Our GCSE Media Studies course will begin in September 2025.

Why we teach Media at St Paul’s Academy

Community of Welcome

Media Studies fosters shared cultural experiences that help students from all backgrounds develop a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. By analysing how entertainment and information are constructed and consumed, students build critical thinking, empathy, and the media literacy skills essential for life in a diverse society.

Seekers of Truth

Through the study of media, students develop the critical skills needed to analyse how information and viewpoints are constructed, equipping them to challenge stereotypes, evaluate bias, and understand the influence of media on society. This empowers students to become informed, reflective citizens with a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Justice Makers

Media Studies empowers individuals to express their viewpoints, challenge inequality, and contribute to societal change. Through the study of media, students develop an understanding of how communication influences culture, identity, and justice, equipping them to become ac

Careers links

During the GCSE Media course you’ll develop and practise a range of skills which will equip you for progression to A-Level study. They will also help you hugely in other areas, such as film, English, humanities and social sciences. Looking further ahead, over one hundred universities offer courses in Media, Communications and Cultural Studies in the UK. An A-Level qualification in Media Studies, informed by study at GCSE level, helps you to move towards these courses, as well as to those in a range of other areas. If university isn’t for you, there is a huge array of career opportunities in the media, and it’s an industry that is growing very quickly. If you are interested in the idea of a career in TV and film production, advertising, journalism, interactive media, and digital marketing, technical production, special effects, web design and post-production, then studying Media at GCSE level is a great place to start.

What will I study? 

The GCSE Media Studies course offers the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of key issues and the ability to debate important questions about the media. It introduces a theoretical framework for analysing the media, which also underpins study of the media at AS and A level. The specification focuses predominantly on contemporary media, but this is contextualised and enhanced through the exploration of significant products from different historical periods. Through studying both established and evolving media forms, learners will gain a real awareness of the role of the media in society and culture. The study of a range of rich and stimulating media products is central to this subject, working from the product outwards to develop an appreciation and understanding of the media. 

What skills will I develop? 

In GCSE Media Studies, you'll analyse how media products use elements like images, sounds, language, and representations to convey meaning. You'll explore the impact of the industry on product creation, investigate diverse audiences, and study various media forms such as television, online media, advertising, film marketing, and more. The course includes practical work where you can apply your knowledge by creating music videos, magazines, TV programmes, advertisements, and other media products. 

How will I be assessed? 

This course is assessed 70% through two written examinations and 30% through coursework. The examination for Component 1 (Exploring the Media) accounts for 40% of the qualification. The examination for Component 2 (Understanding Media Forms and Products) accounts for 30% of the qualification. The remaining 30% of the course is assessed through a non-exam assessment: internally assessed and externally moderated by the exam board.

Where can this course take me? 

GCSE Media equips you with skills applicable to A Level study, benefiting subjects like Film, English, Humanities, and Social Sciences. This qualification opens pathways to over one hundred UK universities offering courses in Media, Communications, and Cultural Studies. Whether pursuing higher education or exploring diverse career opportunities in TV, film, advertising, journalism, and more, GCSE Media provides a strong foundation. The growing media industry offers ample prospects, making it an ideal starting point for those interested in technical production, special effects, web design, post-production, and other dynamic fields. Becoming a Media Studies student has never been more opportune.