Film Studies

Course summary

Course content If you love film and would like to study cinema as an art form as well as a social and economic force, this course will offer you many challenges and rewards. The new reformed ‘A’ level specification aims to extend students’ understanding of all aspects of film ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to Silent and World Cinema. Film Studies offers new and challenging cinematic experiences to all learners. The AS course lays a strong foundation for the A Level. In preparation for the analyses of the set texts you will be taught how the different micro-elements of film, cinematography, sound, editing and mise-en-scene, contribute to the meaning of film. A Level Film Studies will extend your understanding of the social, political and cultural significance of film by studying a wide range of films ranging from silent films from the past, foreign language films and modern day blockbusters. Other skills developed Clear communication skills; both orally and on paper. Knowledge, understanding and insight into the way films communicate meaning and represent aspects of society and culture. Personal creativity in devising and making short films and through reading around critical perspectives and reviews of films. Skills of interpretation and debate on topical issues that influence the context of film production are developed. Career value This course provides an excellent base for any degree course, as well as practical or vocational training in film/ television. Many of our students with an A level in Film Studies go onto higher education at top universities, including Warwick, Birmingham, Exeter, Leeds and Cambridge. We have also placed many students on a range of creative industry led courses at Ravensbourne University London. More recently a number of students have moved onto to apprenticeships in the creative industries including film and television. As a department we have strong links with a range of professional film and media organisations and professionals who regularly contribute to the teaching and learning within the department. A student’s view "Film studies was the most rewarding subject I took at A-level. It was exciting to develop simultaneously my abilities in both criticism and creativity, and explore how they could inform and improve each other. What I had learned during film studies was a major topic in my interview for Cambridge University, and now that I attend Cambridge, the skills I acquired, especially of critical thinking and close analysis, deeply influence how I approach my research. Maybe most importantly, due to each and every one of us in the class having a passion for film, we found studying it in a supportive and inspiring environment our most enjoyable hour of every school day."