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Film Studies A Level

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    Multiple - see below

  • Venue
    Paston College campus

  • Course Code
    SA054

Start Dates

  • September 2025, Full Time, Day
  • September 2026, Full Time, Day

What You Will Study

If you love film and are interested in studying a wide range of different types from blockbusters to indie, foreign language films and experimental cinema, this course is for you. This creative course will encourage you to watch, analyse, discuss and write about films from different perspectives.

You will analyse camera work, editing, sound, and performance and consider how films reflect the attitudes and ideologies of a particular time, place, and culture. You will develop theoretical and practical skills by studying a range of films and case studies, exploring film analysis techniques, the film industry and film audiences.

You will study critical approaches to films which will engage you with a range of philosophical debates around cinema from psychoanalytical to postmodernist. Following the Eduqas syllabus, you will focus on The Hollywood film history (Alien, Captain Fantastic, Vertigo) and movements (German Expressionism), along with the opportunity to study a range of critically acclaimed contemporary films such as: Memento, Promising Young Woman, Under the Skin, Little Women, Joker, and La La Land.

You will also learn about European and world cinema including Pan’s Labyrinth, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Wild Tales, and City of God. Additionally you will study documentary and experimental film such as Exit Through the Gift Shop (by Banksy), and Asif Kapadias, Amy. Alongside this you will learn to apply what you have learnt by shooting and editing tasks throughout the year.

Workshops in creative writing, cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing will hone your film production skills so that in the second year you will produce either a short film, or screenplay with photographed storyboard, as part of your coursework.

Entry Requirements

You will need to achieve a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 or above, and three GCSEs at grade 4 or above. You will also need to achieve a grade 5 or above in GCSE English language and, if you studied film studies at GCSE, a minimum of grade 5.

How You Will Be Assessed

You will be assessed through project work and written examinations. Written exams will make up 70% of your final grade while the remaining 30% will be coursework that focuses on completing either a short film or screenplay.

Course Progression

You could study a range of degree level courses in subjects such as film making, VFX or other arts subjects or consider studying critical subjects such as English, politics or sociology. This course can also support you in your progression to a wide range of careers in the creative industries.

Where Your Course Can Take You

This course could support you in your progression to a wide range of careers in the creative industries, including writing about or making films.

Fees

September 2025, Full Time, Day

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop

September 2026, Full Time, Day

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop

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