Film Studies - A Level (WJEC)

Film Studies allows you to develop an understanding of film, engaging with films from early silent cinema to 1930s Hollywood films to contemporary and experimental cinema. You will develop skills of interpretation and critical analysis from studying British and American films, as well as contemporary world cinema and cinematic movements. If you live and breathe cinema, Film Studies can help you hone your passion into a career.

Topics you may study include:

• Comparing Classical Hollywood films of the 1930s-1960s with films from the New Hollywood period (1961-1990)
• American film since 2005 requires reference to two American films, one mainstream film and one contemporary independent film
• British film since 1995 requires reference to two British films
• Global film requiring reference to two global films: one European and one produced outside Europe
• Documentary film requiring reference to one documentary film
• Silent cinema requires reference to one silent film or a group of films
• Experimental film (1960-2000) requiring reference to one film option
• Film production - you will produce either a short film (4-5 minutes) or a screenplay for a short film, plus a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay and an evaluative analysis

See minimum standard entry criteria.

Please click here to see the minimum entry requirements.

This subject includes coursework (non-exam assessment), which contributes to the final grade. Students are permitted to study a maximum of two subjects with coursework as part of their three subject choices.

During the 1st year, there will be 5 formal internal assessments that you must pass to progress to the 2nd year. There is an examined coursework element that you will complete by February of the 2nd year. At the end of the 2nd year, there are two public examinations.

AGED 16 - 18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

Please see here for the documents you need to show us.

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

A-levels are widely regarded as the standard entry qualification for top universities in the UK and around the world. Many of our students go on to study for a degree at the university of their choice, with some choosing to progress into apprenticeships or other employment.