Film Studies provides students with the exciting opportunity to sample a vast array of films from around the world, from Hollywood classics to British independent films, European cinema and global films from Turkey, Denmark, Cameroon and Hong Kong. The course provides learning across a broad range of texts in many genres and styles, including silent film, documentary and short films. Students deepen their understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of cinema by exploring the language of film through its constituent parts such as cinematography, lighting, mise-en-scène, sound, and editing. Film Studies is also a subject that by its nature requires students to consider the ethical, social, ideological and cultural issues expressed in narrative.
The course encourages students to develop strong skills of critical analysis and personal reflection as well as developing their creativity and practical skills. Additionally, the aesthetic qualities of film are emphasised as integral to a study of the interaction between films and spectators. Students discuss issues such as censorship and the portrayal of gender, nationality, ethnicity, and class stereotypes.
Students will be required to produce a short film or screenplay and reflect on their creative process. This will allow students to gain practical experience in filmmaking and develop their skills as filmmakers.
The new specification for first assessment in 2025 introduces more contemporary films into the curriculum. The new specification includes films from the 21st century, reflecting the changing landscape of cinema and providing students with a more diverse range of films to study.
The course also places greater emphasis on critical analysis and evaluation. Students will be required to analyse films in detail, examining their themes, techniques, and cultural significance. They will also be expected to evaluate different critical approaches and develop their own critical voice.
Overall, the Eduqas Film Studies A Level course provides students with an in-depth understanding of film as an art form while also developing practical skills in filmmaking. With its emphasis on critical analysis, evaluation, and global cinema, it prepares students for careers in film production or further study in film studies or related fields.
For coursework students have the option of making their own short films, or writing screenplays accompanied by digital images in the form of a storyboard.
The course content is divided into three units:
This is the practical coursework component and requires candidates to produce one 4-5 minute film OR a screenplay and digital storyboard (1600 – 1800 words). Both options also require a 1600 – 1800 word evaluative analysis of the product.
Assessment involves both coursework (30%) and two written examinations of two and a half hours each (35% each). Students have an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of both theory and practical skills. Students are expected to apply a range of critical approaches such as ideological critical studies, auteur critical approaches and filmmakers’ theories (for documentary). Core study areas for all films include an understanding of the key elements of film form (cinematography, lighting, mise-en-scene, editing and sound), issues of representation and film contexts, including institutional production.
In recent years students have visited the London Cinema Museum; they have taken part in (And won!) a national film review-writing competition; they have interviewed survivors of female genital mutilation and made a documentary on this, later raising over £10,000 for an anti-FGM billboard campaign. Students have also visited Ealing Studios and have been invited onto the set of a recent Guy Ritchie film, affording them the opportunity to understand the different environments within which films are created.
Some previous students have gone on to follow degree courses in Film Studies, Film Production and Technology, Media Studies, and Philosophy and Film at universities including Oxford Brookes, Birmingham City University, University of Sussex, Kingston University, Stafford University, London Met Film School, and Emerson College (US).
No previous subject knowledge is required.
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