WJEC A-Level Media Studies: the theoretical framework, set products and the cross-media NEA

WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Media Studies (Wales and England) is a two-year course assessed by two written papers and a cross-media production. This page is the index: below is a map of the theoretical framework, the nineteen set theories, the set products and contexts, the non-exam assessment, and how to study each part.

The theoretical framework

The whole course is built on the theoretical framework: four interrelated areas through which every media product is analysed. Mastering the framework, and the named theories within it, is the core of the subject.

Media language

How a product makes meaning through its visual, technical, audio and written codes, and through structures such as narrative and genre. The set theories are semiotics (Barthes), narratology (Todorov), genre theory (Neale), structuralism (Levi-Strauss) and postmodernism (Baudrillard).

Representation

How a product re-presents people, groups, places, events and ideas, and the values that carries. The set theories are representation (Hall), identity (Gauntlett), feminist theory (van Zoonen and bell hooks), gender performativity (Butler) and ethnicity and postcolonial theory (Gilroy).

Media industries

How a product is owned, funded, produced, distributed and regulated, and how that shapes it. The set theories are power and media industries (Curran and Seaton), the cultural industries (Hesmondhalgh) and regulation (Livingstone and Lunt).

Audiences

How a product targets and affects audiences, and how audiences receive and use media. The set theories are media effects (Bandura), cultivation (Gerbner), reception (Hall), fandom (Jenkins) and the end of audience (Shirky).

The set products and contexts

The written papers are answered in relation to a set of products fixed by the board, from close-study products to in-depth studies across forms such as advertising, music video, newspapers, magazines, film marketing, radio, television, video games and online media. At A2, the framework is applied in relation to media contexts (social, cultural, economic, political and historical) and to critical perspectives, so products must be linked to the conditions in which they were made and received.

The cross-media production (NEA)

The non-exam assessment is an individual cross-media production in two media forms, made to a WJEC-set brief, applying the framework and digital convergence, and submitted with a statement of aims and intentions. It is marked by the centre and moderated by WJEC, separately from the written papers.

Exam structure

WJEC and Eduqas A-Level Media Studies is assessed by two written examination papers and the non-exam assessment.

• Written paper analysing media products - applies media language and representation to set products, with extended responses and contexts and critical perspectives at A2.
• Written paper on media industries and audiences - applies the industries and audiences areas to set products and their contexts.
• Cross-media production (NEA) - an individual production in two forms to a WJEC-set brief, with a statement of aims, centre-marked and moderated by WJEC.

The exact papers, timings and set products are fixed by the board and change over time, so always check the current WJEC or Eduqas specification.

How to study WJEC Media Studies

Media Studies rewards applying the framework precisely, knowing the set products in detail, and judging theories rather than just defining them.

1. Learn the framework. The four areas and the nineteen set theories are the spine of every answer.
2. Apply, do not define. Use a named theory to read a product, and judge how far or how useful it is.
3. Know the set products. Questions are written about the board's products; revise them closely.
4. Link to context. At A2, connect products to social, cultural, economic, political and historical contexts and to critical perspectives.
5. Plan the production. Treat the cross-media NEA as applied media theory, designed around the brief, the audience and convergence.

The four areas, theory by theory

Each area has an overview with the set theories mapped, plus a dot-point answer page for every named theory, and the cross-media production has its own overview.

For the official specification

WJEC and Eduqas publish the full specification, set-product list, past papers and mark schemes at wjec.co.uk and eduqas.co.uk. Always revise from the current specification and the board's own past papers, because the set products and question style are board-specific and change over time.