Film Studies - A Level

Whitstable School, The

Bellevue Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1PX

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Thursday, 03 September 2026

The Whitstable School

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

Application Instructions

Applications open:- Monday 4th November at 9.00am

Applications close:- 25th August 2026

Entry Requirements: - They vary for each course.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices.

Course Summary

Film Studies is both an academic and highly practical A Level with complete focus on a relatively young and dynamic medium. The course is designed to consider a diverse range of film viewers and makers from around the globe.

This course will develop your critical faculties and your ability to read any film.

The Film Studies A Level is an excellent introduction to the Film Industry, a lucrative and growing sector in this country. We use the same language you would use on a working set and create a production of your own which has the opportunity for entry to National Film Awards and prizes.

Course Details

You will learn how to read a film through cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing, sound and performance.

You will learn about Film theory including narrative theory, spectatorship theory, ideology and auteur theory.

You will consider the history of Film across time from silent film to the present day.

You will learn how to create your own Film production putting your theory into practice and flexing your creative muscles.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

You will be assessed through two terminal exam papers and a non-exam assessed piece of practical work after two years of study:

Paper One Varieties of Film and Filmmaking (35%):

Classical Hollywood and New Hollywood (1930-1990) Comparative Study

New American Film (2005 onwards)

British Film since 1995.

Paper Two Global Filmmaking Perspectives (35%):

Global Film (two film study)

Documentary Film.

Silent Film.

Experimental Film.

Non-examined Assessment (30%): Short Film Production and Evaluation (30%)

Entry requirements

GCSE grade 5 in English

Your next steps...

Film studies can help with the analytical skills required in a range of professions. Students of this subject may choose to follow a course in a similar area at degree level leading to career paths in filmmaking, working within digital media and animation. Within film, TV and video industries, potential job roles include film/video/television editor, camera operator, photographer, art director, TV or film producer or production assistant, runner, location/props manager or programme researcher. In addition, some business areas, such as advertising, marketing and communications, can also utilise the creative and analytical abilities of Film Studies students. The research and communication skills you develop and the ability to project manage and organise your time effectively will make you attractive to employers in a wide variety of fields.

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