GCSE Media Studies: updated Close Study Product for 2028 exams

The video game Blackpink The Game officially ended its service on 31 August 2026, impacting the GCSE Media Studies Close Study Product (CSP) for learners sitting exams in both summer 2027 and 2028.

Exams in summer 2027

We’ve already confirmed that Blackpink The Game will still be a prescribed CSP for learners sitting exams in summer 2027. We’ll make sure that there is no adverse impact on how students are assessed in the exam. In addition, we’ll continue to monitor the availability of suggested resources in the CSP booklet to ensure that learners are not disadvantaged by the amount of content available for study. Additional guidance will be provided where needed to support learners in their studies.

Exams in summer 2028

For learners sitting exams in summer 2028, the CSP Blackpink The Game will be replaced with LEGO Fortnite.

To support this change, we’ve updated our CSP booklet and teaching resources to support teaching and delivery for learners sitting exams in summer 2028. You can find the updated CSP booklet on Centre Services. 

Updated resources are available on our website:

• Two-year scheme of work
• Three-year scheme of work
• Teaching guide: theoretical framework
• Notes and guidance: updated indicative content

The Blackpink music video  will remain as a CSP.

If you have any further questions, please contact our subject support team mediastudies@aqa.org.uk or call 01483 556 301, 8.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.