Film Studies (A-level)

This course is ideal for students passionate about cinema who wish to explore both the theoretical and practical aspects of film. You’ll delve into the production, distribution, and exhibition of films, analysing a diverse range of cinematic works from various periods and cultures. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to engage in hands-on film-making projects, enhancing your creative and analytical skills. 

If you’re considering A-level Film Studies, you might also explore related pathways such as the UAL Level 3 Creative Media Moving Image and Audio Production or the UAL Level 3 Creative Digital Multimedia. We encourage all A-level applicants to research these alternatives before finalising their study choices.

You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language at grade 5 and Maths at grade 4.

A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.

It is assumed that students will enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.

In A-Level Film Studies, you will explore the rich and diverse world of cinema across cultures, time periods, and genres. You will:

• Study a range of films from different global traditions, including British, American, European, and non-European cinema
• Analyse film form – including cinematography, editing, sound, mise-en-scène, and performance – to understand how meaning is created
• Examine how social, political, cultural, and historical contexts influence the way films are made and received
• Explore issues of representation in film, including gender, race, identity, and power
• Compare films across time periods and movements, such as classical Hollywood, New Hollywood, silent cinema, documentary, and experimental film
• Develop original ideas by planning, writing, and evaluating your own screenplay and storyboard for a short film

This course encourages you to become a critical thinker, visually literate, and confident in both written and creative expression.

Learning will take place through a combination of:

• Teacher-led seminars that introduce key theories, analytical frameworks, and historical contexts
• Film screenings and group discussions to encourage critical thinking and debate
• Close scene analysis of specific film sequences using specialist terminology
• Practical workshops in screenwriting and visual storytelling
• Independent research tasks and reading to deepen understanding of film form and context
• Creative production work, where you will plan, script, storyboard, and evaluate your own original short film project as part of your NEA
• Feedback and one-to-one tutorials to support academic progress and project development

You will be assessed through two written exams and one non-examined assessment (coursework), with regular internal deadlines and checkpoints to help you stay on track.

To stay organised and make the most of your studies, you’ll need to bring the following items to every Film Studies lesson:

• A4 lined paper or a notebook for class notes
• A4 ring binder or lever-arch folder
• Plastic wallets to keep handouts and resources safe
• Subject dividers to organise your folder into sections (e.g. Component 1, Component 2, NEA)
• Pens (including black or blue for writing)
• Highlighters for annotating texts and handouts
• Headphones (optional but useful for watching film clips independently)

You may also find it helpful to have access to a device (laptop or tablet) for research and coursework outside of lessons.

We follow the WJEC exam board

The A-level Film Studies course includes a Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) component, which constitutes 30% of the final grade. The NEA involves:

• Crafting a screenplay for an original short film (1,600–1,800 words)
• Creating a digitally photographed storyboard for a key section of the screenplay (approximately two pages or 20 storyboard shots)
• Writing an evaluative analysis (1,600–1,800 words)

The NEA process encompasses four key stages, each requiring authentication:

• Stage 1 – Initial Planning Evidence: Due June of year 1
• Stage 2 – First Draft Submission: Due July of year 1
• Stage 3 – Edited Draft Evidence: Due August of year 1
• Stage 4 – Final Submission: Due September of year 2

Given that a significant portion of the NEA timeline coincides with the summer break, it’s imperative that students manage their time effectively to ensure completion upon returning for the second year.

An A-Level in Film Studies provides a strong foundation for a range of creative and academic pathways.

Many students go on to study Film, Media, Communications, or Cultural Studies at university, while others pursue practical degrees in areas like Screenwriting, Film Production, Editing, or Cinematography.

This course also supports progression into related fields such as:

• Journalism
• Advertising and Marketing
• Creative Writing
• English and Humanities-based degrees
• Arts and Media Apprenticeships

The analytical, research, and creative skills developed on this course are highly transferable and valued in careers across the creative industries, education, and beyond.

Teacher of Film Studies
james.morgan@derby-college.ac.uk

He will be happy to discuss course content, expectations, progression routes, or any other queries you may have.