UK · Subject guide
Media Studies
A-Level Media Studies (AQA 7572), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
01 · Overview
Media Studies
A-Level Media Studies (AQA 7572), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
- Subject guide
- A-Levels
- Topics mapped
- 15
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
The Theoretical Framework of Media
An overarching analytical model built from four interlocking areas through which all media products are studied across the course.
- 02
Media Language
How media products use codes, conventions, modes and technical elements to construct and communicate layers of meaning.
- 03
Media Representation
How media products portray events, issues, social groups and identities, and the values and viewpoints these portrayals encode.
- 04
Media Industries
How ownership, funding, production, distribution and regulation shape media products within commercial and institutional contexts.
- 05
Media Audiences
How audiences are categorised, targeted, reached and how they receive, interpret and use media in differing ways.
- 06
Media Theories and Theorists
A set body of academic theories, including semiotics, narratology, genre, representation, regulation and fandom, applied to analyse products.
- 07
Contexts of the Media
The social, cultural, political, economic and historical circumstances that influence how media products are made and understood.
- 08
Media Forms and Platforms
Study across a required range of forms including television, film industry, radio, newspapers, magazines, advertising, online and social media, video games and music video.
- 09
Close Study Products (CSPs)
A defined set of prescribed media texts examined in depth as the basis for applying the theoretical framework in the examinations.
- 10
Television in the Global Age
In-depth study of set long-form television products analysed across all four framework areas and their contexts.
- 11
Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media
Comparative study of contrasting print magazines exploring media language, representation, industry and audience.
- 12
Media in the Online Age
Study of online, social and participatory media products and the ways digital platforms reshape production and audience interaction.
- 13
Extended Response and Synopticity
The skill of drawing together knowledge from different areas of the specification to build sustained, evaluative arguments.
- 14
Cross-Media Study (NEA Foundation)
Analytical groundwork comparing how related products work across two media forms, underpinning the production brief.
- 15
Non-Exam Assessment: Media Production
Creating an original cross-media product for an intended audience by applying the theoretical framework to a set brief.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Pathways and specifications
AS-Level
Advanced Subsidiary — the first year of A-Level study (standalone or first half of the full A-Level).
A-Level (A2)
The full Advanced Level — AS content plus the second-year A2 content.
Nations and regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and amendments with your school or college and the appropriate awarding organisation.
2
Public references
UK · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.