Free A Level Film Studies in Milton Keynes

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body

About this course

Free GCE A Level in Film Studies in Milton Keynes. Classes run at St Paul's Catholic School. This two-year, full-time daytime course explores film as a critical and cultural medium, developing your ability to analyse how films work, what they mean, and why they matter. You'll study a range of films and filmmaking contexts, building skills in written analysis and critical argument. Entry requires a minimum of 34 points and at least a Grade 4 in English.

Who this course is for

In an increasingly media-saturated world, the study of film in all its forms is vital to our critical understanding of the modern world. 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. Film Studies consequently makes an important contribution to the curriculum, offering the opportunity to investigate how film works both as a medium of representation and as an aesthetic medium. Studying film will constantly make you rethink what you know about cinema. It will make you change the way you look at films.

The WJEC Eduqas specification 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 learners 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 the learning experience.

Entry requirements

34 points minimum. A minimum of a Grade 4 in English must have been achieved.

What you will learn

  • You'll analyse how films construct meaning through cinematography, editing, sound, and mise-en-scène.
  • You'll study a range of films across different genres, movements, and national cinemas.
  • You'll evaluate the cultural and social significance of film as a medium.
  • You'll develop extended written arguments about film texts and contexts.
  • You'll examine the relationship between film production, distribution, and audiences.
  • You'll produce critical responses to unseen film material under timed conditions.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based study, including film screenings, discussion, and written analysis. Assessment is by written examinations and a non-exam assessment component. The WJEC specification requires you to demonstrate close textual analysis, contextual understanding, and extended critical writing across the assessments.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. St Paul's Catholic School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Film critic or reviewer: write analysis for publications or online platforms.
  • Media researcher: gather and assess content for broadcast or digital media.
  • Content producer: plan and develop video or multimedia content.
  • Screenwriter: develop scripts for film, television, or online platforms.
  • Communications officer: create and manage messaging for organisations.
  • Marketing executive: develop campaigns drawing on visual and cultural insight.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Film Studies: the natural next step, deepening critical and theoretical study of film.
  • BA (Hons) Media Studies or Media Production: broadens into television, digital media, and journalism.
  • BA (Hons) English Literature: shares the analytical writing skills developed in Film Studies.
  • Foundation Degree in Creative Media: a more applied route into media production roles.