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 Performing Arts
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, you will also create a short film or a screen play (20% of the final grade). You will study twelve films and write analytical essays on them, focussing on spectatorship, aesthetics and film theory. You will be assessed on these in two written examinations.
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. 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.