Film Studies A Level

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Learner:School leaver (16-19), Adult, International

Subject:A-Levels

Course type:Full Time

Level:3

Duration:2 Academic years

About the course

This A Level Film Studies course is a full-time, two year course for those 16+. This course is ideal for those who want to explore how and why films are made. The course is crafted for a comprehensive exploration and creative involvement in to all facets of filmmaking. This includes the analysis of diverse texts, encompassing British, American, and European cinema, silent film, documentary, and experimental film. This qualification should be taken alongside two other A Level subjects and goes particularly well with other humanities and arts subjects.

Examine the technical and creative decisions made by filmmakers to convey meaning and grasp how a film's production context influences its interpretations. In the second year, students will independently undertake a project, creating either a short film or a screenplay.

What are the entry requirements?

You will need 5 GCSEs grades 4 or above, to include English at grade 5 or above.

Where can I progress next?

A level Film Studies students can go onto study film, TV or media at university. This can lead to a very broad range of professions with many students able to develop skills that will enable them to apply for production roles within the film, TV and media industries. Some students opt for careers within journalism and photojournalism.

Is this course free?

At South & City College Birmingham, we offer a wide range of courses for most age groups.

School Leavers: For learners who are between the ages of 16 to 18, studies will be free.

Adults: For learners who are aged 19 or over, the cost of study will depend on the course or programme that you choose. Some courses may even be free*. If the course is not free, students aged 19 at the start of their programme who wish to study need to either pay their course fees, or take out an Advanced Learning Loan.

*Eligibility criteria applies. There may be an exception for students aged 19 or over that are taking their first full Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A Levels and Access to HE Diplomas), who could be supported by the Learner Support Fund, or free adult course funded by the WMCA. To find out what financial support is available to you or whether your course is free, call our friendly admissions team on 0121 694 5000 during office hours, or email us via: admissions-shared@sccb.ac.uk, we look forward to hearing from you.

Full details regarding our adult funding, or learner loans can be found on our website via: Money Matters

Higher Education: If you are planning to undertake one of our Higher Education courses you can apply for a loan with Student Finance England, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan with the college to support towards your course fees. Adults may be eligible for FREE tuition through the WMCA's free courses for jobs offer.

Full details regarding our adult funding, or learner loans can be found on our website via: Money Matters

Enquire via our website today to chat to one of our Admissions team and make your right choice with South and City College Birmingham. Whatever your passion, we are here to help you land on your dream career path. Email: admissions-shared@sccb.ac.uk to find out what financial support is available. With various funds, loans and bursaries on offer, we may be able to help with travel expenses & childcare costs.

How will you learn?

The subject contains a mixture of written analysis and practical work. The main focus is on critical analysis of film texts. Examine twelve films and craft analytical essays, honing your critical and analytical skills by exploring aspects such as spectatorship, aesthetics, and film theory. You will also be expected to complete a work placement; study skills and employability skills will be developed with the help of your personal tutor.

Karuna Rivera-Gutorow, A Levels in Media Studies, Film Studies and English Language & Literature)

“ There’s been some very good and inspirational teachers here. My Film Studies teacher Donna Drew just taught me about Linkedin, guided me in the right direction about what contacts to get to be a director. The tutors give really good guidance and they feel like actual humans as well, that’s the good thing about the college. You can talk to them, they’re like your friend.”

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