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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.
- Unlimited Tutor Support
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course under a year at no extra charge
- 98% Pass Rate
- Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate
- Exam Pass Guarantee
- If you don't pass first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our our learning platform, MyOxbridge
Course Introduction
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.
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.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Syllabus Code
- Units
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9–24 months
(Fast Track available)
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Around 150
-
Level 2
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C680QS
-
4
units
(view
units)
Awarding Body: Eduqas
Eduqas are one of the largest providers of qualifications for schools, academies, sixth forms, and further education colleges. With more than 75 years of experience, it is also among the leading providers in England and Northern Ireland.
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.
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- 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.
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
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.