Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge International AS & A Level Media Studies (9607)

Syllabus overview

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.

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

Syllabus support

Support for Media Studies (PDF, 628KB)

Syllabus updates

Summary of the changes
- We have updated this media studies syllabus as part of a wider review of Cambridge International AS & A Level and made some changes in line with the feedback we received from teachers, subject expert panels and universities. The updated syllabus is for examination in 2022, 2022 and 2023.
  
  How has the syllabus changed?
  - We have added a subject content section to make it clearer what needs to be taught. This details skills and understanding relevant to the whole course, as well as showing what should be studied at AS Level and at A Level.
  - For the first time, we have included a list of key concepts to deepen students' understanding. These are essential ideas, theories, principles or mental tools that help learners to develop a deep understanding and to make links and connections across the subject:
    - Language.
    - Representation.
    - Industry.
    - Audience.
  - We have added a list of command words and their meanings to help learners know what’s expected of them in the exam.
  How has the assessment changed?
  - The assessment objectives (AOs) have been revised and updated and the weightings changed.
  Component: 1 Foundation Portfolio:
  - The number of marks available in Component 1 has changed to 50 marks.
  - Collaborative work has been removed: creative critical reflection must be produced and presented individually.
  Component 2: Media texts and contexts:
  - The number of marks available in Component 2 has changed to 50 marks.
  - In Section A of Component 2 the TV Drama is no longer limited to being American.
  Component 3: Advanced Portfolio:
  - The number of marks available in Component 3 has changed to 50 marks.
  - The Creative critical reflection section has been replaced with an essay of around 1000 words (including guiding questions) focusing on evaluation of the Component 3 process and outcome.
  Component 4: Critical Perspectives:
  - The number of marks available in Component 4 has changed to 60 marks.
  - Section A is no longer an evaluation of the candidate’s own work in the Foundation Portfolio and the Advanced Portfolio. Candidates must now answer two questions from a choice of three focusing on media regulation, postmodern media and power and the media.
  - Section B is synoptic and now includes one compulsory question.
  When do these changes take place?
  
  The updated syllabus is for examination in June and November 2021, 2022 and 2023. Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus above for full details.
Teaching and learning resources
- Coming soon
  
  We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021-2023 syllabus.
  
  Support
  
  Look out for suggested resources and a coursework handbook that will be available from April 2019 onwards through School Support Hub.

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Important notices

Resubmitting moderated coursework from 2020 onward
- From 2020, we are changing our policy on the resubmission of moderated coursework. You will no longer be able to resubmit moderated coursework for a future series. Find out how this will impact Cambridge International AS and A Level Media Studies (9607)
Grade descriptions
- For some subjects, the syllabus states that Grade Descriptions will be made available after first assessment in 2020, 2021 or 2022.
  
  Publication of grade descriptions was paused in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the grading standard that have been in place for 2020, 2021 and 2022. We are currently working on producing these grade descriptions. This work will make sure that grade descriptions reflect examination outcomes appropriately and are based on the more stable grading standard that we expect to have in place for June 2023 onwards.
Front covers
- From 2020, we have made some changes to the wording and layout of the front covers of our question papers to reflect the new Cambridge International branding and to make instructions clearer for candidates - learn more.
Submit for Assessment
- Check the Submit for Assessment page and the samples database for information and guidance on submitting moderated and examined work using Submit for Assessment.

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

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Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge International AS & A Level Media Studies (9607)

Syllabus overview

Syllabuses

Syllabus support

Syllabus updates

How has the syllabus changed?

How has the assessment changed?

Component: 1 Foundation Portfolio:

Component 2: Media texts and contexts:

Component 3: Advanced Portfolio:

Component 4: Critical Perspectives:

When do these changes take place?

Coming soon

Support

Important notices

School Support Hub