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.
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.
Individual Subject Entry Requirements English Language minimum B
Written exams and coursework assignment
“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.”
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: