Year 12 Course Finder
Click on the icons to find out more about the courses we offer in Year 12-13.
Business Studies
Creative and Digital Media
Health and Social Care
Applied Science
Performing & Production Arts
Biology
Chemistry
English Literature
Politics
Maths
Psychology
Sociology
Religious Studies
Film Studies
Drama & Theatre
Creative and Digital Media
Specification
OCR Cambridge Technical
Qualification
- OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Digital Media (05846)
- OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Digital Media (05875)
Aims of the course
The media are part of everyone’s everyday life in contemporary society. We use the media to help make sense of the world we live in. Studying media equips students to understand and make sense of the world around them, as we move towards a world where more and more of our everyday tasks are on a digital platform the study of digital media gives students the skills to not just be informed and critical consumers of the media but skilled and passionate creators.
This qualification is designed for learners aged 16 years or over who want to study creative and digital media concept and production development. It allows them to specialise in either digital content for interactive media or moving image and audio production. Learners will develop specialist knowledge, understanding and skills in their chosen area, to prepare them for employment in the creative and digital media sector in job roles such as digital layout artists, assistant animators, production runners or freelance crew or for a mediarelated apprenticeship. It could also provide a route to a higher education media-related programme such as Digital Media, Media Production, Media and Communications, Journalism and Media, Digital Marketing.
How is it taught?
- Students will develop professional and social skills through a detailed study of contemporary media industries; as well as theoretical and technical knowledge and understanding to underpin these skills. This will allow their creativity and flair to be harnessed in the design and production of media products used within the industry. Students will have access to cutting edge media facilities to gain industry standard hands on experience in media production all within a nurturing and supportive classroom environment.
Course units and texts studied
Examined units
· Unit 1 – Media Products and Audience
· Unit 2 – Pre-Production and planning
· Unit 6 – Social Media and Globalisation
· Unit 25 – Research for product development (Extended diploma only)
How is it assessed?
- Units 1, 2, 6 and 25 are assessed by examination and marked by OCR. The remaining units are internally assessed and moderated by OCR.
Suggested reading
-
-
- Non-Fiction
· Key Themes in Media Theory, Dan Laughey 2007
· The Media Student’s Book, Gill Branston 2010
· The Story of Film, Mark Cousins 2011Fiction
· 1984, George Orwell 1948
· Remote,David Shields 1992
· The Circle, Dave Eggers 2013
- Non-Fiction
-
Destinations and future careers
The creative industries are growing faster than any other sector in the UK – great news for our talented creatives!84% of our Year 13 media graduates are going on to pursue careers in the creative industries. These industries are exciting, challenging, creative and extremely rewarding, with a plethora of potential roles and careers to choose from. Creative and digital media requires creativity and practical skills, but also a level of analytical ability and critical thinking.
Next steps
- Apprenticeships:Social Media Apprentice, Digital Marketing Trainee, Design Apprentice, Photographic Assistant, Music Production Apprentice, Junior Content Creator, Production Runner, Advertising & Marketing Apprentice,Broadcasting Production Assistant.
- Higher Education pathways may include: Film and TV Production, Animation, Games Design, Journalism, Photography and Documentary Making.
- Careers:Filmmaker, Scriptwriter, Journalist, Studio Manager, Camera Operator, Radio Producer, Videographer, Cinematographer, Advertiser and Events Organiser.
Transition Materials
Creative Industries: Head Start
We’re really excited that you have chosen a MUTC Creative Industries specialism to study for your future career. Current subject areas include Media & Film, Performing Arts and Literature.
If you would like to know more about Creative Industries and prepare for life as a Creative Industries student please send an email to admissions@mulberryutc.org. Our friendly team will put you in touch with members of staff from the Creative Industries department, who will grant you personalised access to our ‘Head Start’ page.
When you receive the login details, you can begin to explore and learn more about the team and our subjects, as well as having a go at some of the challenges we have prepared for you!
We look forward to hearing from you.
Creative Industries Team
“Studying Media at Mulberry UTC is not like being at school, we have access to amazing equipment and facilities and the lessons are hands on, it’s almost as if we are already in the industry.”
