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    Eduqas as-level Media Studies

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    Course overview

    The EDUQAS as-level Media Studies specification covers 3 topics with 9 learning objectives (603/1150/2). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    • 3 topics
    • 9 learning objectives
    Ofqual Regulated: 603/1150/2

    Official Regulatory Specification

    Regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England

    View on Ofqual Register (opens the official government register in a new tab)
    Qualification Number (QN)
    603/1150/2
    Awarding Organisation
    Eduqas
    Regulatory Type
    GCE AS Level
    National Level & Units
    as-level • 3 units
    Sector Subject Area: Media and communication
    This qualification is officially accredited under the national framework. Credits and certified outcomes are recognised by employers, further education colleges, and training providers throughout the UK.
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    About this course

    About Eduqas as-level Media Studies

    In this Eduqas AS-Level Media Studies course, you will explore how media products are constructed, how they communicate meaning, and how audiences and industries shape and are shaped by the media. The specification is designed to develop your critical thinking and analytical skills through the study of a wide range of media forms, including television, film, advertising, music videos, newspapers, and online media.

    The course is structured around key theoretical frameworks: media language, representation, media industries, and audiences. You will also engage with a range of critical perspectives, such as feminism, postmodernism, and theories of identity, and apply them to set products and your own cross-media production work. The AS qualification provides a solid foundation for A-Level study, with a focus on both academic rigour and creative practical skills.

    Assessment Structure

    The Eduqas AS-Level Media Studies qualification is assessed through two written examination papers and one non-examined assessment (NEA) component. Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences is a written exam worth 35% of the qualification, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, and covers media language, representation, industries, and audiences across all media forms. Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth is a written exam worth 35% of the qualification, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, focusing on in-depth studies of television, magazines, and online media. Component 3: Cross-Media Production is a non-examined assessment worth 30% of the qualification, where you create a media product in response to a brief set by the exam board. Each written paper is marked out of 60, and the NEA is marked out of 60, giving a total of 180 marks for the AS qualification.

    Why Choose Eduqas?

    • Eduqas offers a balanced specification that combines traditional academic study with creative practical work, allowing you to demonstrate both analytical and production skills. The set products are contemporary and diverse, including a range of media forms and genres, which keeps the content engaging and relevant.
    • The assessment structure is clear and manageable, with two written papers that cover distinct areas of the specification, and a non-examined assessment that allows you to showcase your creativity. This structure helps you build confidence and perform well under exam conditions.
    • Eduqas provides extensive support resources, including detailed specification documents, sample assessment materials, and a dedicated teacher guide, which helps ensure you are well-prepared for your assessments.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between the AS and A-Level Media Studies qualifications from Eduqas?
    The AS-Level is a one-year qualification that is half the content of the full A-Level. It is assessed through two written papers and one non-examined assessment, as described above. The A-Level is a two-year course that includes all the AS content plus additional in-depth studies and a more complex production task. If you take the AS and then decide to continue to the full A-Level, your AS results do not count towards the A-Level grade; you would need to sit the full A-Level exams at the end of the second year. Many students choose to take the AS as a standalone qualification or as a stepping stone to the A-Level.
    What kind of practical work will I need to complete for the non-examined assessment (NEA)?
    For the NEA, you will create a cross-media production in response to a brief set by Eduqas. This typically involves producing a media product for two different media forms, such as a magazine front cover and a website, or a music video and a social media page. You will need to demonstrate your understanding of media language, representation, and audience, and you will write a statement of intent explaining your creative choices. The production is worth 30% of your AS grade, so it is a significant component that allows you to showcase your technical and creative skills.
    Are there any recommended textbooks or resources for the Eduqas AS Media Studies course?
    Yes, Eduqas recommends the official textbook 'Eduqas AS Media Studies' by Christine Bell and Lucas Swann, published by Illuminate Publishing, which is specifically tailored to the specification. Additionally, the Eduqas website provides a range of free resources, including sample papers, mark schemes, and a digital resource bank. You should also stay up-to-date with current media examples by following news outlets, watching a variety of television programmes and films, and engaging with online media platforms, as this will help you apply theoretical concepts to real-world examples.
    How much coursework is involved in the Eduqas AS Media Studies?
    The non-examined assessment (NEA) is the coursework component and is worth 30% of your AS grade. This is a practical production project where you create a media product in response to a brief. You will also write a statement of intent, which is a short piece of writing explaining your creative decisions. The NEA is internally assessed by your teacher and then moderated by Eduqas. The rest of the qualification (70%) is assessed through two written exams, so you will need to balance your time between practical production work and exam preparation.
    What career paths can Media Studies at AS-Level lead to?
    Studying Media Studies at AS-Level can open up a range of career paths in the media and creative industries, such as journalism, advertising, marketing, film and television production, digital media, and public relations. It also develops transferable skills like critical analysis, research, communication, and creative problem-solving, which are valuable in many other fields. Many students go on to study media, communications, or film at university, but the subject also complements other A-Levels like English, Sociology, or Art and Design, and can lead to careers in education, law, or business.
    Assessment and exam guidance

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    Eduqas
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name, select, or recognise

    Outline
    2 marks

    Set out main features briefly

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Give an account of what something is like or what happens

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

    Compare
    2-4 marks

    State similarities AND differences (both required)

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

    Evaluate
    6-12 marks

    Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

    Assess
    6-12 marks

    Make judgments about importance with justification

    Calculate
    2-4 marks

    Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

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