Film Studies A level
Qualification: GCE A Level in Film Studies
Exam Board & Specification Code: WJEC Eduqas; Specification
Course Entry Requirements: 4 in English Language GCSE and 4 in English Literature GCSE
Please make sure that you have understood the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college.
Length and size of qualification: 2 year single course
Timetable hours: 4.5 hours per week
Assessment method: 2 x 2.5 hour exams plus a practical or written project
BHASVIC Department: Media and Film
What will I study?
Film Studies is designed to explore and creatively engage with all aspects of filmmaking. It involves analysis of a wide range of texts, including British, American and European cinema, silent film, documentary and experimental film. You will analyse both the technical and creative choices made by film makers to produce meaning, as well as develop an understanding of how a film’s production context affects the meanings it generates. Individually, students will work on a project during their second year which will involve making a short film or a screenplay (30% of the final grade). You will study twelve films and write analytical essays on them, focusing on spectatorship, aesthetics and film theory, thereby developing your critical and analytical skills. You will be assessed on these in two written examinations. There is a practical element to the course, which makes it suitable for those who want to work in the film industry, however this is a largely written, theoretical course.
Is this course right for me?
The subject contains a mixture of written analysis and practical work. The main focus is on critical analysis of film texts. You will develop an understanding of how the technical and creative aspects of film-making create meaning for audiences. You should enjoy watching a wide range of films, like sharing opinions on these with others and be able to write critically about films. This course is best suited to people who are strong writers, who enjoy watching and analysing a range of films (including World Cinema). Film Studies goes well with any theory-based, essay subject such as Media Studies, English Literature, History, Classics, Politics, Sociology etc. as well as Digital Creative Media, IT or Computer Science if you enjoy the practical work.
Where next?
There are far more job roles on offer in the Creative Industries than you might think. This course prepares you for the broad and amazing range of roles available in this sector. Jobs directly related to this subject include Film/Video Editor, Location Manager, Programme Researcher, Runner, Broadcasting/Film/Video. Jobs where this subject may be beneficial are: Broadcast Engineer, Broadcast Journalist, Television Camera Operator and Television Floor Manager. Useful websites to research careers and wider progression options could include Creative Skillset, Creative Choices, All About Careers and The Apprenticeship Guide.
Apply View DepartmentLast year, 60 BHASVIC students went on to study Film & Media degrees at 26 different universities.
It is difficult at a university level to separate the two A levels Film Studies and Media as many university level degrees encompass the academic and practical rigours of both.
Popular universities included Bournemouth, Bristol UWE, Ravensbourne, Leeds and University of the Arts, London. In addition to University study, students take advantage of institutions such as Brighton Film School and BIMM to continue their studies.
Should I study Film and Media at degree level?
Film & Media courses can include directing and camera work, presenting a radio programme, or studying the impact of advertising or social media. Some courses focus on media & culture in society while others include practical elements, such as TV, film and radio, scriptwriting or journalism. Research courses carefully - find the right mix of theory & practical skills for you
Types of Film & Media degrees
You can choose to study a skills-based degree such as Film Production or a more theory-based degree. There are many centres of excellence throughout the country so research your options carefully and many more.
Entry Requirements
A-levels / BTECs sometimes required:
- Creative Media Production
- English literature and language
- Media studies
- Film Studies
Many courses will not have subject specific entry requirements and appreciate the portfolios of work students generate in their own time.
Top Universities for Film & Media
Strathclyde, Leeds, Loughborough, Surrey, Sheffield
Newcastle, Lancaster, Southampton, Cardiff – all very high student satisfaction scores
Nottingham, Sussex, Leicester, Keele - all with top graduate prospects
Many of our students choose a combined degree - applications from our students have included:
- Film and Moving Image Production
- Animation with Foundation Year
- Television Production
- Contemporary Media Practice
- Multimedia Journalism
Example entry requirements (please check):
A-Level/BTEC equivalents:
UEA Film & Televison Studies A,B,B
Kent Media B,B,B-B,C,C
Sussex Media Production B,B,B-A,B,B
Solent Film and Television (Foundation) D,D
Why not try a foundation degree or higher apprenticeship?
