Film Studies A-level

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Film is a powerful medium. If you love to explore the deeper meanings of films and consider the ways they can captivate us, then this is the subject for you. Studying Film at A-level will offer you the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of inspiring and challenging films. You will also explore the creative process of filmmaking and will apply this understanding to the production of your own short film or screenplay. In short, studying Film offers both an academic and creative challenge and is designed for anyone with a passion for film.

What will I study in Film Studies A-level?

Film Studies A-Level includes three Components.

Component 1: Varieties of Film - a comparative study of two American Films - Casablanca and Blade Runner; American Film since 1995 - Inception and Captain Fantastic; British Film since 1995 - Trainspotting and This is England.

Component 2: Global Film-Making Perspectives - a study of European and global films - Pan's Labyrinth and City of God; Documentary Film - Amy; Film Movements - Silent Cinema - Sunrise; Experimental Film - Pulp Fiction

Component 3: Production of a short film or screenplay for a short film plus an evaluation exploring influences and decisions. You will study a range of short films in preparation for the coursework.

For each film, expect to explore areas such as film form, meanings and response, film contexts and some specialist areas such as narrative and spectatorship.

Entry Requirements

At least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above all from the basket subjects including Maths and English Language.

With the extensive essay writing involved a Grade 5 in English Language GCSE is recommended.

How will I learn?

A range of activities will include film screening and analysis, class and group discussions, research, essay writing and presentations. You will be expected to undertake a range of independent tasks such as wider reading and screening of films. For the coursework module, we will provide you with technical and scriptwriting skills, support and guidance as you develop your own unique response to the brief.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is through a combination of examination and coursework.

Component 1: a written exam worth 35%

Component 2: a written exam worth 35%

Both these components assess knowledge and understanding of the films studied during the course

Component 3 is a production module which is a non-exam assessment worth 30% of the overall grade

Any trips?

A number of trips are on offer for a Film Studies student ranging from a trip to the Harry Potter Studios, the BBFC in London and going to local Film Festival Screenings.

Are there any costs involved?

You should expect some small costs for course booklets and stationery.

FAQs

Are there any practical elements to this course?

Coursework is worth 30% of the A-Level course. You will have a choice of either writing a script or producing a short film. The rest of the course is exam-based.


What can I do with an A-Level in Film Studies?

This qualification will help you progress to a variety of degree courses, employment or a media apprenticeship. Nearly a hundred Film Studies degree courses are offered by UK universities and it is accepted as an entry qualification for other courses such as English Literature and Drama and Theatre Studies in combination with other A-Levels. There are a range of courses available from very practical (such as Bournemouth, Winchester and Reading) to more theoretical approaches (such as Kent, Warwick and Southhampton). You will develop analytical and critical skills as well as an awareness of business and marketing which relate to an increasingly wide range of employment.


What kinds of jobs can I do that relate to a Film Studies A-Level?

There are many career opportunities in the film industry including director, producer, editor, lighting technician, location manager, set designer and film marketing.


Available As

A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]

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What can I do after I have taken this course?

Available As

A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]

Add to Application

Recently Visited Courses

All Courses

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