WJEC Eduqas GCSE Media Studies specification (C680)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE 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 Eduqas GCSE 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 GCSE Media Studies (C680) 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 GCSE (9–1) in Media Studies offers learners a comprehensive, engaging and contemporary course that reflects the centrality of media in today’s society and culture. It explores how media products construct meaning, convey values and influence audiences, while also equipping learners with the knowledge to critically analyse a wide range of forms.
The qualification enables learners to: • study a wide range of audio-visual, print and online media forms • apply a theoretical framework to analyse media products and contexts • understand how media reflect and shape cultural, political and social ideas • explore issues of representation, stereotyping and audience interpretation • produce original creative work, applying media language and representational techniques
This course balances theoretical analysis with practical production, allowing learners to understand the media industry while developing their own creative voice:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
2.1 Component 1: Exploring the Media Media Language and Representation
- Study of print media forms: newspapers, advertising and marketing, magazines
- Topics: codes and conventions, stereotypes, narrative, media language, viewpoints
- Comparative analysis of set and unseen texts
Media Industries and Audiences
- Forms: film, newspapers, radio, video games
- Study of ownership, regulation, production and audience targeting
- Online presence as a route into industry and audience analysis
2.2 Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Products Television
- One full episode + one 10-minute extract from a sitcom or crime drama
- Study of media language, representation, industries, audiences and contexts
- 2025–2026 options: Luther
- The Sweeney, or Man Like Mobeen/Modern Family
- Friends
- The Sweeney, or Man Like Mobeen/Modern Family
- 2027 onwards: Trigger Point
- The Sweeney, or same sitcom pairings
Music
- Study of two contemporary music videos and one historical video
- Contemporary options: Lizzo, Taylor Swift, Stormzy, Justin Bieber
- Historical options: Duran Duran or TLC
- Study of related websites and social/participatory media platforms
- Areas: media language, representation, audiences, industries, contexts
2.3 Component 3: Creating Media Products
- Practical NEA: create a product for a target audience from a brief
- Forms: television, magazine, music marketing, or film marketing
- Tasks may include: websites, print, video, covers, or posters
- Include Statement of Aims and use original content (audio, video, text, design)
- Apply media language, representation, and audience engagement strategies:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Exploring the Media
- Written exam: 1h 30m
- 40% of total
- Section A: Two questions on media language and representation (set + unseen)
- Section B: Two stepped questions on media industries and audiences
Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Products
- Written exam: 1h 30m
- 30% of total
- Section A: Two questions on television extract (language/representation and industry/audience)
- Section B: Two questions on music videos and online media (language/representation and industry/audience)
Component 3: Creating Media Products
- NEA, internally assessed, externally moderated
- 30% of total
- Brief-based practical production
- 60 marks: Statement of Aims (10), Response to Brief (20), Application of Theory (30)
- Requires original work, with authentication at 3 stages
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 30%
- AO2: Analytical application and interpretation – 40%
- AO3: Creative production – 30%
Grading and Resits
- Graded 9–1
- NEA marks can be carried forward if resitting
- All components must be completed in the same series for final certification:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE 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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