Film Studies
Why study Film Studies?
Film Studies is an exciting and intellectually engaging subject that invites you to explore one of the most powerful forms of storytelling in modern culture. Through studying a wide range of films from different time periods, cultures, and genres (including British, American, independent, and global cinema) — you’ll develop a deep understanding of how cinema reflects and shapes the world we live in.
This course combines academic analysis with creative opportunity. You’ll explore how directors use cinematography, sound, editing, and narrative to create meaning and emotional impact. You’ll also examine films through social, political, historical, and cultural lenses — helping you become a more critical viewer and a more informed global citizen.
A unique feature of Film Studies is its blend of theory and practical work. As part of the course, you’ll have the chance to write your own screenplay or produce a short film, developing creative and technical skills that are highly valued in many careers.
Film Studies is ideal for students interested in the arts, media, literature, or storytelling. It pairs well with subjects like English, Media Studies, Drama, Art, History, or Sociology, and it supports a wide range of future pathways — including film production, journalism, marketing, communications, education, and more.
Whether you dream of working in the film industry, becoming a critic, or simply want to deepen your understanding of the world through cinema, A-level Film Studies offers a challenging, creative, and rewarding experience.
Entry Requirements
No specific requirement.
Exam Board
Eduqas
What will I study?
You will study films from the following film categories:
- Hollywood 1930-1990
- American Independent Film
- British film
- European Film
- Global Film
- Documentary
- Silent Film
- Experimental Film
- Short Film
As well as analysing and exploring existing films, there will be opportunities to develop your practical production skills.
Your study of each film will include the key elements of film form such as cinematography, mise en scène, editing, sound and performance. You will also study the contexts of your chosen films, developing your understanding of what the film can tell us about history and society at the time of production, as well as the representations they present or challenge.
Additionally, some films will expect you to explore specialist film areas of Spectatorship & Narrative, Ideology, the Auteur and Critical Debates surrounding Film.
How will I be assessed?
This is predominantly an academic essay-based course.
You will be assessed through two exams at the end of Y13 (70% of your final grade).
Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking
Section A: Hollywood 1930 - 1990 (comparative study)
Section B: American film since 2005 (two-film study)
Section C: British film since 1995 (two-film study)
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes; 120 marks; 35% of the qualification
Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives – 35%
Section A: Global film (two-film study)
Section B: Documentary film
Section C: Film movements - Silent cinema
Section D: Film movements - Experimental film (1960-2000)
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 100 marks 35% of the qualification
You will also be assessed through a practical production NEA with a written analytical evaluation (30% of your final grade).
You will work to set brief, prescribed by the exam board and you will produce either:
Choice a: a 1600-1800 word screenplay for a short film () plus a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay. or
Choice b: a 4-5 minute short film.
You will also write an evaluative analysis (1600 - 1800 words)
Course Structure
| Y12 Half Term | Topic 1 | Topic 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 |
Introduction to Key Elements of Film Form
Component 2: Section C Silent Cinema: Sunrise (KEFF, M&R, Context plus Critical Debates) |
Introduction to Key Elements of Film Form
Component 2: Section A - Global Film European Cinema: Mustang (KEFF, M&R, Context) |
| Autumn 2 |
Component 1: Section B - American Film American Mainstream: La La Land (KEFF, M&R, Context plus Ideology & Spectatorship) |
Component 2: Section A - Global Film Global Film Outside Europe: Parasite (KEFF, M&R, Context) |
| Spring 1 |
Component 1: Section B - American Film American Independent: Get Out (KEFF, M&R, Context plus Ideology & Spectatorship) |
NEA: Short Film study
|
| Spring 2 |
Revision for Assessment Week |
Revision for Assessment Week |
| Summer 1 |
Component 2: Section D Experimental: Cleo de 5 a 7 (KEFF, M&R, Context plus Auteur & Narrative) |
Component 1: Section C - British Film since 1995: Trainspotting (KEFF, M&R, Context plus Ideology & Narrative) |
| Summer 2 |
Component 2: Section B – Documentary: Stories We Tell (KEFF, M&R, Context plus Critical Debates & Filmmaker's Theories) |
NEA: Research and Planning |
| Y13 Half Term | Topic 1 | Topic 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 |
Component 1: Section A - Hollywood 1930-1990
Classical Hollywood: Casablanca (KEFF, M&R, Context plus Auteur) |
Component 1: Section C - British Film since 1995: Mangrove (KEFF, M&R, Context plus Ideology & Narrative) |
| Autumn 2 |
Component 1: Section A - Hollywood 1930-1990 New Hollywood: Bonnie and Clyde (KEFF, M&R, Context plus Auteur) |
NEA: Production and Evaluation |
| Spring 1 |
Mocks and Revision |
Mocks and Revision |
| Spring 2 |
Revision |
Revision |
| Summer 1 |
Exams |
Exams |
Where will the subject lead me?
An A-level in Film Studies can lead to a range of jobs, especially in creative industries, media, and education. While it’s often a stepping stone to further study (like a film or media degree), it can also help you break into certain entry-level roles or develop transferable skills useful in other fields. Here’s a breakdown of potential paths:
- Director
- Editor (video or film editing)
- Screenwriter
- Camera operator
- Production assistant
- Casting assistant
- Location manager
- Film critic or reviewer
- YouTube/video content creator
- Social media manager (especially in film/media companies)
- Digital video editor
- Podcast producer or editor
- Content strategist (working with visuals and storytelling)
- Entertainment journalist
- Media researcher
- Copywriter
- Script reader
- Theatre or arts administrator
- Museum or film archive assistant
- Event coordinator (film festivals, cultural events)
- Film/media teacher or lecturer (after a degree and PGCE)
- Outreach or workshop leader in youth arts or education programs
- Marketing assistant
- Public relations (PR)
- Communications roles
- Customer service or admin in creative industries
Law FAQs
What will we study?
The films on the A Level Specification span a range of themes, content and classifications. Film students need to take a mature approach to watching films with the sort of critical distance needed in other subjects such as English Literature.
Film Students are expected to watch and study the prescribed films that are part of the A-level specification. Our course contains one 18 Certificate Film (Trainspotting) which Sixth Form students are allowed to be shown because it is being used for educational purposes. Teachers will ensure that content is taught and discussed with sensitivity and maturity.
We have included guidance from The British Board of Film Classification (see end of this page) so that all students know what to expect from the films studied. If you want even more detailed info about any of the films, go to the BBFC website for more info.
Do I need to know anything about Film Studies before I start the course?
to be added
What are the entry requirements?
to be added
Revision Resources
To be added
Contact a Teacher
If you have any subject specific questions that you'd like to ask. You are very welcome to contact the relevant Head of Subject. To find their email address click on Teaching Staff. For general enquiries, contact the 6th Form Team.
Law summer task
To be added