A LEVEL

Film Studies

What is Film Studies?

If you are an avid film fan and have a passion for writing, an A Level in Film will provide you with the skills to answer these questions in a creative and supportive environment. You will have the opportunity to learn within a modern and interactive setting, including a classroom with a 3D TV, access to digital film making and editing equipment, plus you will have the opportunity to visit Hollywood in Los Angeles as part of your studies.

What Will You Study?

Film studies explores how the language of film has an impact on our responses, and how understanding the context of a film enhances our understanding of it. You will explore how films are produced and how they carry meanings and generate responses among the audiences who watch them. For instance, you will learn about how the positioning of the camera in a scene impacts upon the audiences’ response to the action, or how film editing has developed from the early silent era up to the modern Hollywood blockbuster.

You will focus upon analysis in lessons, where you will be expected to consider camera work, editing and sound, as the language a film maker uses to communicate with their audience.

You will explore a wide range of films from different times and countries, from Hollywood classics like Casablanca to contemporary films from Britain, Europe and Africa, from blockbusters such as Inception to challenging New Wave and even silent cinema. You will hone your skills in analysis and gain insights into film structure and representations that you can put into practice as a filmmaker or screenwriter.

What Next?

Many of our Film students’ progress onto university courses in related areas such as Film and Media Production, Journalism and Film Studies. Film Studies is well regarded by most universities and it has also contributed to students’ acceptance onto a range of courses. The emphasis on research, in-depth analysis and self-supported study also means that you will gain a valuable set of skills that make you attractive to employers as well as universities.

Exam Board

OCR

Entry Requirements

At least two 5s and three 4s at GCSE, including at least a 4 in GCSE English Language.

Course Type

A Level

What other subjects go well with this subject?

Media Studies, English Language, English Literature, Drama & Theatre Studies, Performing Arts and Sociology.

Did you know?

Spielberg’s first movie was made when he was just 12-years-old to fulfil the requirement for his Boy Scout photography merit badge.