About the Course

You will engage with a wide range of different kinds of films, developing skills of observation, critical analysis and personal reflection. You will have the ability to develop your creativity and practical skills, by storyboarding and developing films either in audio-visual or written form.

Film Studies is a respected subject in its own right, but it is an excellent complement to English literature/language, psychology, sociology, politics, law, history and fine art.

Key Units

Year 1

In your first year you will attend production and theory classes, and study:

• A comparative study of the Classic Hollywood era and the New Hollywood era

• A study of American film with a focus on two key films

• A study of British film with a focus on two key texts

• You will also begin work on a practical film production which will be completed in year 2 after 16 weeks. In your production session you will undertake research into film and develop a creative production based on your work

Year 2

In your second year you will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of world cinema, film genre and audiences.

Your theory sessions will cover global film. This involves analysis of one European and one produced outside Europe; documentary film and film movements including silent cinema and experimental film.

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or higher, including English Language and Maths.

Assessment

• Production

• Written exams

Where Does This lead?

Film Studies can be studied at university degree level.

Future Opportunities

Studying Film Studies may lead to careers in the media, including:

• Television and radio

• Journalism

• Teaching

• Publishing

• Advertising

• Law

• Business

• Computing

• Design

Tell Me More

You will enjoy this course if you are a creative and curious student interested in developing your knowledge of cinema, learning about how the industry works and how films are made. In the first year you will have the opportunity to produce a digital storyboard and a production, and in year 2 you will create a script or produce a film (as a group) aimed at a specific audience.

Personal Study Time

A Level students are expected to devote as much time outside the classroom to their studies as in lessons. Homework will be set regularly but students are expected to undertake self-directed research as well. Students will receive effective feedback, guidance and help from their tutors.