representations are influenced by social, cultural, historical and industry (including economic and political) contexts. Learners will also develop the ability to use and reflect critically upon relevant theoretical approaches and theories.

Component 2 40%: Media Forms and Products in Depth

In this component, learners build on the knowledge and understanding developed in Component 1 by studying all four areas of the theoretical framework.

Learners study media language, representation, audiences and media industries in relation to:

1. Television - a choice of three options, each including two contrasting programmes set by WJEC
2. Magazines - a choice of three options, each including two contrasting magazines set by WJEC
3. Blogs and websites – a choice of three options, each including two contrasting online products set by WJEC.

This component involves the detailed study of set products in a holistic way, building on the study of media language and representation in Component 1 to also consider industry and audience issues. Learners will explore and compare how relevant social, cultural and industry contexts influence the set products. Here, learners will again develop the ability to use relevant theoretical approaches and theories, with additional theories to those studied for Component 1.

Component 3 30%: Cross-Media Production

Learners create an individual cross-media production in two different forms for an intended audience, applying their knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework and digital convergence in response to a choice of briefs set by WJEC. The forms that learners can work in include television, magazines, film marketing, music marketing and online options. The intended audience and industry context are specified in the brief.