16-18 Courses, 16-18: A Levels

Film Studies (A Level)

Course Overview

Entry requirements

GCSE Average Points Score: 4.25, Grade 5 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE

Course information

Film Studies A Level will allow you to analyse how films are constructed and will develop your appreciation of the film industry. Students will have the opportunity to investigate how film inspires a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective. They will also carry out case studies on stars, directors and genres and will produce a practical piece of film-based work. The course, which is a full A Level studied over two years, will give students a sense of the development of film from its early years to its still emerging digital future.

The aim of the course is to generate enthusiasm and excitement for what is a powerful and culturally significant medium. If you love films and want to develop your understanding and appreciation of them, this is the course for you. You will be introduced to a wide variety of films such as mainstream and independent American and British films from the past and the present, as well as more recent global films, including some that are non-English speaking.

You can expect to:

  • Give your opinion on a wide range of films
  • Work with others to create a film sequence or a short film
  • Analyse performance, cinematography, editing and sound of individual films
  • Examine current successful films and explain the reasons for their success
  • Study the process of film-making, from finance to production and marketing
  • Look at how audiences appreciate films and stars in case studies of movie internet sites, forums and fan behaviour

Film Studies can be studied alongside another 2 or 3 A Levels or BTEC equivalents. Most courses would go well, but particularly those from the Creative Arts and Media Faculty.

Key topics

  • Give your opinion on a wide range of films
  • Work with others to create a film sequence or a short film
  • Analyse performance, cinematography, editing and sound of individual films
  • Examine current successful films and explain the reasons for their success
  • Study the process of film-making, from finance to production and marketing
  • Look at how audiences appreciate films and stars in case studies of movie internet sites, forums and fan behaviour
  • How you are assessed

    60% Exam

    40% Coursework

  • Why study at NCC?

    • We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
    • Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
    • Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
    • Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
    • One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
    • Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
    • Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
    • Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
    • A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed

    If you’re passionate about film, TV, digital content or games, New City College is where your creative future begins.

    As a ScreenSkills Select college, our courses meet industry standards and are backed by top employers. You’ll work on real briefs, collaborate on projects, and some students even land placements with companies like Netflix.

    You’ll also learn from workshops, masterclasses and guest speakers, while building a strong portfolio with access to pro facilities, TV and sound studios, Mac suites with Adobe Creative Cloud, and photography labs.

    From filmmaking and animation to gaming, graphic design and podcasting, you’ll get the skills, experience and connections to stand out. And with film festivals and cinema screenings, your work won’t just stay in the classroom, it’ll be seen.

Select your campus option to apply

What Can This Course Lead To

Progress to university, further study or employment.

Students can progress direct into employment within the film and media industries or the course provides a suitable foundation for a variety of degree courses. A degree in film studies provides you with theoretical and technical skills that are transferable to many careers in the creative industries. After further training, students can go on to jobs such as broadcast engineer, presenter, location manager, programme/film researcher, television camera operator or production co-ordinator.

Life At NCC

Discover what life is like at the largest college in East London today!

Facilities for Students

At New City College we have a range of world-class facilities across our campuses.

Financial Support

There are several ways we can help you cover the cost of your studies.

You may also be interested in