WJEC A Level Media Studies specification (1690)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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 WJEC 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 WJEC A Level Media Studies (1690) 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 WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
This WJEC A Level Media Studies course empowers learners to critically examine the central role of media in shaping perceptions, identities, and ideologies in contemporary global culture. It fosters deep analytical and practical engagement with a broad range of media forms—print, broadcast, online, and audio-visual—highlighting their historical evolution, socio-political significance, and digital convergence. The course develops theoretical and production skillsSubject content breakdown
AS Units
Unit 1: Investigating the Media
Section A: Selling Images – Advertising and Music Video
- Analysis of representations (gender, ethnicity, age), media language, audience targeting
- Study includes commercial and charity advertising, and pre-2000 music videos
- Theorists: Barthes, Hall, Gauntlett, Bandura, Gerbner
Section B: News in the Online Age
- Comparative study of print, online and radio news (e.g. The Guardian, BBC)
- Explore media industries, audience engagement, citizen journalism, convergence
- Theorists: Barthes, Hall, Shirky, Gerbner
Section C: Film Industries – From Wales to Hollywood
- Study of one Welsh and one Hollywood film in same genre
- Topics: funding, marketing, co-production, genre, distribution
- Theorists: Barthes, Todorov, Neale, Hall
Unit 2: Creating a Media Production
- Research, planning, production, and reflective analysis based on a WJEC-set brief
- Forms: music video, advertising, online news, film (audio-visual, print or online)
- Assesses representation, genre and audience construction using original media
A2 Units
Unit 3: Media in the Global Age
Section A: Television
- Study of three crime dramas: one Welsh (e.g. Hinterland), one European (e.g. The Bridge), one 1990s UK (e.g. Prime Suspect)
- Focus: representations, genre evolution, media industries, regulation
- Theorists: Barthes, Todorov, Neale, Strauss, Baudrillard, Hall, Gauntlett, van Zoonen, bell hooks
Section B: Magazines
- One historical magazine (e.g. Vogue 1965), one mainstream, one non-mainstream
- Analysis of representation, media language, audience positioning and context
- Theorists: Barthes, Strauss, Gauntlett, van Zoonen, bell hooks, Hall
Section C: Video Games
- Study three games: two action-led (e.g. GTA, Assassin’s Creed), one sandbox (e.g. Minecraft)
- Focus on interactivity, fandom, representation, media convergence
- Theorists: Barthes, Baudrillard, Hall, Bandura, Gauntlett, van Zoonen, bell hooks, Jenkins
Unit 4: Creating a Cross-Media Production
- Independent investigative research (genre/representation/narrative)
- Production: cross-media product with audio-visual/print/online formats
- Includes critical analysis informed by theory and target audience alignment:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Investigating the Media
- Written exam: 2h 30m; 100 marks; 24% of A Level
- Section A: Advertising & Music Video – 1 unseen response question
- Section B: Online News – 1 two-part question on set products
- Section C: Film Industries – 1 two-part question on set films
Unit 2: Creating a Media Production
- NEA; 80 marks; 16% of A Level
- Based on WJEC-set briefs; forms: AV, print or online
- Includes: research, planning, production, reflective analysis
Unit 3: Media in the Global Age
- Written exam: 2h 30m; 90 marks; 36% of A Level
- Section A: Television – 1 question from 2 (2 products)
- Section B: Magazines – 1 question from 2 (2 products)
- Section C: Video Games – 1 question from 2 (2 products)
Unit 4: Creating a Cross-Media Production
- NEA; 80 marks; 24% of A Level
- Includes: 1250–1500 word investigative research, 500-word development outline
- Cross-media product for specified genre and audience (e.g. TV + website or Magazine + online ad)
- Final 650–850 word critical analysis required
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: 30% (knowledge and understanding)
- AO2: 35% (analysis and evaluation)
- AO3: 35% (research and production):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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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