For example: Production Apprentice Scheme BBC.co.uk
Some examples of Film & Media-related degrees that our BHASVIC students have gone onto study in the past few years are:
- Art History and Film Studies
- Communication, Media and Politics
- Communication, Media and Popular Music
- Contemporary Media Practice
- Content, Media and Film Production
- Digital Film Production
- Digital Marketing & Social Media (with Professional Practice Year)
- Digital Video Production and Marketing
- Drama with Film
- English and Film & Television Studies with Employment Experience
- English and Film Studies
- English Literature/Film & Television Studies
- Film & Television Studies with Employment Experience Abroad
- Film and History
- Film and Moving Image Production
- Film and Screen Studies
- Film Studies and Screenwriting
- Film Studies and Spanish
- Film with a Year Abroad
- Film, Photography and Media
- Filmmaking
- Future Media Production
- Journalism with Media Studies
- Law and Media & Communication
- Media Communications and Publishing
- Multimedia Sports Journalism
- Screen Industries and Entertainment
How BHASVIC helps: We have a wide range of information and resources to support students applying for university including subject area guides, personal statement and UCAS resources, super-curricular activity guides, open day and bursary information. We also cover university research, careers, art foundation and all other destinations in depth in tutorial and students can choose an appropriate pathway for them in the second year from UCAS, Employability & Enterprise, Visual Arts, Oxbridge and Medics. Our Spring Futures Fair brings in a huge number of university visitors with workshops and information stands and departments will bring speakers in wherever possible.
A degree in Film or Media studies provides a combination of theoretical and technical skills that can apply to a wide range of jobs in the creative industries
- Programme Researcher
- Runner, broadcasting/film/video
- Social Media Manager
- Television/film/video Producer
- Web Content Manager
- Broadcast Journalist
- Event Manager
- Magazine Journalist
- Writer
Career Prospects
The UK has a world-class media industry in film, print and broadcast media, worth billions to the economy, so it's hardly surprising that ambitious and talented students want to work in it.
But be realistic – some jobs are amongst the most competitive around. If you want to be a star in front of the camera or in print, you might want to look at other options. Media studies graduates are the most likely graduates to get into the media industry (in 2023, one in seven grads entering the media had a media studies degree) but they’re more likely to be directing, or operating sound or video equipment, or researching.
Local Market Information
The Cannes Film Festival was chosen to announce the serious skills shortages for ‘back-room’ roles in the Film and Production sector. Skilled technical staff, construction workers, make-up, hair and costume artists, and other 'back-room' jobs are in high demand with 33% of production companies facing recruitment difficulties in the last year. A series of cinema advertisements has been released to highlight case studies of those who have achieved satisfying careers in the world of film and television. The British film and television production sector employ over 80,000 people of which 55,000 work in film and video
Examples of apprenticeships and opportunities include:
- Photography, video and Graphic Design
- Film Office Administrator
- Photographer & Digital Editor
How BHASVIC helps: We have an excellent Careers Hub and careers advisors who are available for appointments through student services. Local jobs are advertised and they will advise on skills and specialist areas such as degree apprenticeships. Students can choose an appropriate pathway for them in the second year from UCAS, Employability & Enterprise, Visual Arts, Oxbridge and Medics. Our Spring Futures Fair brings in a huge number of careers & apprenticeship visitors with workshops and information stands and departments will bring speakers in around the subject area.
You will gain many transferable skills studying Creative Digital Media, Film & Media that will be valued in the workplace including:
Teamwork, Technical ability, Problem solving, Social Skills, Organisation, Numeracy, Communication, Attention to Detail, Administration, Analytics, Discipline.
Local Skills
The Local Skills agenda considers job prospects and employment in our local area of Sussex. Many of our students will contribute to the National Skills agenda and go onto find a career in a wide range of sectors. For students in Sussex our local skills are identified as the following sectors:
- Construction
- Creative & Cultural
- Digital (includes IT and Technology)
- Engineering & Manufacturing
- Healthcare (includes Bio Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical)
- Visitor & Hospitality
- Land-based (includes Agriculture and Viticulture)
- Green Skills
Degree choices that match the Local Skills agenda for Digital/IT and Cultural Industries that BHASVIC students have gone onto study in the past few years include:
- Communication, Media and Popular Music
- Contemporary Media Practice
- Digital Film Production
- Digital Marketing & Social Media (with Professional Practice Year)
- English Literature/Film & Television Studies
- Film, Photography and Media
- Future Media Production
- Multimedia Sports Journalism
- Screen Industries and Entertainment
Careers choices that match the Local Skills agenda for Digital/IT and Cultural Industries that BHASVIC students have gone onto study in the past few years include:
- Runner, broadcasting/film/video
- Social Media Manager
- Television/film/video Producer
- Web Content Manager
- Broadcast Journalist
- Magazine Journalist
How BHASVIC helps: Skills Week in A1 helps students build skills in the workplace and a focus on developing skills through tutorial in A1 and A2 supports students in writing outstanding Personal Statements and CVs. We know our students have already gained a wide variety of skills at home and with extra-curricular activities and will increasingly take up jobs. Our focus is on supporting them to evidence skills already gained, identify gaps and ensure that they transfer that to CVs and applications. This is in partnership with every curriculum area.