A Level Film Studies

Applications Open: - Monday 3rd November 2025 - 9am

Applications Close: - 1st May 2026 - 4pm

Entry Requirements: - Three Grade 4s and specific to subjects.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices.

Please add three Level 3 courses to your application. These can be a combination of A-Levels, BTEC AAQs or BTEC Extended Certificates. Core Maths must be an additional fourth subject.

A Level Film Studies is a rigorous and creative academic course that allows students to explore the film medium as both an artistic and cultural expression. Film studies A-Level combines analytical theory, historical study, and creative production to give students a deep and broad understanding of the film industry and its impact on society.

Film is not only one of the most powerful forms of communication in the modern world but also a key artistic form of the 20th and 21st centuries. This course encourages students to engage critically with a wide range of films, developing skills that are both academic and practical.

🎬 Component 1: Varieties of Film and Filmmaking (35%)

This written examination focuses on:

• Section A: Hollywood 1930–1990

Study of classical Hollywood cinema, including genres, narrative structures, and star systems.

• Section B: Recent American Film (Post-2005)

Analysis of contemporary American cinema, exploring themes, styles, and industry changes.

• Section C: British Film Since 1995

Examination of British films, considering national identity, representation, and production contexts.

• Section D: Short Film

Study of short films, focusing on narrative techniques, form, and innovation.

🌍 Component 2: Global Filmmaking Perspectives (35%)

This component delves into:

• Section A: Global Film

Analysis of global cinema and their cultural contexts.

• Section B: Documentary Film

Study of documentary filmmaking and representation.

• Section C: Silent Cinema

Examination of silent films, understanding their historical significance and cinematic evolution.

• Section D: Experimental Film (1960–2001)

Analysis of experimental films, focusing on innovation, form, and avant-garde movements.

🎥 Component 3: Production (30%)

This non-exam assessment involves:

• Practical Production

Creation of a short film or a screenplay an accompanying storyboard.

There are two written exams and a practical element.

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language, English Literature, RE, History or Media Studies.

University degrees in:

• Film / Film & Media Studies

• Filmmaking / Practical Film Production

• Media / Digital Media

• Communication / Broadcast Studies

• Journalism

• Related subjects like English, History, Cultural Studies, Theatre, Visual Arts

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

Graduates from Film Studies often find themselves working in diverse roles across the creative and media industries — producing, writing, editing, or directing for film, television or online content.

Common roles include becoming a producer, editor, cinematographer, director, scriptwriter, location manager, running crew, broadcaster, distributer, publisher, journalist and teaching.