A Level Film Studies

Why Study This Subject?

Film Studies, at A Level, is a well-established academic subject allowing you to explore the exciting relationship between moving image theory and practical film making. This student centred course enables you to view, discuss and analyse a diverse range of film texts. You will be introduced to frameworks surrounding macro features of film notably narrative construction and structure, representation and genre. You will also study film’s micro features including cinematography, mise en scene, editing and sound. The film industry will be explored within a historical and topical context.

Practically you will have scope to produce a short film or a screenplay which will be accompanied by a digitally photographed storyboard.

Students are expected to undertake 3-4 hours of independent work each week for this subject.

Topics you will cover

You will follow the Eduqas specification, which is part of the WJEC examination board.

Assessment will comprise both coursework constituting 30% and two written exams accounting for 70% of the qualification.

You will view discuss and analyse a diverse range of film texts, providing you with a wider critical awareness. This course also explores critical debates about film, referencing issues concerning representation, star theories, spectatorship, critical ideological perspectives and the significance of national cinemas.

Practically, you will have scope to produce a short film or a screenplay, which will be accompanied by a digitally photographed storyboard. You will also have an opportunity to apply for a British Film Institute 16-19 regional (Leeds and Bradford, currently City of Culture 2025)-and if successful national academy. These national academies are based in London, Manchester or Scotland. Annually, we have had students access mentoring from the National Film and Television School, including BAFTA and Oscar nominated/winning productions. These opportunities provide you with access to real life industry professionals and an industry real world skills set including tutelage in screenwriting, production design, cinematography, editing and direction.

You will be introduced to frameworks and critical debates, which you will explore in relation to the feature films studied across the two year course.

You will also study practically and theoretically the key elements of film form. These include cinematography, editing, sound design, performance and mise en scene.

The film industry will be explored within a range of institutional contexts; notably Classical Hollywood, New Hollywood, French New Wave, British Cinema, Documentary, Silent Cinema, Independent Cinema, Korean Cinema, Argentinian Cinema, the work of Riz Ahmed, Emerald Fennell and Feminist Film, Experimental Film with Christopher Nolan Celluloid Case Studies and Oscar winning filmmaker Asif Kapadia alongside Bassam Tariq.

You will also study an eclectic collection of short films to inspire your own filmmaking.

Entry Guidelines

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

A Level Film Studies

Why Study This Subject?

Topics you will cover

Entry Guidelines

Skills you will develop

Film Studies News