Central Saint Michael’s offers A Level Film Studies, a creative and analytical subject that explores cinema as both an art form and a cultural force. The course is ideal for students interested in film and television, storytelling and screenwriting, media and popular culture, cinematography and editing, and creative industries and communications.
Students study a diverse range of films from classical Hollywood, new Hollywood, contemporary American cinema, British cinema, world cinema, documentary film, silent cinema, and experimental film. You’ll also explore narrative theory, auteur theory, feminist and ideological approaches, audience and spectatorship theory, film language and visual techniques.
No. Many students start A Level Film Studies without having studied it at GCSE. The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in film, storytelling, and analysis.
Assessment consists of 70% examinations and 30% non-exam assessment (coursework). The coursework element involves either producing a short film, or writing a screenplay and storyboard. Students also complete an evaluative analysis of their work.
Yes. Students develop practical filmmaking skills including screenwriting, storyboarding, planning productions, filming, and editing. Students can produce their own short films using industry-standard software and equipment.
Students have access to a dedicated production suite, Adobe Creative Cloud software, professional editing programmes, design and production facilities. These tools are used throughout the practical element of the course.
Film Studies helps students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, creative storytelling, research skills, communication and presentation, video production and editing, project management. These transferable skills are valued by universities and employers.
Film Studies can support careers such as film director, screenwriter, video editor, producer, content creator, broadcast journalist, marketing executive, social media manager, film critic, television producer, and media researcher.
Yes. Film Studies carries UCAS points and can lead to degree courses such as film studies, media and communications, journalism, digital marketing, photography, television production and English literature. Many students progress into creative and media-related degrees.
Film Studies works particularly well alongside subjects such as English, media studies, drama & theatre, history, sociology and psychology. These combinations are popular with students interested in the arts, humanities, and creative industries.
Students may have opportunities to participate in Warner Bros. Studio tours, London residential visits, West End shows, BBC talks, film nights, guest speakers from the creative industries, alumni talks from former students working in film and media. These experiences help bring the subject to life and strengthen university applications.
Students benefit from a university-style learning environment, specialist production facilities, practical filmmaking experience, experienced creative arts tutors, and strong progression routes into university and the creative industries. Film Studies at Central Saint Michael’s combines academic study with creative production, helping students develop the analytical and practical skills needed for careers in film, television, media, and beyond.
Begin your career journey at Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form. Our courses will give you the skills and experience you need to succeed in your chosen career.
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