If you're interested in how the media influences and shapes the way we think about and react to the world we live in, then A level media studies may be for you. You don't need to have studied media at GCSE, though you should have a critical interest in media and good essay writing skills. The course complements subjects such as English Language or literature, history and modern languages as well as social science subjects such as politics, psychology and sociology. It's useful for a variety of media related jobs and courses but will also give you transferable skills such as communication, creativity and analytical thinking that can be used in a range of careers. This course is a combination of analysing theory and developing creative media industry skills. You'll engage in critical debate on academic theories of media ideas alongside developing a real understanding of media platforms and the influential role of the media in society. You'll explore the way the media construct versions of reality through newspapers, magazines, television, online, social and participatory media as well as in advertising and marketing, film, music video, radio and video games. You'll look at the ways media companies operate and target audiences and how new technology is impacting regulation of the industry. You'll become proficient in the use of IT software and equipment for creating your own media products in either audio, visual, digital publishing or web design formats.