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Film Studies A Level

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2026

  • Venue
    City College Norwich campus

  • Course Code
    SA053

Start Date

  • September 2026, Full Time, Day

What You Will Study

This course encourages you to watch, analyse, discuss and write about films from different perspectives. You will explore films from a textual and aesthetic level analysing their meanings in different social and historical contexts.

Throughout the course, you will study critical approaches to films, Hollywood film history (examining films such as ‘Alien’) and silent cinema, and critically acclaimed US and UK contemporary films such as Greta Gerwig’s ‘Little Women’. You will study European and world cinema, and documentary and experimental film.

Alongside your studies, you will apply what you have learnt through shooting and editing tasks that will hone your film production skills. Workshops in creative writing, cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing will also help you to prepare for your coursework.

You will have access to a range of DSLR and mirrorless cameras for shooting, lighting and sound equipment, and other equipment to support a polished final production.

You will also have the opportunity to go on residential trips to New York and the Berlin Film Festival, engaging with topics in an industry context. Previously, students have also worked on extra-curricular activities such as shooting a documentary for Creative Collision, with the support of the National Lottery.

Why Choose City College Norwich?

Industry standard facilities

At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.

Gain real experiences of work

All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.

A unique student experience

This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.

Entry Requirements

You will need to have achieved a minimum of six GCSEs at grade 4 or above, with at least four of these at grade 5 or above. A minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language is required. If you have taken GCSE Film Studies, you should have achieved a minimum of grade 5.

How You Will Be Assessed

Assessment is through project work and written examinations. Written exams make up 70% of the final grade whilst 30% is coursework and involves completing either a Short film or Screenplay.

  • Two exams (70%): film history, and critical approaches to film.
  • Coursework (30%): a short film (4-5 mins in length) or a screenplay with a photographed storyboard.

Course Progression

You can go on to study university level subjects or progress in to careers related to a variety of critical or creative subjects such as English, Politics, Sociology, Film Making, VFX related courses or other Arts related subjects. You could progress onto our Level 4 Media Learning Company course. This one-year course mirrors what it is like to work as part of a media production company. You will work collaboratively on a wide range of projects that have been commissioned by external clients.

Where Your Course Can Take You

This course assists with your progression towards a wide range of careers in the creative industries including areas such as: film production, directing, editing, journalism, education, advertising, and research.

Fees

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop

Why Choose City College Norwich?

Industry standard facilities

At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.

Gain real experiences of work

All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.

A unique student experience

This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.