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GCSE Media Studies8572

Non-exam assessment (NEA) for summer 2025

NEA work samples for this subject are now submitted online using Centre Marks Submission on Centre Services. Read the guidance on submitting NEA.

2.0 Specification at a glance

This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams and submit all their non-exam assessment at the end of the course.

2.1 Subject content

2.2 Assessments

Media One

What's assessed

Section A will focus on Media Language and Media Representations. Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:
  • magazines
  • advertising and marketing
  • newspapers
  • online, social and participatory media and video games.
Section B will focus on Media Industries and Media Audiences. Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:
  • radio
  • music video
  • newspapers
  • online, social and participatory media and video games
  • film (industries only).

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 84 marks
  • 35% of GCSE

Questions

  • A range of questions relating to an unseen source and Close Study Products.
  • An extended response question (20 marks).

Media Two

What's assessed

Section A will be based on a screening from an extract of one of the television Close Study Products and can test any area of the theoretical framework.

Section B will be based on either newspapers or online, social and participatory media and video games and can test any area of the framework.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 84 marks
  • 35% of GCSE

Questions

  • Short, medium and extended response questions assessing depth of knowledge and understanding of the course.

Non-exam assessment: creating a media product

What's assessed

  • Application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework.
  • Ability to create media products.

How it's assessed

  • A choice of one of five annually changing briefs, set by AQA.
  • 60 marks
  • 30% of GCSE
  • Assessed by teachers
  • Moderated by AQA.
Tasks Students produce:
  • a statement of intent
  • a media product for an intended audience.