Film Studies

Applications Open: - Now

Applications Close: - Friday 13th February 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications may still be accepted after this date.)

Entry Requirements: - 6 GCSE passes at Grade 5+, including a minimum of Grade 5 in Mathematics and English.

How to Apply: - Apply via KentChoices

Why study this subject?

Film studies is a popular, creative and analytical subject. It gives you skills that can be applied to many different and demanding careers, including critical and creative thinking, the ability to produced well-balanced arguments and problem solving. You study an exciting range of films from different genres, cultures and eras and you also develop practical film-making skills. It can be combined with a range of other A Levels including English, Art, Languages, Technology and all Humanities subjects. Maths and Science students have also included it in their A Level portfolio to add breadth to their studies.

A significant number of students go on every year to study film at university either as a theoretical or practical course with the intention of pursuing careers within the film industry in a range of sectors. The creative and analytical skills are highly valued by universities and employers and many students have been accepted at prestigious universities including Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities to do a variety of courses with film studies as one of their three A Level subjects. Whilst many students use it as a stepping stone into careers in the film and media industries, others use it to develop their interests in the creative industries in general.

Course Content:

Component 1: Varieties of film making

Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study)

• A study of two Hollywood films, one from the Classical Hollywood period (1930-1960) and one from the New Hollywood period (1961-1990) Examples include: Vertigo, Casablanca, Bonnie and Clyde and Blade Runner.

Section B: American film since 2005 (two-film study)

• A study of two American films, one mainstream film and one contemporary independent film. Examples include: No Country for Old Men, Inception, Boyhood and Captain Fantastic.

Section C: British film since 1995 (two-film study)

• A study of two British films. Examples include: This is England, Saint Maud, Belfast.

Component 2: Global film making perspectives

Section A: Global film (two-film study)

• A study of two global films, one European and one produced outside Europe. Examples include: Roma, The Worst Person in the World, Parasite, Mustang.

Section B: Documentary film

• A close study of one documentary film. Examples include: Exit Through the Gift Shop, Sisters in Law and Stories We Tell.

Section C: Film movements – Silent cinema

• A study of one silent film or group of films. Examples include: Sunrise and Man with a Movie Camera.

Section D: Film movements – Experimental film (1960-2000)

• A study of one experimental film. Examples include: Cleo from 5 to 7, Fallen Angels

Component 3: Production (Non-exam assessment)

This component assesses one production and an evaluative analysis. Learners produce:

• either a short film (4-5 minutes) or a screenplay for a short film (1600-1800 words) plus a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay

• an evaluative analysis (1600 - 1800 words).

Component 1: Varieties of film making

2 hours 30 minutes; 35% of the A Level qualification

Component 2: Global film making perspectives

2 hours 30 minutes; 35% of the A Level qualification

Component 3: Non-exam component

Practical and creative skills; 30% of the A Level qualification

GCSE grade 5 in English Language or Literature.