What close study products are
- Close study products (CSPs) are the set products AQA names for detailed study, across the nine media forms: television, film, radio, newspapers, magazines, advertising and marketing, online and social media, video games, and music videos.
- The list changes from time to time, so check AQA's website for the current products.
How to study them
- For each product, know its media language, representations, industry context (who made it, funding, regulation) and audience (who it targets and how).
- Know the social, cultural, political and historical contexts.
- Make revision notes with key examples: specific shots, headlines, images and moments you can quote in the exam.
How they appear in the exams
- Paper 1 (Media One) is in two sections: media language and representation; then media industries and audiences.
- Paper 2 (Media Two) includes questions based on a screening from one of the television products, and on newspapers and online media.
- Both papers are 1 hour 30 minutes and worth 35% each. Questions include short answers, analysis of unseen products, and extended answers comparing products.
Key terms
- Close study product
- A set media product named by the exam board for detailed study.
- Media form
- A type of media, such as television or newspapers.
- Unseen product
- A media product you haven't studied, given in the exam.
- Screening
- A clip of a TV product shown in the exam.
- Theoretical framework
- Media language, representation, industries and audiences.