Film Studies
Studying A Level Film Studies opens up a wide range of creative, technical, and academic career paths - not just in film and television, but across many areas of media, communication, and the arts.
Entry Requirements
The general college entry requirements.
What will I Study?
Film form & technical elements: cinematography, mise‑en‑scène, editing, sound, performance etc. How these are used to make meaning.
Film history & movements: early cinema / silent film, Hollywood’s classical periods, New/Experimental film and global cinema.
Context: cultural, social, historical, and industrial contexts of film; how these affect what films are made and how they are received.
Theoretical / critical approaches: spectator theory, genre, representation (e.g. gender, race), authorship (auteur theory) and ideology etc
Which exam board is used and how will I be assessed?
Educas exam board.
Where could this subject take me?
Film Director / Producer:
Typically requires further study (Film Production or Media at university or film school).
Start with short films, local projects, or YouTube/Vimeo portfolios.
Cinematographer / Camera Operator:
Build technical skills through BFI workshops, short courses, or film degrees.
Strong visual sense and knowledge of lighting and lenses needed.
Editor / Post-production Specialist:
Learn editing software (Premiere Pro, Avid, DaVinci Resolve).
Post-production houses, studios, or freelance work.
Screenwriter / Script Editor:
A Level Film Studies develops analysis and storytelling skills.
Many pursue Creative Writing or Screenwriting degrees.
Film Journalist / Critic / Reviewer:
Write for magazines, YouTube channels, or online platforms.
Combine with English or Journalism degrees.
Marketing, PR, and Media Communications:
Film Studies gives insight into audience psychology and storytelling.
Useful for advertising, branding, and social media strategy roles.
How can I get ahead in this subject
Build on your core analytical skills:
Cinematography – camera angles, framing, lighting, colour.
Editing – continuity, montage, pacing, transitions.
Sound – dialogue, music, sound effects, silence.
Mise-en-scène – setting, costume, props, performance.
Watch a wide-range of films - recommended starting list:
Vertigo (1958, Alfred Hitchcock) – classic Hollywood form.
Pulp Fiction (1994, Quentin Tarantino) – postmodernism & narrative.
Moonlight (2016, Barry Jenkins) – representation & identity.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006, Guillermo del Toro) – world cinema.
Trainspotting (1996, Danny Boyle) – British cinema.
Sightseers (2012, Ben Wheatley) – British independent film.
Related Courses
Discover complementary subjects that enhance your learning, broaden your skills, and open up exciting future study and career opportunities.
Business
A Level
The Edexcel A Level Business curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, theories, and practices in the field of business. This two-year course
Chemistry
A Level
The A Level course in Chemistry builds upon the ideas that have been learnt and understood at GCSE. The course aims to stimulate interest in and enjoyment of chemistry, to foster imaginative, logical
Music Performance
BTEC
This course is perfect for students who enjoy playing music! It is an extremely practical course where you will be expected to be confident performing in-front of and working along side other
Criminology Level 3 Applied Diploma
Level 3 Applied Diploma
Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals, including the motivations and consequences of crime and its perpetrators, as well as preventative measures. The Level 3 Applied Diploma in
Film Studies
A Level
Studying A Level Film Studies opens up a wide range of creative, technical, and academic career paths - not just in film and television, but across many areas of media, communication, and the arts.
Government and Politics
A Level
A Level Government and Politics provides a deep and analytical exploration of political structures, ideas, and processes, both domestically and internationally. The course is highly academic and
English Language
A Level
English Language at A-Level is a rich and rewarding subject that explores how language shapes who we are, how we think, and how we interact with the world around us. Students will investigate how
English Literature
A Level
Our students will move from initial readings to more in-depth consideration of some engaging and thought provoking texts across the two year programme of study. The texts have been chosen for maximum
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Completing an EPQ is an opportunity for students to explore interests, skills and subjects outside and beyond A Level courses to give students the competitive edge in applications and interviews for
Economics
A Level
The Edexcel A Level Economics curriculum aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economic principles and theories, enabling them to analyse and interpret economic issues and
Physics
A Level
The A Level Physics curriculum aims to inspire curiosity, develop critical thinking, and deepen understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the physical world. Through a balanced blend of