Haverhill Community Sixth Form

Film Studies

The film studies A Level course challenges you to develop your ability to be a reflective, creative, and experimental learner across both the analysis and creation moving image.

You will discover how the film industry assigns visual narrative within the implicit and explicit. Meanings of a range of British and international films.

Moreover, you will develop essay writing skills and train your ability to argue your point with evidence and in a clear concise manner whilst also developing your ability to create original films and write original scripts within a supportive and creative environment.

At HC6, we have two film studies suites equipped with Apple Macs using Final Cut Pro and filming equipment such as but not limited to lighting and greenscreen. All of which will prepare you to further study the course at university.


Course details

Qualification: A-level

Exam Board: EDUQAS

Exam make-up: Individual exam (70%) / Coursework (30%)

Unit Titles: Component 1 – Varieties of film and filmmaking. Component 2 – Global filmmaking perspectives. Component 3 – Production.

Key skills required: Passion for film and visual narrative, analysis skills and critical thinking, essay writing, filmmaking and/or scriptwriting. 

Entry Requirements: Grade 5 in Film/Media Studies or English at GCSE

Career prospects:

  • Filmmaking
  • Film directing
  • Cinematographer, editor or set design.
  • Publishing, journalism, content managers or editors. 
  • Advertising, marketing, public relations, or graphic design. 
  • Teaching, lecturing and academia. 

Complementary subjects: Art, Photography, Sociology, History, English Literature and Drama.


Staff details

Name: Daisy Hopkins

Degree Subject: BA (Hons) Fine Arts

University studied at: Norwich University of the Arts


Film Studies

“I really enjoyed media studies- at Samuel Ward because we learnt how to make a professional short film. I also found the horror module interesting. For me, media studies opened many doors. I went on to study media production at Lincoln university where I learnt skills in radio, tv, film production, digital media, and graphic design.

I achieved a first-class honours in media production and having such a wide skill set made it easier to get into the industry. I am now working at a medical communications agency as a graphic designer.”

Olivia Halpin
A Level/BTEC grade achieved: A
Studied at Lincoln University