AQA A Level Media Studies specification (7572)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA A Level Media Studies exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA A Level Media Studies specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA A Level Media Studies (7572) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA A-level Media Studies specification is designed to help students critically engage with and create media across a range of platforms. It encourages learners to explore media language, representation, industry, and audience in depth, using academic theory alongside contemporary and historical case studies. The course develops analytical, research, and practical production skills, equipping students for further study or careers in media, communication, and creative industries. It fosters independent thinking and cultural awareness through investigation of diverse media contexts and products.
Subject content breakdown
Media Language
- Signification, codes and conventions, intertextuality
- Genre theory, narrative structure and postmodernism
- Theories by Barthes, Todorov, Neale, Lévi-Strauss, Baudrillard
Media Representation
- Stereotypes, ideology, construction of reality
- Representation of identity (gender, ethnicity, social groups)
- Theories by Hall, Gauntlett, Van Zoonen, hooks, Butler, Gilroy
Media Industries
- Ownership, regulation, production and distribution
- Impact of digital technology and globalisation
- Theories by Curran and Seaton, Livingstone and Lunt, Hesmondhalgh
Media Audiences
- Audience categorisation, targeting and interpretation
- Active audiences, fandom, participatory culture
- Theories by Bandura, Gerbner, Hall, Jenkins, Shirky
Media Forms and Close Study Products (CSPs)
- Study of television, film (industries only), radio, newspapers, magazines
- Online, social and participatory media, advertising/marketing, music video, video games
- In-depth study of one audio-visual, one print, and one online/social/participatory form
Contexts
- Social, cultural, political, economic, and historical contexts across all media forms
Practical Production
- Application of theoretical framework in media creation
- Emphasis on digital convergence and cross-media production
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Media One
- Focus on Media Language and Representation (Section A), Media Industries and Audiences (Section B)
- Includes advertising, music video, radio, newspapers, and film (industries only)
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 84 marks, 35% of A-level
- Includes analysis of unseen sources and Close Study Products, plus two essay questions
Paper 2: Media Two
- Focus on television, magazines, online/social/participatory media, and video games
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 84 marks, 35% of A-level
- Includes one unseen analysis and three essay questions (including synoptic)
Non-exam Assessment (NEA): Cross-Media Production
- Response to one of six briefs set annually by AQA
- Includes a statement of intent and two linked media products
- 60 marks, 30% of A-level
- Assessed by teachers and moderated by AQA
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA A Level Media Studies isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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