WJEC Eduqas A Level Media Studies specification (A680)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC Eduqas 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 Eduqas A Level Media Studies (A680) 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 Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC Eduqas A Level Media Studies course explores how media products construct meaning and represent social groups, ideologies, and identities across historical and contemporary contexts. It encourages learners to examine how audiences engage with and respond to media, and how the industry operates globally. Emphasis is placed on critical engagement with a wide range of media forms (e.g. newspapers, magazines, TV, online, video games) using a unified theoretical framework, including relevant academic theories. Students also create cross-media productions in response to briefs, applying their analytical insights creatively:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences
- Study forms: newspapers, advertising/marketing, music video, radio, video games, film (cross-media)
- Media language and representation (e.g. genre, stereotypes, ideologies)
- Media industries and audiences (e.g. ownership, regulation, targeting)
- Relevant theories: Barthes, Hall, Gauntlett, Curran & Seaton, Jenkins, Shirky, etc.
- Contexts: historical, social, cultural, economic, political
Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth
- In-depth study of:
- Television in the Global Age (e.g. Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror, Killing Eve)
- Magazines (e.g. Vogue, The Big Issue, Adbusters)
- Online Media (e.g. Zoe Sugg, JJ Olatunji, Attitude, gal-dem)
- Covers full theoretical framework
- Deep exploration of genre, audience reception, industry structure, media language and representation
Component 3: Cross-Media Production (NEA)
- Choose from TV, music video, film marketing, or magazine production
- Create products in two media forms for a specified audience/genre
- Apply knowledge of media language, representation, industries, audiences
- Submit: final products, 500-word statement of intent, cover sheet
- Research, planning, and original content creation essential:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences
- Written exam: 2h 15m; 90 marks; 35% of qualification
- Section A (45 marks): Two questions (1 x unseen analysis, 1 x comparative extended response)
- Section B (45 marks): Two stepped questions on industries and audiences (different media forms)
Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth
- Written exam: 2h 30m; 90 marks; 35% of qualification
- Section A: One question on television (e.g. Black Mirror, The Bridge)
- Section B: One question on magazines (e.g. Adbusters, Vogue)
- Section C: One question on online media (e.g. gal-dem, Zoe Sugg)
- All questions are either two-part or extended response format
Component 3: Cross-Media Production (NEA)
- Non-exam assessment; 60 marks; 30% of qualification
- Based on WJEC-set briefs; must include two interrelated media forms
- Includes 500-word statement of intent and teacher-authenticated cover sheet
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Products must be original and adhere to the genre/form/audience brief
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (35%): Knowledge and understanding of framework and contexts
- AO2 (35%): Application and evaluation of theory and analysis
- AO3 (30%): Media product creation:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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.
Share this article