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A Level Film Studies

Course outline

Film is so much more than Saturday afternoon at the multiplex. Films give us a window into historical events, culture and changes in society from the early 20th century right up to today.

Film is one of the main cultural innovations of the 20th century and a major art form of the last hundred years. Those who study it characteristically bring with them a high degree of enthusiasm and excitement for what is a powerful and culturally significant medium, inspiring a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective.

This course is designed to introduce A level learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. This specification therefore offers opportunities to study mainstream American films from the past and the present as well as a range of recent and contemporary British films, American independent films and global films, both non-English language and English language.

The historical range of film represented in those films is extended by the study of silent film and significant film movements so that you can gain a sense of the development of film from its early years to its still emerging digital future. Studies in documentary, experimental and short films add to the breadth of your learning experience.

We have developed a strong link with the BFI Film Academy Course, and many of our students have successfully gained a place on this additional qualification run at Broadway Cinema. Students develop industry level practical skills in filmmaking by producing a short film that is screened each year to an invited audience.

You will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.

Subjects that combine well with Film Studies include English, Sociology, Politics, Media Studies, History and Photography.

Many of our former film students have gone on to university and work within the creative industries and specifically in the TV, Film and Media industry.

You can view the fantastic works of our Media, Photography & Performance students on our showcase website run by our media faculty team.

View showcase

How to apply for this course

Apply now to study an A Level Programme in 2025/26

You will select your individual subjects when you complete the application.

Want to find out more first?

Get in touch by hitting the button below and filling out our enquiry form.

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Location Date
High Pavement Sixth Form
Chaucer Street
Nottingham
NG1 5LP

Start: Monday 1st September 2025

Course code: C000450 / Q000519

Qualification

A Level Film Studies
Duration

2 years
Level Level 3
Entry requirements
  • To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including GCSE English Language at grade 5 and Maths at grade 4 or above.
  • To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSE’s at grades 9-7 including GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 7 or above.

The programme of study is for 2 years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year 1 to progress to your 2nd year.

Applicants with predicted GCSE grades 1 or 2 points below the entry requirement for an A Level:

If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements for either 1 or 2 of your chosen A Level subject choices, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer. We advise that you think about a second choice of course as a back-up plan. You can meet with us for a supportive, friendly and impartial discussion to look at other courses that Nottingham College has to offer. For more information contact High Pavement Sixth Form admissions by telephone on 0115 9100 100 or email at feadmissions@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk

Applicants who choose 4 subjects but only have the entry requirements to study 3:

If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements to study 4 A Level subjects, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer for all 4. At your ‘Get Ready for College’ day you will undertake tasters in your subjects and at this point you can discuss your options with subject staff at the event, to help you finalise your subject choices. Final A Level choices however will be made at enrolment in August when your GCSE results are confirmed.
Teaching & assessment

Two written examinations, each one lasting 2 hours 30 minutes, worth 70% of the overall qualification. You will also gain the opportunity to complete a practical production, following a set brief to create a screenplay and photographic storyboard. This will be worth 30% of the qualification.

Progression

You will develop the ability to apply critical approaches to film and apply knowledge and understanding of film through either filmmaking or screenwriting.

There are lots of job opportunities in the creative and film sector including location manager, directing, editor, production designer, programme researcher, civil service, teaching, and film journalism.
Additional information

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.