AQA GCSE Media Studies (8572): complete guide to the papers, frameworks and set products

AQA GCSE Media Studies (specification 8572) is a linear course assessed by two written papers at the end of Year 11, plus a non-exam assessment. The whole course is built on four theoretical frameworks. This page is the index: below is a map of the papers, the frameworks, the set products and how to study each part.

The two papers and the NEA

AQA splits the assessment into two written papers worth 35% each and a non-exam assessment worth 30%.

• Paper 1: Exploring the media. Covers media language and representation in print and audio-visual products, plus media industries and audiences. 84 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes, 35%.
• Paper 2: Understanding media forms and products. An in-depth study of television and one other media form using the close study products. 84 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes, 35%.
• Non-exam assessment (NEA). Creating a media product in response to an AQA brief, applying the frameworks. 30%, marked by the school and moderated by AQA.

The four theoretical frameworks

Everything in the course is analysed through four frameworks. This site breaks them into modules, each with an overview guide, dot-point answer pages and a quiz.

Media language. How products use codes and conventions to make meaning: technical and visual codes, semiotics (denotation and connotation, Barthes), and narrative and genre (Todorov, Propp, binary opposition).

Media representation. How products construct versions of people, places and ideas: stereotypes, representing gender and ethnicity (Hall and hooks), point of view and bias, and how audiences interpret representations.

Media industries. How products are owned, funded, produced and regulated: conglomerates and integration, public service versus commercial media, regulation (Ofcom, the BBFC, IPSO, the ASA), and technology and convergence.

Media audiences. How products target and engage audiences: demographics and psychographics, media effects theories, and the active versus passive debate (uses and gratifications).

Studying media products

Alongside the frameworks, you analyse set products across a range of media forms.

Studying media products. Applying the four frameworks to television, magazines and newspapers, advertising and music video, and video games and online media, always linked to the context of each set product.

The skills that run across the course

Each module rewards content knowledge, but the marks come from applying it.

1. Knowledge and understanding. Learn the framework terms and the named theorists precisely.
2. Application and analysis. Name a precise feature of a product, identify the code, convention or framework idea, and explain the meaning it creates.
3. Evaluation. Weigh debates such as active versus passive audiences and freedom versus protection, and reach a supported judgement.
4. Comparison. Many questions ask you to compare two products, so practise this skill.

How to study AQA Media Studies

Media Studies rewards precise terminology and applied analysis in equal measure.

1. Master the frameworks. Media language, representation, industries and audiences underpin every question.
2. Apply the theorists. Link Barthes, Todorov, Propp, Hall, hooks and the uses and gratifications theory to actual features of products.
3. Know your set products and their context. Detailed contextual knowledge strengthens every answer.
4. Analyse, do not describe. Explain the meaning features create rather than retelling the plot.
5. Drill each question type. Practise the longer and comparison questions against the mark scheme.

The frameworks, dot point by dot point

Each module has an overview guide, dot-point answer pages and a quiz. Browse the full set at /gcse-aqa/media/syllabus.

For the official specification

AQA publishes the full specification (8572), past papers and mark schemes at aqa.org.uk. Always revise from the current specification and AQA's own past papers, because question style is board-specific.