Year 13 student
Performing Arts and Production
Specification
OCR Cambridge Technical
Qualification
- Cambridge Technical Diploma Performing Arts Level 3 Acting
- Cambridge Technical Diploma Performing Arts Level 3 Theatre Production
Aims of the course
The benefits of studying the various arts involved in performance are limitless. Through creative expression, students learn to comprehend our world more effectively and are better equipped to navigate the challenges they may be confronted with in the future. Mulberry UTC students of performance and production arts:
- learn the value of critical feedback, both positive and constructive
- develop cognitive abilities which complement study in other areas, for example, confidence, self-expression, forming and expressing opinions, public speaking, team work
- earn to communicate and collaborate effectively with each other and the adults they work with
- gain a real sense of what a career in the performing arts will be like
- gain a sense of independence and interdependence
- develop a sense of empathy and tolerance through expressing their own and listening to others’ opinions
- understand the importance of self-discipline and perseverance
- enjoy the exhilaration and excitement of being part of a successful performance
How it is taught, course units and assessment
Acting – Mandatory Units
- Prepare to work in the performing arts sector (120 GLH Externally Assessed)
The aim of the unit is to equip you with the knowledge and understanding of the wider business context for your chosen career route; this will be in the preparation of focused application materials and in recognising the organisations that will have an impact on that route. You will also explore the logistical and financial constraints that have an impact on the sector and, therefore, your place in it.
- Proposal for a commissioning brief (60 GLH Externally Assessed)
Working as a community artist can be both challenging and highly rewarding and community groups of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds have benefited from working with committed and creative young artists. This unit will equip you with the range of skills to be able to set out proposals as a response to a given brief and then set up and pilot performances and/or workshops. It will also provide you with a set of transferable skills that will underpin freelance work in your chosen artistic field.
- Influential performance practice (60 GLH Externally Assessed)
You will learn about genres, styles and periods, social, cultural and historical influences and significant theatrical/performance developments and practitioners. To help understand the demands of performing a piece of repertoire, you will need to be familiar with the context in which the piece was created and the stylistic conventions of the style or genre into which the piece fits. You will become familiar with a range of different styles and periods, e.g. Classical, Modern and Postmodern, within their social, cultural and historical contexts and will be able to select, adapt and apply elements of your research into your performance concept and practical performance.
- Acting Technique (120 GLH Internally Assessed)
You will explore acting techniques in practical workshops and classes and begin to understand how some texts demand particular ways of performing and how some remain open to the unique approach of the actor. You will also need to perform with reference to a specific technique, responding to direction and keeping detailed documentation of the process of performance and the subsequent development of your relationship with the technique being applied.
- Arts Administration (120 GLH Externally Assessed)
In this unit, you will gain a greater knowledge of the broader supporting functions of the sector which facilitate performance work. Whatever role you take within the performing arts you will use this knowledge and understanding to underpin your career.
You will then study further units from option pathways to make up 720 GLH/Credits. Possible units are:
- Theatre Directing
- Classical Theatre Performance
- Scriptwriting
- Combined Arts
- Improvisation
- Performing Repertoire
Units will be decided based on the strengths of the group and in planning with the external employer/ company opportunities available in the academic year.
Theatre Production– Mandatory Units
- Prepare to work in the performing arts sector (120 GLH Externally Assessed)
The aim of the unit is to equip you with the knowledge and understanding of the wider business context for your chosen career route; this will be in the preparation of focused application materials and in recognising the organisations that will have an impact on that route. You will also explore the logistical and financial constraints that have an impact on the sector and, therefore, your place in it.
- Proposal for a commissioning brief (60 GLH Externally Assessed)
Working as a community artist can be both challenging and highly rewarding and community groups of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds have benefited from working with committed and creative young artists. This unit will equip you with the range of skills to be able to set out proposals as a response to a given brief and then set up and pilot performances and/or workshops. It will also provide you with a set of transferable skills that will underpin freelance work in your chosen artistic field.
-
- Influential performance practice (60 GLH Externally Assessed)
You will learn about genres, styles and periods, social, cultural and historical influences and significant theatrical/performance developments and practitioners. To help understand the demands of performing a piece of repertoire, you will need to be familiar with the context in which the piece was created and the stylistic conventions of the style or genre into which the piece fits. You will become familiar with a range of different styles and periods, e.g. Classical, Modern and Postmodern, within their social, cultural and historical contexts and will be able to select, adapt and apply elements of your research into your performance concept and practical performance.
- Production and Stage Management Process (120 GLH Internally Assessed)
This unit will give you an understanding of the diverse range of skills demanded by these processes. You will learn about the role of the production manager and the role of the stage management team as well as the skills, techniques and methods that are used. You will also have an opportunity to fulfil aspects of these roles and further develop your understanding.
- Arts Administration (120 GLH Externally Assessed)
In this unit, you will gain a greater knowledge of the broader supporting functions of the sector which facilitate performance work. Whatever role you take within the performing arts you will use this knowledge and understanding to underpin your career.
You will then study further units from option pathways to make up 720 GLH/ Credits. Possible units are:
- Stage Lighting Design and Operation
- Stage Sound Design and Operation
- Character Design and Realisation
- Set Design and Realisation
- Combined Arts
- Improvisation
- Performing Repertoire.
