Film Studies - AS
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.
Start date
End date
Time of day
Full Time
Course code
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“In regards to enrichment opportunities the college has given me I got to work on two small short films. They aired on BBC Two which was such an amazing experience. I also been very much helped in my application process to go to a summer school in New York City where I’ll be studying next year for two months.”
Career prospects & further study
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
Need to know
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