Film Studies A Level 3

Applications Open – 21st November 2025

Applications Close – 30th April 2026

Entry Requirements – At least 5 GCSE passes at grades 9-5 in the new qualifications (or A*- B grade in the old GCSEs) including English (either Literature or Language if both were taken) and mathematics.

Preference on Advanced Level courses will be given to those students securing at least a grade 6 (or grade B in the old GCSE assessment system) in the subject they wish to study.

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

COURSE - This course of study encourages learners to watch, engage critically with and explore a wide range of film; to develop and sustain confident, personal responses to film via textual analysis; and to enjoy a variety of critically acclaimed films across the major genres. These include films from different cultural perspectives, films from the Silent Era to the present day, and different forms of film, including documentary, shorts and experimental.

Unit 1 Film History - 2 hour paper 35 % of total A Level

Learners will develop knowledge of film form through the study of at least three US set films from three periods: the Silent Era, 1930–1960 and 1961–1990. Learners will also study at least two set films from two major European film movements or stylistic developments i.e. Soviet montage, German expressionism, Italian neo-realism and French new wave.

Unit 2 Critical Approaches to Film - 2 hour paper 35% of total A Level

Learners will further develop knowledge and understanding of key critical approaches to film and of narrative, genre, representations and spectatorship. Learners must study at least one set film from each of the following categories: Contemporary British, Contemporary US, Documentary, Non-European, Non-English Language, English Language (Non-US), US Independent.

Unit 3 - Short Film - Non-examined assessment 30% of total A Level

Learners must study one compilation of short British fiction films and one compilation of short British experimental films. Learners have the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills through either the production of a 5 minute short film or a 10 minute screenplay for a short film (incorporating a digitally photographed storyboard). In addition there is an evaluative analysis of the production in relation to professionally produced set short films.

ASSESSMENT - As in most subjects, assessment is by a variety of methods: there will be an emphasis on reading, summarising, analysing, individual and group research, essay planning and writing, oral presentations and creative exercises. There will be opportunities for students to assess work themselves against the criteria, and a series of core assignments in each unit.

ADMISSIONS - Students are recommended to have preferably achieved grade 6s at least in English Language and Literature. You should have a genuine interest in film and sound essay writing skills.

CAREERS - Journalism, teaching, television and film production and marketing; generalist arts-based careers such as arts administration.