Cambridge International AS and A Level Media Studies

Cambridge International AS and A Level Media Studies offers learners the chance to develop an understanding and appreciation of the place of media in our everyday lives. The syllabus enables learners to take a hands-on approach to the subject.

Through the coursework components - the Foundation Portfolio for AS Level and the Advanced Portfolio for A Level - they create their own media products from planning through to execution. Learners also consider and analyse examples from existing media, examining production processes and technologies and the effects they achieve.

Aims of the Syllabus

The syllabus aims to-
• Develop critical understanding of the media through engagement with media products and concepts and through the creative application of practical skills
• Explore production processes, technologies and contexts
• Encourage independence in research skills and their application
• Enhance learners’ enjoyment and appreciation of the media and its role in their daily lives

Syllabus

Component 1 Foundation Portfolio
The following set briefs are offered-
• film opening task
• magazine task.

Component 2 Key Media Concepts
• Section A: Textual analysis and representation-
– camera shots, angle, movement and composition
– editing
– sound
– mise-en-scène.
• Section B: Institutions and audiences, in relation to one of the media areas specified below-
– film
– music
– print
– radio
– video games.

A Level candidates also study the following topics:

Component 3 Advanced Portfolio
The following set briefs are offered-
• music promotion package
• film promotion package
• documentary package
• short film package.

Component 4 Critical Perspectives
• Section A: Evaluation of production skills development
• Section B: Contemporary media issues, in relation to one of the topics specified below-
– contemporary media regulation
– global media
– media and collective identity
– media in the online age
– post-modern media.

Objectives of the Assessment
Candidates are assessed on their ability to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of media concepts, contexts and critical debates, using terminology appropriately.
Apply knowledge and understanding to show how meanings are created when analysing media products and when evaluating their own practical work.
Plan and construct media products using appropriate technical and creative skills.
Undertake and apply appropriate research.

Assessment

AS LEVEL

Component 1 Foundation Portfolio
Coursework in which candidates work individually, or as a group, to produce a
media product, digital evidence of the process of their work and a creative critical
reflection. Internally assessed and externally moderated
100 marks
Weighting- 50%

Component 2 Key Media Concepts
Written examination consisting of two questions.
There are two sections to this paper:
Section A: Textual analysis and representation (50 marks)
Candidates answer one question based on an unseen moving image extract.
Section B: Institutions and audiences (50 marks)
Candidates answer one question from a choice of two. Externally assessed
100 marks
2 hours
Weighting- 50%

A LEVEL

Component 3 Advanced Portfolio
Coursework in which candidates produce a campaign of media products, digital
evidence of the process of their work and a creative critical reflection. Internally assessed and externally moderated
100 marks
Weighting- 25%

Component 4 Critical Perspectives
Written examination consisting of two questions.
There are two sections to this paper:
Section A: Evaluation of production skills development (50 marks)
Candidates answer a two-part compulsory question.
Section B: Contemporary media issues (50 marks)
Candidates answer one question from a choice of five topic areas. There will be a
choice of two questions for each topic area. Externally assessed
100 marks
2 hours
Weighting- 25%

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