Advanced/Advanced Subsidiary GCE Film Studies

Advanced/Advanced Subsidiary GCE Film Studies

Entry Requirements
As you probably have not studied film or media at any level before, there are no special entry qualifications for the course. However, the normal five GCSE grades A - C are required, preferably with a grade C in English.

About the Course
Film Studies is designed to give you a deeper understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of film and cinema. You will study film as a medium, as an art form and as an industry, not just concentrating on modern Hollywood and its largely mainstream product but extending horizons to take in films from different periods and national origins as well as different forms and styles.

The AS units are:

Unit 1 Exploring Film Form 40% of AS marks
In this unit you will explore how meaning is made, and emotion conveyed, through the analysis of film language and the production of creative practical work. Assessment is by coursework.

Unit 2 British and American Film 60% of AS marks

The British Film Topics look at a range of distinctive characteristics in British film, from production companies and culture to genre and stars.
The US Film Comparative study unit compares two US films from different historical eras.
The course also explores the British and American film industries and looks at the way that films are produced and marketed to global audiences.
Assessment is by written examination.

The A2 Units are:

Unit 3 Film Research and Creative Projects 50% of A2 marks

This unit takes appreciation of film form and response to film texts to a sophisticated level through a small-scale research project and an extended piece of creative practical work.
Assessment is by coursework.

Unit 4 Variety of Film Experience 50% of A2 marks

Two studies of aspects of cinema, international cinema and spectatorship, involving two topics and a single film for close study.
Assessment is by written examination.

Lessons will involve a variety of teaching methods and learning activities, including pair and group work, discussion and independent research. There will be an opportunity to write for film and/or to produce a short film or film sequence in video format.

You can take Film Studies in combination with or as an alternative to Media Studies. In fact, if you intend to go to university to study a media-related course, it is an advantage to combine the two subjects. Film Studies also fits in with a range of arts and humanities degree choices and offers a number of career opportunities.

The course will appeal to you if you are a fan of popular culture and would like to develop a critical and enquiring mind.