What is Film studies?
Film studies is a fascinating academic course which gives you the opportunity to study one of the most popular mediums in society today. The course allows you to develop a deeper, critical understanding of cinema. It is 30% coursework (short film or screenplay production) and 70% exam (essay based).
The course focuses on the analysis, history, and creation of film. It covers diverse cinema, including Hollywood, British, global, documentary and silent film, analysing how film form, representation, context, and ideology create meaning, as well as exploring film theory and concepts to deepen your appreciation of film texts.
Why study Film studies?
This is a popular course choice for any students interested in film that want to explore their understanding at a more advanced level. If you want to know more about how a film is constructed, explore the history and development of film, find out about film movements and styles and if you want to develop film production and screen to writing skills, then this is the course for you. The A level will develop your critical thinking skills, creative and production skills, explore global and historical contexts, study film theories and broaden your cultural knowledge.
Is Film studies right for you?
Because of the nature of the course, you need to be confident and willing to write essays, conduct research, demonstrate creative skills, develop IT, photography and filming / editing skills, and participate in discussions and presentations. Obviously, an avid interest in film is recommended as the course is all about deconstructing films. It helps if you keep informed about film related news and watch films regularly.
What will you study?
- Core areas introduction
Learning the tools for analysing film: the language of film, representation, context and aesthetics - Hollywood 1930 to 1990
A comparative study of two films, one from classic Hollywood and one from new Hollywood, exploring auteur theory and the core areas - American film since 2005
One mainstream film and one independent film, exploring ideology, spectatorship and the core areas - British film since 1995
Two British films, exploring ideology, narrative and the core areas - Global film
One European film and one non-European film, exploring the core areas - Coursework production
A short film or screenplay with a digitally photographed storyboard and an evaluative analysis. An independent project that lets you apply your learning and interests to a practical piece
What happens outside lessons?
Students run a film enrichment group, showing films and discussing them. Extra sessions are organised to develop your filmmaking and editing skills. Visits to local universities, cinemas and other film related events are offered to our students, as well as workshops from ex-students studying at University or working in the film industry . The opportunity to apply for the prestigious BFI filmmaking course is offered to all film students, as are short film making competitions and similar events.
Where can Film studies take you?
Many of our students progress to University. Film and TV production is a popular pathway and with a growing need for audio visual content in almost every industry there is a high chance of employment in the creative media industry. Careers can be varied, but the film and TV industry in the Northeast of England is experiencing rapid growth, becoming the UK’s fastest-growing screen sector, with a film and TV studio operating in Hartlepool and one soon to open in Sunderland. The academic, analytical nature of A level film can prepare you for many other University degree courses
What subjects go well with Film studies?
For a more practical experience, the combination of film with subjects such as media studies / art / photography/ drama is recommended. For more theoretical and analytical studies, the combination of film studies with subjects such as English Lit / Lang / Combined, sociology, psychology, philosophy and ethics, history, business studies is recommended.
It also works well as a more creative and analytical subject alongside sciences and maths.
What are the entry requirements?
- General requirements: Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.