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Media Studies GCSE

AQA GCSE
Studying Media will equip you with a range of valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, analysis, research, planning, inquiry and evaluation, practical skills, creativity, time management, essay writing, and more.
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Overview of GCSE Media Studies 

Are you fascinated by the world of media, storytelling, and digital communication, and do you want to understand how media shapes our society and influences the way we think? Our Media Studies GCSE is your gateway to an exciting journey through the ever-evolving media landscape.

This course covers all aspects of the media world, from film and television to social media and advertising. You’ll explore how media products are created, distributed, and consumed, giving you a deep understanding of the industry.

Oxbridge’s Media Studies GCSE course doesn’t just teach you about media; it empowers you to critically analyse, create, and engage with it. Whether aiming for a future in media or simply wanting to understand the world around you better, this course is the perfect starting point.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - Media Language

    You will learn and understand how the media, through their forms, codes and conventions, communicate meanings. Throughout this section, students will explore:

    • Forms of media language
    • Choice of media language
    • Theories of narrative
    • Technology and media products
    • Codes and conventions

  2. Unit 2 - Media Representations

    You will develop knowledge and understanding of how the media portrays events, issues, individuals and social groups. Throughout this section, students will explore:

    • Re-presentation
    • Theoretical perspectives on gender
    • Choice of media producer
    • Representation of reality
    • Stereotypes
    • Misrepresentation
    • Viewpoints
    • Social, cultural and political significance
    • Reflection of contexts
    • Audience interpretation

  3. Unit 3 - Media Industries

    Students will learn and understand how the media industries’ production, distribution and circulation processes affect media forms and platforms. In this section, students will explore:

    • The nature of Media Production
    • Production processes
    • Ownership
    • Convergence
    • Funding models
    • Commercial industries
    • Regulation
    • Digital Technologies

  4. Unit 4 - Media Audiences

    Students will develop the knowledge and understanding of how the media forms target, reach and address audiences, how audiences interpret and respond to them, and how audience members become producers themselves. In this unit, students will explore:

    • Theoretical perspectives on audiences
    • Range of audiences
    • Targeting
    • Categorisation
    • Media technologies
    • Interpretations
    • Media practices
    • Social, cultural and political significance
    • Audience responses

Awarding Body

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AQA qualifications are internationally recognised and taught in 30 countries around the world, highly valued by employers and universities and enable young people to progress to the next stage of their lives. AQA qualifications suit a range of abilities and include GCSE courses, IGCSE courses and A-level courses.

View our other AQA qualifications.

Media Studies GCSE Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive a GCSE in Media Studies from AQA. This syllabus (8572) has been chosen because it best suits online learning.

How is Media Studies GCSE assessed or examined?

Media Studies GCSE Exams

You’ll be required to complete the two GCSE standard written exams and one NEA (coursework), all of which will be taken in the same session.

    • Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 minutes, 35% of marks
    • Paper 2 – 1 hour 30 minutes, 35% of marks
    • NEA – A choice of 1 of 5 annually changing briefs, set by AQA. 30% of marks

First examinations for this course will be 2026 due to the NEA (coursework) element required.

We guarantee a seat in one of our exam centres around the UK. Check where your closest exam centre is. Or, if you prefer, you can find your own.

Assignments

There is no coursework to complete during your course. However, you will need to complete three assignments. These do not contribute to your final grade but allow you to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to gauge your progress as you work through the course.

Entry requirements for GCSE Media Studies

There are no formal entry requirements for this GCSE Media Studies course; however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write in English.

Course code: X817

Media Studies GCSE

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do you get copies of GCSE certificates?

Contact your exam board to get a replacement or copy of a GCSE exam certificate.

Can I do GCSEs courses online?

Absolutely! With Oxbridge, you can study online and learn from the comfort of your home at a pace that suits you.

How do GCSE grades work?

GCSEs are now graded from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest and 1 being on the opposite end of the scale. 

Do you have past papers that I can use to practice for my exams?

Yes! We have GCSE and A-Level past papers. Our past papers cover a variety of subjects and awarding bodies. We are adding more papers all the time.

Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you're enrolled, you'll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you'll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule. Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.
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Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

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How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

Can GCSEs help you get a place at university?

Gaining GCSEs is the first step toward sitting a uni degree. You’ll need GCSE courses or IGCSE courses to progress to A-level courses, which remain the most prevalent means of accessing higher education. At Oxbridge, we offer both GCSE and IGCSE courses, which are qualifications of equal merit with the added benefit of being internationally recognised. Both GCSEs and IGCSEs can be studied by adults online.

How long does it take to gain a GCSE as an adult?

GCSEs are typically studied across a period of 2 years however, our fast-track GCSE option enables you to complete and qualify for your chosen GCSEs within a year.

Do Universities prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?

Universities prefer neither iGCSEs or GCSEs. Universities recognise both iGCSEs and GCSEs and treat them equally.

Why study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses with Oxbridge?

When you enrol on a course with us, you’re really enrolling into a partnership. We set up our online learning platform to help people achieve the grades and qualifications they need to realise their aspirations. We do everything we can to help make our students’ dreams come true. Our learning platform is award-winning, and our course content is written by Oxbridge subject experts and delivered by tutors who are just as passionate about their teaching as they are in helping you succeed. On average, by studying Oxbridge online GCSE courses, we find that our students get grades that are 20% higher and pass around 30% quicker than students in traditional colleges. We’d love to help you do the same! If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, speak to one of our learning advisers, they’d be more than happy to help you find the right path.

Why Study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses online?

GCSEs remain a basic requirement for further education and some workplaces, so adding them or an IGCSE equivalent to your CV can be essential for personal success. Studying these GCSE qualifications online has opened up a world of possibilities for people who haven’t been able to learn around their jobs or family commitments before. If traditional education has held you back long enough, take the reins and build a future you’re proud of.

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses (ICGSEs) cover some of the same subjects as GCSE’s such as Geography, English Language and the sciences, but they are recognised internationally. The level of difficulty is equal to a GCSE course, and universities view both qualifications as equal.

Can Adults take GCSE Courses?

It’s never too late to gain a GCSE qualification. Oxbridge teach thousands of adult GCSE courses every year. So, whether there’s a specific career you’ve always been interested in but couldn’t pursue because you didn’t have the right qualifications, or you want to take up a college or university course, an online General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course can help get you there. The same can be said for our adult A-level courses too.

What does GCSE stand for?

GCSE stands for: General Certificate of Secondary Education and IGCSE stands for 'International General Certificate of Secondary Education'. Whatever your aspirations and goals for the future, you’ll most likely need GCSEs to get there. Introduced in 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education remains the UK’s primary recognised certificate of foundation-level education and is viewed by employers, colleges and universities as the minimum expected standard for prospective candidates.

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