AQA A-Level Media Studies exam papers and weighting (7572)
Guide overview All 7 topics Sample questions Papers and weighting Look inside Questions and answers
What each AQA A-Level Media Studies paper assesses
AQA A-Level Media Studies (specification 7572) is assessed by two written papers taken at the end of the two-year course and one non-exam assessment. Media One and Media Two each last 2 hours and carry 84 marks, worth 35% each; the cross-media production carries 60 marks and is worth 30%. Both written papers examine the whole theoretical framework of media language, representation, industries and audiences — what separates them is the media forms that framework is applied to. Media One tests advertising and marketing, music video, radio, newspapers and film; Media Two tests television, magazines, online, social and participatory media, and video games. Products must be analysed in relation to five contexts: social, cultural, economic, political and historical. AQA reviews its close study products each year, changing the newspaper products annually and refreshing the others periodically, so this guide covers the framework, the contexts and the forms rather than any particular product.
| Paper | Covers | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Media One Media Products, Industries and Audiences |
Section A: Media Language and Media Representations, testing advertising and marketing and music video Section B: Media Industries and Audiences, testing two of radio, newspapers and film Film is examined for its industry only |
2 hours | 84 marks | 35% |
|
Media Two Media Forms and Products in Depth |
Television Magazines Online, social and participatory media, and video games |
2 hours | 84 marks | 35% |
|
Non-exam assessment Creating a Cross-Media Production |
One of six briefs set by AQA, changing annually A cross-media production in a specified form for a specified audience A Statement of Intent of no more than 500 words |
Coursework | 60 marks | 30% |
Every topic, and where it is examined
| Topic | Examined on | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Media Language | Media One, Media Two | 181 |
| Media Representation | Media One, Media Two | 216 |
| Media Industries | Media One, Media Two | 189 |
| Media Audiences | Media One, Media Two | 203 |
| Contexts of the Media | Media One, Media Two | 78 |
| Media Forms and Products | Media One, Media Two | 125 |
| The Cross-Media Production and Assessment | Non-exam assessment | 74 |
Assessment details from the AQA A-level Media Studies, specification 7572. AQA specification at a glance.
AQA A-Level Media Studies Active Recall Guide
1,066 questions across every paper on the specification.