Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
This course will deepen your understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of film. It builds on the cine-literacy that you will have developed informally since childhood. You will study a wide range of films, developing skills of critical analysis, observation and personal reflection, as well as enhancing your creative and practical skills, in audio-visual or written form.
Film Studies complements a range of study programmes, fitting well with humanities subjects, such as History and Sociology, due to the focus on the political, social and cultural context of the films studied. It also enhances a study of English Literature, due to its similar textual analysis, and links with more artistic subjects, such as Media Studies and Photography, through the practical elements of the course.
Those taking Film Studies should have an interest in a wide range of different types of films. Students will be expected to have strong written communicative skills and to engage in different theoretical elements of analysis. You will participate in lively discussions in friendly groups and will have access to film making facilities. Some of the films we study e.g. La La Land, Get Out, Trainspotting and Memento. Study will be enhanced by the range of films shown at Strode Theatre, visiting speakers and college trips.
Topics may include:
- Classical and new Hollywood
- Contemporary American independent cinema
- British and European film
- Experimental filmmaking
- Production and evaluation of your own short film or screenplay.
Assessment Methods
You will study a range of films and complete a range of assignments including research profiles of key directors, analysis and evaluation of set films, academic essays, a coursework project, and internal tests and exams.
The final assessments are three externally assessed exam components which will make up your final A Level grade.
Progression Options
A Level Film Studies provides excellent preparation for further study, whether taking a theoretical or practical path. Former students have gone on to pursue degrees in Film Studies, Film and TV Production, Media & Communication Studies, and Scriptwriting for Film and Television at a range of universities including Warwick, Loughborough, Swansea, Greenwich, Salford and Bournemouth.
The TV, Social Media and Film business is the fastest growing industry in the UK and there are an extensive range of career opportunities for talented people.
Entry Requirements
You will need at least five GCSEs in the 9 to 4 range, including English Language.
Entry is subject to a successful interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