Units will be decided based on the strengths of the group and in planning with the external employer/ company opportunities available in the academic year.
Course units and texts studied
- Component 1:Cultural Transmission, Families, Education, Research Methods
- Component 2: Crime and Deviance, Social stratification and differentiation, Applied methods
Suggested Reading
Non-Fiction
- The Frantic Assembly Book of Devising TheatreScott, Graham 2009
- Performance: A Critical Introduction, Marvin Carlson 1996
Fiction
- Lucky Break, Esther Freud 2011
- The Understudy, David Nicolls 2006
- Wise Children, Angela Carter 1991
Destinations
- Researcher
- Politician
- Community development worker
- Teacher/ lecturer
- International aid worker
- Policy officer
- Social/ youth worker
- Youth worker
- Journalist
- Police officer
Next steps
- Higher Education: Applied Theatre, Theatre Studies, Drama, Performing Arts, Theatre, Television and Performance, Theatre Production, Costume Construction for Screen and Stage, Prop Making and Special Effects and Stage Management.
- Future careers: Actor, Director, Costumer, Scriptwriter, Theatre Manager, Set Designer, Theatre Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Lighting Technician, Sound Technician, Theatre Marketing Assistant, Marketing Officer, Marketing Manager, Drama Therapist and Theatre Make-up Artist.
Transition Materials
Creative Industries: Head Start
We’re really excited that you have chosen a MUTC Creative Industries specialism to study for your future career. Current subject areas include Media & Film, Performing Arts and Literature.
If you would like to know more about Creative Industries and prepare for life as a Creative Industries student please send an email to admissions@mulberryutc.org. Our friendly team will put you in touch with members of staff from the Creative Industries department, who will grant you personalised access to our ‘Head Start’ page.
When you receive the login details, you can begin to explore and learn more about the team and our subjects, as well as having a go at some of the challenges we have prepared for you!
We look forward to hearing from you.
Creative Industries Team
“I like the fact that a lot of the course is practical – one of the units that I particularly enjoyed was costume making – I learned a lot of new techniques and skills.” Year 12 student
A Level Chemistry
Specification
Exam Board: OCR
Qualification
A Level Chemistry A (H432)
Aims of the course
Chemistry sometimes is called the “central science” because it connects other sciences to each other.
Chemistry helps you to develop research, problem solving and analytical skills. It helps to you challenge ideas and show how you worked things out through logic and step-by-step reasoning. Chemistry often requires teamwork and communication skills too, which is great for project management.
This course is designed to be stimulating, enjoyable and challenging. We want you to develop a passion for the subject and understand its practical relevance, as well as learn from the experiences of those already in the industry. Class time is supported by trips, conferences, spectroscopy workshops with UCL and talks by relevant professionals in the industry. Due to the networking opportunities available to you at the UTC this makes you a very competitive candidate for any degree or apprenticeship.
How is it taught?
Students will study a two-year syllabus (OCR A: H432) for A level Chemistry which is assessed at the end of the course by 3 examinations.
The course is taught in a stimulating and energetic way with practical opportunities interleaved into the curriculum to ensure as manyoccasions to hone these skills as possible so all our Chemists are proficient and skilled practitioners.
The course is academic and students will be expected to complete pre-reading and read books and journals from beyond the curriculum to develop their scientific literacy and love of Chemistry.
Course units and texts studied
All of the below papers will be taken at the end of Year 13.
- Paper 1:Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry
- Paper 2:Synthesis and Analytical Techniques
- Paper 3:Unified Chemistry
How is it assessed?
- Paper 1:100 marks. Assessment includes multiple choice, structured and extended response questions from Module 1, 2, 3 and 5, which relate to inorganic and physical chemistry, fundamentals of Chemistry and practical skills.
Duration, 2h15min. 37% - Paper 2:100 marks. Assessment includes multiple choice, structured and extended response questions from Module 1,2,4,6, which relate to organic chemistry, analytical techniques, fundamentals of Chemistry and practical skills.
Duration: 2h15min. 37% - Paper 3:70 marks. Assessment includes synoptic questions that are structured or extended response. The synoptic questions may draw on knowledge from any of the 6 modules studied.
Duration 1h30min. 26% - Practical Endorsement:Students demonstrate competency in 12 Practical Activity Group areas over the course of two years. The assessment of practical competency will be reported separately on students’ certificate as either a ‘pass’ or a ‘fail’. This standalone certification has no bearing on the A Level grade, however universities expect a ‘pass’ in order to progress onto science-based courses.
Suggested reading
- The Disappearing Spoon, Sam Kean
- Uncle Tungsten, Oliver Sachs
Destinations and future careers
Students wishing to study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, chemical engineering or veterinary or pharmacological sciences at university must take A-level Chemistry. Chemistry A Level is also a very useful A level to study any scientific degree e.g. Optometry, Biomedical Sciences, Physiotherapy.
