Film Studies (A Level)
Why study Film Studies?
Film is one of the main cultural innovations of the 20th century and a major art form of the last 100 years. Consequently the study of film makes an important contribution to the curriculum, offering the opportunity to investigate how film
works both aesthetically and as a medium of representation. Film Studies encourages students to explore diverse aspects of the human experience, investigate the role of film in culture and society today and requires them to think theoretically and analytically about a wide variety of images and films.
Entry Requirements
In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:
- GCSE English – grade 4
No previous knowledge of Film Studies is required.
The Course
The course is designed to introduce learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. It explores many areas of cinema from Hollywood films between 1930-1990 to modern Hollywood today. British, European and global film plus documentary, experimental and silent film are also studied. The course requires students to think theoretically and analytically about a wide variety of films and styles and also includes a creative coursework element where a short film or a screenplay are requirements.
Course Activities
You will be expected to use subject terminology to contribute to critical debates and class discussions, write timed essays, and give presentations. For the coursework you will have the opportunity to use digital stills cameras and video cameras. To meet the requirements of the course, students are expected to undertake 6 periods (or 4-5 hours) of independent study per week. This would include research, reading, homework tasks, and watching relevant film texts.
Career and Progression Opportunities
The studying of Film could lead to possible careers within the industry, such as film or TV production. Additionally, the skills required could also provide opportunities in journalism or careers relating to other art forms. Film Studies links closely to many subjects both at Luton Sixth Form College and at university level. Several local universities offer Film and Media courses, including the University of Bedfordshire and the University of Hertfordshire. The subject requires many similar skills which are required when studying English Literature and Art-related subjects, as well as Politics, History and Sociology and, of course, Media Studies and Media Production.
Course Structure and Assessment
The course is divided into three components taken over two years.
| Component title and content | Assessment |
| Component 1: Varieties of Film and Filmmaking Assesses knowledge and understanding of six feature-length films. Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study) One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two Hollywood films, one from the Classical Hollywood period (1930- 1960) and the other from the New Hollywood period (1961-1990). Blade Runner and Hitchock’s Vertigo are among the options. Section B: American Film Since 2005 (two-film study) One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two American films, one mainstream film and one contemporary independent film. Inception and La La Land are among the options. Section C: British Film Since 1995 (two-film study) One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two British films. Trainspotting and Shaun of the Dead are among the options. |
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| Component 2: Global Filmmaking Perspectives Assesses knowledge and understanding of five feature-length films. Section A: Global Film (two-film study) One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to two global films: one European and one produced outside Europe. Pan’s Labyrinth and City of God are among the options. Section B: Documentary Film One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one documentary film. Section C: Film Movements – Silent Cinema One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one silent film or group of films. Section D: Film Movements – Experimental Film (1960- 2000) One question from a choice of two, requiring reference to one film option. Pulp Fiction is among the options. |
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| Component 3: Production Students produce one production piece. Either a short film (4-5 minutes) or a screenplay for a short film (1,600-1,800 words) and a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay. Plus an evaluative analysis (1,250-1,500 words). |
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Additional Information
This subject can be combined with A Level Media Studies or any of our BTEC Level 3 Media courses – Journalism, Radio or TV & Film.
Examination Board: Eduqas