Course overview
Film Studies A Level City of Bristol CollegeAs well as gaining an appreciation of film as an art form in terms of visual storytelling you will learn about narrative, genre, cinematography, editing and other technical aspects of filmmaking. You will study a wide range of films, from the early days of silent cinema to contemporary Hollywood films like La La Land and Pulp Fiction. Social, cultural and political areas are dealt with for each film providing a range and depth of understanding. The practical element of the course involves putting your learning into practice by making a short film or writing a screenplay and creating a storyboard.
This course is an option within our creative and humanities A Level pathways.
- Creative Pathway course code: ALCREATIVE
- Humanities Pathway course code: ALHUM
Additional information
Who is this course for?
This course is for 16-18 years olds with a passion for a wide range of cinema. It is not necessary to have studied either Film or Media at GCSE. It is an academic subject and suits students who have flourished in essay-based subjects as well as being creative.
What you'll learn
Film Studies involves much more than just watching films. You will be developing your understanding of film through a combination of analytical and creative work.
During the course you will:
- gain an appreciation of film as a form of art
- enhance your understanding of the world, including different values, beliefs and attitudes
- put theory to practice by making a short film or writing a screenplay.
Topics include:
- Hollywood 1930-1990
- American Independent Film
- British Film
- European Film
- Film Production
- Global Film
- Documentary
- Silent Film
- Experimental Film
- Short Film
Course entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including both Maths & English language.
You will provide a copy of your last school report and/or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.
Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria.
All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence-based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference/school report.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
Assessment will comprise of a mixture of examined and non-examined assessment.
Future career and study opportunities
The course will deepen your understanding of and passion for a range of films by enhancing your cine-literate skills of observation, critical analysis and personal reflection. The theoretical and practical skills obtained on this course are transferable into either employment or university courses, especially in humanities and cultural-based subjects.
Additional costs
This course is free to anyone aged 16-18. There is no formal list of additional costs. However, if you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.
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