Film Studies - AS

L3 Level 3
Full Time
3 September 2025 — 19 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The Film Studies AS programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate. 

Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student. 

The AS Film Studies course provides a detailed introduction to the study of film and cinema industries, consisting of three components examining the relationship between film and audiences and is designed to enhance your own experience of film.

What you will study

Component 1: American Film

The focus is on the study of contemporary Hollywood cinema from the 1960s onwards and on American independent films.  You will study narrative, genre, representation, themes and context of particular films and how each of these filmic elements guides your understanding of the production of film within a particular time period.  Possibly case-study films include Bonnie and Clyde, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Inception, and Django Unchained

This module will be externally assessed with a 1 ½ hour examination.

Component 2: European film

The focus is on the study of British film and non-English European film.  Part of the component will be an historical comparative study of two British films such as Brief Encounter and Atonement, considering and analysing the thematic links or links through issues which the films raise.  You will also study one European, non-English based film, such as Pan’s Labyrinth or Ida, considering its distinctive European context and theme.

This module will be externally assessed with a 1 ½ hour examination.

Component 3: Production

This component comprises an individually based production which relates to the creative aspects of the film industry. This synoptic piece of work will allow you to put into practice the filmmaking ideas you have developed throughout the course of study.  The production may take the form of a filmed extract from a feature film of your own creation, or a screenplay extract with a strong focus on narrative.    

The module is assessed internally and by external moderation and is worth 30% of your overall grade.

Entry requirements

Individual Subject Entry Requirements English Language minimum B

Teaching and assessment

Written exams and coursework assignment

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

3 September 2025

End date

19 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

ASCC3F06
L3

Qualification

Film Studies - AS
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What our students say

“CAVC is a great place to study A Levels – the teachers, the support, the facilities and social experience has been so good – I’m delighted to have gained all A’s in my AS exams. The support to apply and prepare for university is brilliant and I’m looking forward to progressing after college.”

A Levels learner
Kuba Lewandowski
A levels

Career prospects & further study

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:

  • Arts
  • English
  • Film Studies 

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Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE