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Media Studies GCSE

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.

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What you will learn

Below is an outline of the course material you will study:

Unit 1: Exploring the Media

This component provides a foundation for analysing media products, introducing you to media language and representation through the study of print media forms. You will develop your ability to analyse media language, representations and meanings in a range of media products. In addition, you will study products from specific media industries and audiences to develop your knowledge and understanding of those areas of the theoretical framework. You will also begin to explore how media products reflect, and are influenced by, the social, cultural, historical and political contexts in which they are produced. The following media forms will be studied.

Set products for assessment in 2025 and 2026:

  • Magazine front covers: Vogue (July 2021), GQ (August 2019)
  • Film posters (marketing): The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), No Time to Die (2021)
  • Newspaper front pages: The Guardian (18 January 2022), The Sun (01 January 2021)
  • Print advertisements: Quality Street (1956), This Girl Can (2015)

Unit 2: Media Industries and Audiences

In this section, you will develop knowledge and understanding of key aspects of media industries, including ownership, funding, regulation, production, distribution and technology. In addition, you will consider relevant aspects of media audiences, such as targeting and categorisation, consumption and use, and theoretical perspectives on audiences.

Set products for assessment in 2025 and 2026

  • Newspaper: The Sun
  • Radio: The Archers
  • Film: No Time to Die (2021)
  • Video games: Fortnite (2017)

Unit 3: Media Forms and Products

This component builds on the introduction to key areas of the theoretical framework provided in Component 1. In Component 2, you will gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of media language and representation and extend your appreciation of these areas through the study of media industries and audiences.

You will also develop knowledge and understanding of how relevant social, cultural, political, and historical contexts influence media products. In this component, you will explore particular media forms in depth through both of the following topics:

Television (crime drama or sitcom): Luther, The Sweeney
Music (music video and online media): Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, TLC (band)

Current texts are subject to change.

Unit 4: Creating Media Product

In component 3 of the course you will create your own media product. This is worth 30% of the qualification.

All photos/video must be taken by yourself.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive a GCSE in Media Studies from Eduqas. This syllabus (C680QS) has been chosen because it best suits online learning.

Progression Routes

Many learners choose to progress to A-level Media Studies after completing this course. Enabling you to progress on to University in you chosen Media subject.

You could explore volunteer/internship or entry level positions within the media industry to gain valuable skills, experiences and understanding of the specific field/role you may wish to specialise in.

Examinations and Assessments

Assignments

You will complete various assignments during your GCSE Media Studies course. 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 monitor your progress and will be used to produce predicted grades if needed.

Official 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 – Exploring the Media – 1 hour 30 minutes, 40% of marks
    • Paper 2 – Media Forms and Products –  1 hour 30 minutes, 30% of marks
    • NEA – Creating Media Products – A choice of annually changing briefs, set by Eduqas. 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.

Mock exam papers

This course also includes free Mock papers for you to practice with before taking your exams.

Entry Requirements

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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