Film Studies A Level

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language.

Film Studies is an exciting course that delves into the art of films. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of film styles and genres, reflecting different social, cultural, political, historical and technological contexts. Film Studies also offers the opportunity to develop practical film production skills and transferable skills which are applicable across many media-themed subjects.

You will research and analyse movies, both mainstream and arthouse, from various national, global and historical contexts, including how they are financed, constructed and shown. You will learn and apply specialist terminology and theories and have the opportunity to write a screenplay or shoot and edit a short film for your coursework assignment.

Particular areas of focus will be:

• The roles played by cinematography, mise-en-scène, performance, editing and sound
• The aesthetic dimensions of films, such as lighting, composition, and framing
• International film styles and traditions - Major movements or stylistic developments in film history
• Narrative construction - The representation of cultures and societies in films
• The technical skills involved in planning and producing a short film.

You will also learn about the different ways in which spectators respond to film and be able to apply critical approaches to the analysis of the film.

Two exams (2 hours each), to include critical approaches to film study, early cinema, contemporary UK and US cinema, independent film and documentary (70%). Production coursework - either a 5-minute short film or 10-minute screenplay with a photographic storyboard, followed by an evaluative analysis of the production (30%).

The course provides a strong foundation for film and moving image production courses such as degrees in film and TV production and more practical qualifications such as HNDs. Alternatively, it can be studied as a joint degree with subjects such as media, English, history, and languages. 

Cultural trips include a four-day visit to New York with other students studying Drama, Photography and Music.