Regardless of whether you prefer high-budget, Hollywood blockbusters or Scandinavian art cinema, any film can be studied. Film Studies A Level is an academic discipline that examines the form, content, historical, cultural and economic aspects of cinema. This course will ignite your passion for film and encourage broader cultural and historical perspectives on this academic area of study.
Film Studies A Level inspires you to learn beyond the confines of the classroom as well as develop personal and interpersonal skills. Whether you prefer practical work or theoretical exploration the department has something to offer any individual who is driven to explore the media in greater depth.
Our Film Studies students have access to a wealth of technical expertise and industry-standard equipment which enables them to excel. The QMC School of Creative Arts is located in the Allen Building, a purpose-built creative space. We are equipped with computer suites fully equipped with the latest Adobe package (including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro and After Effects). There is also Lumix and Black Magic cameras and a TV studio for use.
One of the hardest things about Film Studies A Level is the amount of thinking and talking that you have to do. There’s a lot of processing and reflection in lessons, and so the more practice you can get reading and thinking, the better. There’s always a temptation to talk about our favourite films, and of course that’s part of it, but you’ll be developing more critical thinking skill.
Where can this course take me?
In addition to gaining a detailed knowledge of cinema, students are expected to leave the course with enhanced skills in a range of key areas, including: creative thinking, problem-solving, effective communication and self-management. This qualification provides a strong foundation for learners to progress to Higher Education and equips learners for progression into the workplace.
Many of our students continue their study of film at degree level. A high number also progress into careers related to the film industry, including: film production, film journalism and marketing/distribution. Our ex-students have continued their study of cinema at university, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Universities attended by our ex-students include: Bournemouth University; King’s College, University of London; University of Southampton; Southampton Solent University; and University of Warwick.
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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
During your time in Film Studies, you will be given the opportunity to go on trips to enhance your experience through visiting key institutions and locations and engaging in activities away from the classroom. Recently, we have visited Pinewood Studios, the British Film Institute and saw the Kubrick exhibition at the Design Museum. We’ve also looked at exhibitions of work by experimental filmmakers at the Tate Gallery. We believe that these experiences are vital to your development as a student and would urge you to take these opportunities whenever you can. To see more photos from our trips please look on our Instagram page.
One of the many experiences we offer is our annual trip to LA in the second year. We stay in Studio City, where many silent and classic Hollywood films were shot. The students who come with us get an amazing experience, and we visit many famous locations, but also some of the major studios for guided tours including Sony, Warner Brothers and Universal.
As well as the work you produce for your A level, you will be given opportunities to enter local and national competitions and engage in projects outside of your normal studies. We regularly have talks from universities, professionals and companies to give you a broader understanding of future options. We are currently working closely with the Exit 6 Film Festival, and we arranged a visit to Pinewood Studios with locally-based Sony.
We also offer enrichments within the department, such as Film Club, to help develop your understanding and give you a broader experience which will benefit your future ambitions. View more enrichment opportunities here.
Media Universal Studios Trip 2018
Media Universal Studios Trip 2018
Copy Of Pinewood Studios Trip (1)
Media Universal Studios Trip 2018
Media Universal Studios Trip 2018
Media Universal Studios Trip 2018
Media Universal Studios Trip 2018
Media Universal Studios Trip 2018
Copy Of Bournemouth Uni Trip (1)
Film Department
Work Experience
Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) – Visual Effects and Animation Virtual Work Experience Placement.
Industrial Light & Magic is an American motion picture visual effects company that was founded in May 1975 by George Lucas. It is a division of the film production company Lucasfilm, which Lucas founded, and was created when Lucas began production of the film Star Wars. Students completed a three-day virtual work placement where they worked in teams to recreate a scene from one of ILM’s previous projects, they also heard from several ILM staff about the diverse job roles in the VFX industry. Quotes from two of the students below:
Rhiann Gillman
“We had three days filled with talks and q&a sessions with industry experts as well as a group project where we planned a film centered around visual effects. We then pitched this alongside a presentation of mood boards to a panel of visual effects specialists who gave us feedback. The experience gave me skills in teamwork and leadership, and it showed me how film is a really collaborative process.”
George Carter
George studied BA (HONS) Film at Falmouth.
He is now making some short films and talking about films!
"I went to QMC on recommendation on how strong the Creative Arts department is, and I was not disappointed. The amount of support I have received throughout the film course has been fantastic and it has really helped me become fully engaged with the course. The equipment for the practical work is really good and helps make the work look professional and you feel proud of what you created. The teachers are also really engaging and helpful which really helps with the enjoyment of the theoretical side of the course. My highlight trips would be the LA Trip in February 2020. It was amazing to see the different studios and all the landmarks used in some iconic films set in the area, such as Griffith Observatory. The other highlight being a trip to the Stanley Kubrick exhibition. To see all the props used on such iconic films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shining and A Clockwork Orange was fantastic and as someone who aspires to be involved in with filmmaking in some capacity, it was a truly eye opening and inspiring experience."
