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A-level Media Studies7572

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 will test the following forms:
  • advertising and marketing
  • music video.
Section B will focus on Media Industries and Media Audiences. Questions in this section can test any two of the following forms:
  • radio
  • newspapers
  • film (industries only).

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 84 marks
  • 35% of A-level

Questions

  • A range of questions relating to an unseen source and Close Study Products.
  • Two essay questions (20 marks), one of which is an extended response question.

Media Two

What's assessed

Questions will focus on the in-depth media forms of television, magazines and online, social and participatory media/video games.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 84 marks
  • 35% of A-level

Questions

  • One medium length unseen analysis question.
  • Three essay questions (25 marks), one of which is an extended response question and one of which is a synoptic question.

Non-exam assessment: Creating a cross-media production

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 six annually changing briefs, set by AQA.
  • 60 marks
  • 30% of A-level
  • Assessed by teachers
  • Moderated by AQA

Tasks

Students produce:
  • a statement of intent
  • a cross-media production made for an intended audience.