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 requiring reference to two American films, one mainstream film and one contemporary independent film
• British film since 1995 requiring 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 requiring reference to one silent film or 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

You will need:

• Three GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English Language, plus two further GCSEs at grade 4, including Maths
• A reference from your previous school/college

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that A Levels are suitable for them

Please be aware that as this subject includes coursework, as well as a public exam set by the exam board, you will only be permitted to have a choice of one other subject which includes coursework. Your third subject choice must be an exam-only assessed subject. For example, you would not be permitted to take English Language & Literature, Film Studies and Media as these all include coursework.

During the 1st year there will be 5 formal internal assessments which you will need to pass in order to progress into 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.

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

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