AS and A-Level Film Studies is dedicated to studying and understanding Film as an art, an industry and an entertainment. The films that are studied are subjected to close critical, contextual and textual analysis. The messages and values that films communicate are studied, as are their themes and ideas, morality and representations and how these affect the audience. Films are deconstructed into their technical aspects, and the film and cinema industries are studied. The first year of study concentrates on British and Hollywood Cinema. The second year looks at World Cinema and critical concepts in preparation for University.
WHAT WILL I DO?
Both the AS and A2 years are assessed through two separate units, one of which is coursework based.
AS Units
FM1: Exploring Film Form
This unit is an introduction to the concepts of Film Studies (ideas like genre and narrative). This unit concentrates on developing close analysis skills – your ability to identify and understand different techniques and ideas. There is also a creative element which develops your ability to place concepts into a film of your own imagining. Internally Assessed 20%
FM2: British and American Film
This unit is split into three parts. Section A: Producers and Audiences, examines the Film Industry relating to issues of film-makers and the how the audience choose and watch films. The history of the British and American film industries is studied. Section B: British Cinema investigates a topic from British Cinema history, Swinging Britain 1963 - 1973, analysing the films and placing them within their historical context. Section C: US Film - Comporative Study closely examines a selection of Hollywood Films. Externally Assessed 2 ½ hour Exam 30%
A2 Units:
FM3: Film Research and Creative Projects
This unit develops the ideas learnt in AS giving students to lead their own research topic and develop a project around one of the Key Concepts. Alongside this creative skills are further developed in a longer creative project. Internally Assessed 20%
FM4 Varities of film Experience - Issues and Debates
This unit is split into three. Section A examines World Cinema, concentrating on movements such as New Wave. Section B concentrates on Film Spectatorship, the relationship of the film to the viewer. Section C relates the Spectator to Critical Debate, looking at how critical reactions influence and change audiences. Externally Assessed 2 ¾ hour exam 30%.
An AS qualification requires one year of study. A full A Level requires two years.
Full time A Level students require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at C or above.
Film Studies equips you with a broad range of critical abilities that have particular relevance for those who wish to pursue jobs in the film industry, journalism, and broadcasting. It can particularly help a student advance towards Higher Education studying Film or Media.
Full time Courses are free for those who are under 19 on 31 August of the year they start their course. For others, fees may vary depending on personal circumstances. Please enquire for details.
International and EU Students, please contact the International Office on +44 (0)1205 313212 or enquiry@boston.ac.uk for details on Fees.
Exam fees: Approximately £40 per year.
Where courses last for more than one year, only the first year"s fees are shown
You can apply for this course by applying online, by filling out an application form from the College prospectus or by contacting the Information Officer on 01205 313218 for further information. The Information on this Course Information Sheet is correct at time of print, but can be subject to change at anytime.
The Information on this Course Information Sheet is correct at time of print, but can be subject to change at anytime.