Film Studies A Level
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3
Level
Level 3 -
Duration
2 years -
Start Date
September 2025 -
Venue
City College Norwich campus -
Course Code
SA053
Summary
This course is for people who love film. It encourages you to watch, analyse, discuss and write about films from different perspectives. Film Studies is about how we engage with films on a textual level, its form and aesthetics, how it produces meaning and how it articulates our world to us. This is underpinned by making films, as this is how you truly learn to ‘see’ films. The course works to the OCR A level film specification and is a two year linear course.
This course is perfect for those who are open to studying a wide range of different types of films from blockbusters, indie, foreign language films and experimental cinema. In film history, we trace cinema from US and European silent cinema to the studio system through to New Hollywood. This is alongside European Film movements such as German
Expressionism and Surrealism. In critical approaches to film, you will look at debates around the nature of cinema. Underpinning this is the practice of film production - you will
shoot and edit short tasks throughout the year to experiment with cinema forms, alongside workshops on creative writing, cinematography, editing, lighting and sound. All students produce either a short film or a screenplay (with photographed storyboard).
Why our college?
Industry standard facilities
At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.
Gain real experiences of work
All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.
A unique student experience
This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.
Entry Requirements
Applicants require a grade 5 in GCSE English Language. If GCSE Film Studies has been taken, a minimum of a grade 5 must have been achieved.
Applicants should also meet the overall Sixth Form entry requirements
Assessment
Assessment is through project work and written examinations. Written exams make up 70% of the final grade whilst 30% is coursework and involves completing either a Short film or Screenplay.
- Two exams (70%): film history, and critical approaches to film.
- Coursework (30%): a short film (4-5 mins in length) or a screenplay with a photographed storyboard.
Progression
You can go on to study university level subjects or progress in to careers related to a variety of critical or creative subjects such as English, Politics, Sociology, Film Making, VFX related courses or other Arts related subjects.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop
Where Next?
Why our college?
Industry standard facilities
At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.
Gain real experiences of work
All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.
A unique student experience
This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.
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