Key details
- Course areas
- A LevelsMedia, Digital and Photography
- Student types
- 16 - 18 coursesA Levels
- Course type
-
A Level course
- Course level
-
Level 3
- Start date
- Tuesday 1st September 2026
- Location
- High Pavement Sixth Form Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP
- Course code
- Parent course code:C000450 Child course code: Q000519
Course introduction
Film is so much more than Saturday afternoon at the multiplex. Films give us a window into historical events, culture and changes in society from the early 20th century right up to today.
Film is one of the main cultural innovations of the 20th century and a major art form of the last hundred years. Those who study it characteristically bring with them a high degree of enthusiasm and excitement for what is a powerful and culturally significant medium, inspiring a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective.
This course is designed to introduce A level learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. This specification therefore offers opportunities to study mainstream American films from the past and the present as well as a range of recent and contemporary British films, American independent films and global films, both non-English language and English language.
The historical range of film represented in those films is extended by the study of silent film and significant film movements so that you can gain a sense of the development of film from its early years to its still emerging digital future. Studies in documentary, experimental and short films add to the breadth of your learning experience.
We have developed a strong link with the BFI Film Academy Course, and many of our students have successfully gained a place on this additional qualification run at Broadway Cinema. Students develop industry level practical skills in filmmaking by producing a short film that is screened each year to an invited audience.
You will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.
Subjects that combine well with Film Studies include English, Sociology, Politics, Media Studies, History and Photography.
Many of our former film students have gone on to university and work within the creative industries and specifically in the TV, Film and Media industry.
You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.
Read moreCourse information
2 years
WJEC A Level Film Studies
To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including GCSE English at grade 5 and Maths at grade 4 or above.
To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSE’s at grades 9-7 including GCSE English Maths at grade 7 or above.
The programme of study is for two years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year one to progress to your second year.
Applicants with predicted GCSE grades 1 or 2 points below the entry requirement for an A Level:
If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements for either 1 or 2 of your chosen A Level subject choices, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer. We advise that you think about a second choice of course as a back-up plan. You can meet with us for a supportive, friendly and impartial discussion to look at other courses that Nottingham College has to offer. For more information contact High Pavement Sixth Form admissions by telephone on 0115 9100 100 or email at feadmissions@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk
Two written examinations, each one lasting 2 hours 30 minutes, worth 70% of the overall qualification. You will also gain the opportunity to complete a practical production, following a set brief to create a screenplay and photographic storyboard. This will be worth 30% of the qualification.
You will develop the ability to apply critical approaches to film and apply knowledge and understanding of film through either filmmaking or screenwriting.
There are lots of job opportunities in the creative and film sector including location manager, directing, editor, production designer, programme researcher, civil service, teaching, and film journalism.
Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.
Gallery
Careers related to this course
Select career:
Managers and Directors in the Creative Industries
Potential Earnings
£67,203.92
Average Earnings
£39,874.08
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Pathways
Business Management
People in these occupations manage organisations and operations, formulate business strategies, and consult on policy.
Service Enterprises
People in these occupations provide a variety of services, including property and estate services, home care, hairstyling and beauty services, cleaning, and funeral services.
Sport, Leisure and Recreation
People in these occupations manage and participate in sporting events, provide physical training and coaching, and coordinate leisure and recreation activities.
Art, Performance and Design
People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.
Media, Publishing and Information Services
People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.
Skills
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
