WJEC GCSE Media Studies specification (3680)

The WJEC GCSE in Media Studies offers learners a broad and coherent course of study that builds critical thinking, media analysis, and practical production skills. It enables learners to understand how media shape perceptions, reflect culture and identity, and function economically in Wales and globally. The specification also develops learners’ awareness of the evolving digital media landscape, including online and social platforms.

This qualification supports learners to: • understand and question the role and influence of media • analyse a variety of media forms and historical products • appreciate the economic and cultural context of Welsh and global media • engage creatively through practical production tasks • apply a conceptual framework involving media language, representation, industries and audiences

It is designed to encourage exploration, debate and the creation of media products, connecting analytical and practical elements for a holistic understanding of the media world:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

2.1 Unit 1: Exploring the Media Section A: Representations – Advertising, Video Games and Newspapers

• Study of gender and event representations in:
  • At least one historical and one contemporary print advertisement
  • At least one video game poster/cover representing men and women
  • At least one national/local newspaper including one event
• Comparative analysis with unseen examples
• Key topics: mediation, stereotypes, viewpoints, misrepresentation, audience interpretation

Section B: Music

• Study across 5 forms: magazines, websites, social media, music videos, radio
• Analysis of star image, representation of gender and ethnicity
• Study of:
  • Two contemporary music magazines and a website
  • One contemporary and one historical music video
  • Two radio programmes
  • Artist’s social media presence and audience engagement
• Key topics: media language, promotion, technology, industry convergence

2.2 Unit 2: Understanding Television and Film Section A: Wales on Television

• One set programme (e.g. Gavin & Stacey, Rownd a Rownd, Pobl Port Talbot)
• Explore representation of place and Welsh identity
• Analyse moving image language, stereotypes, audience targeting, cultural context

Section B: Contemporary Hollywood Film

• One franchise film made within last 10 years (e.g. Jurassic World, Marvel)
• Analyse:
  • Genre and narrative codes
  • Ownership, regulation, global production
  • Use of marketing tools (posters, trailers, websites)
  • Role of convergence and audience appeal

2.3 Unit 3: Creating Media

• Non-exam assessment (NEA): practical production + research, planning, analysis
• Media forms: Television, Magazines, Film, Music, Advertising
• Formats: Audio-visual, Print, Online
• Requirements:
  • Original production targeting specified audience
  • Research and planning on comparable products
  • Reflective analysis (500–750 words)
• Products must construct representations and apply media language meaningfully:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.