WJEC AS Media Studies specification (2680)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC AS 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 AS 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 AS Media Studies (2680) 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
The WJEC AS Level in Media Studies offers students the opportunity to develop critical and creative skills through the study and production of media. It encourages exploration of how media texts are constructed and interpreted, with focus on representation, genre, narrative and audiences. Learners engage with a range of media forms and products, developing analytical and practical skills while considering social, cultural, political and historical contexts. The course fosters independence, reflection, and media literacy.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Investigating the Media
- Study of media language, representation, audience, and industry
- Exploration of key theoretical perspectives and analytical frameworks
- Analysis of media products from:
- Advertising and marketing
- Newspapers
- Film industries (US only)
- Radio
- Video games
- Music video
- Television
- Magazines
- Online, social and participatory media
- Set products for each form must be studied in relation to contexts and theoretical perspectives
Component 2: Creating a Media Production
- Application of knowledge and understanding of media language, representation, audience and industry
- Creation of an individual cross-media production in response to a set brief
- Demonstrates creative, technical and planning skills
- Brief includes target audience and specific media platforms
Assessment structure
Component 1: Investigating the Media
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 80 marks
- Section A: Three structured questions on media language and representation in relation to two studied media forms
- Section B: One extended response question on media industries and audiences in relation to two media forms
- Worth 60% of AS Level
Component 2: Creating a Media Production
- Non-exam assessment (coursework)
- 60 marks
- One cross-media production based on a choice of briefs
- Assessed internally and moderated externally
- Worth 40% of AS Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC AS 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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