Transition Materials
Science activity – Clinical Skills
A Level English Literature
Aims of the course
In a world where ‘fake news’ and misleading social media stories have taken hold, it is more important than ever that students leave college with finely tuned critical faculties. By the time they enter the job market, students must be able to analyse and problem solve, whilst also thinking critically and thoughtfully. The MUTC course in English Literature aims to:
- Give students the confidence to express themselves clearly and with precision
- Examine and critique both their own opinions and the opinions of others in a clear and respectful way
- Foster a love of reading, and the motivation to seek out other opinions, thoughts and knowledge
- Help pupils to make sense of themselves and the world around them by giving them access to creative ways in which to articulate their own experiences
- Encourage a students to think in diverse ways, so they can see ideas and problems from multiple angles and construct creative solutions
Be strong confident leaders, who speak with purpose and empathy
How is it taught?
A level Biology provides a solid grounding in analytical thinking, writing reports and clear communication – all of which are useful life skills. You will undertake lab and field experiments which underpin the theoretical study; they also hone your teamwork and practical abilities.
You will need to develop your knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and demonstrate how they relate to one another. Lab work and writing up experiments will help you develop your skills and competence in scientific methods and scientific communication, and you will get plenty of practice in mathematical and problem-solving techniques, too.
Students will study a two-year syllabus (OCR A: H420) for A level Biology which is assessed at the end of the course. The course is academic and students will be expected to complete pre-reading and read books and journals from beyond the curriculum to develop their scientific literacy and love of Biology.
Course units and texts studied
AS Level Assessments
- Paper 1: Love through the ages: Shakespeare and poetry
Study of two texts: one Shakespeare play and one AQA anthology of love poetry through the ages (pre-1900 or post-1900) - Paper 2: Love through the ages: Study of two prose texts
Examination will include an unseen prose extract
A Level Assessments
- Paper 1: Love through the ages
Study of three texts: one poetry and one prose text, of which one must be written pre-1900, and one Shakespeare play. Examination will include two unseen poems - Paper 2: Texts in shared contexts
Choice of two options:
Option 2A: WW1 and its aftermath
Option 2B: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day
How is it assessed?
AS Level Assessments
- Paper 1: Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, closed book, 50 marks, 50% of AS level
- Paper 2: Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, open book, 50 marks, 50% of AS level
A Level Assessments
- Paper 1: Written exam: 3 hours
- Paper 2: Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, open book, 75 marks, 40% of A-level
Suggested Reading
Prose
- Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights
- Jane Austen, Pride and Predjudice
- Zadie Smith, White Teeth
- George Orwell, 1984
- Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
- Daphne Du Maurier, Rebecca
- Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns
Poetry
- Philip Larkin
- William Blake
- Carol Ann Duffy
- Lord Byron
- William Wordsworth
Drama
- William Shakespeare
- Alan Beckett
- Oscar Wilde
- Tennessee Williams
Destinations and future careers
A Level English has a multitude of applications in life beyond the UTC. For those going on to higher education, English Literature is a highly regarded and much sought after qualification which shows that a student is articulate, critical and creative in their approach to their studies. It is an essential choice for those wishing to go on to study degrees in English, Law, Business and many arts and humanities subjects.
Outside of education, English provides students with the skills and confidence to attempt their own writing. Whether it be a novel, film and TV scripts, song lyrics or poetry collections, students will be empowered to channel their thoughts and opinions into their own, new pieces of literature and art.
Transition Materials
Creative Industries: Head Start
We’re really excited that you have chosen a MUTC Creative Industries specialism to study for your future career. Current subject areas include Media & Film, Performing Arts and Literature.
If you would like to know more about Creative Industries and prepare for life as a Creative Industries student please send an email to admissions@mulberryutc.org. Our friendly team will put you in touch with members of staff from the Creative Industries department, who will grant you personalised access to our ‘Head Start’ page.
When you receive the login details, you can begin to explore and learn more about the team and our subjects, as well as having a go at some of the challenges we have prepared for you!
We look forward to hearing from you.
Creative Industries Team
“That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” Scott Fitzgerald
A Level Politics
Exam Board
Edexcel
Qualification
A Level Politics
Aims of the course
A Level Politics shows how the political decisions made by governments around the world have a direct impact on our lives. It will help you to know your rights; clarifies why you believe what you do; enables you to understand your nation’s parties and prepares you for adult life.
How is it taught?
Through a range of debates, reading, discussions and research you will understand how and why contemporary society is shaped as it is. Through watching the news, engaging with political programmes and reading newspapers, you will develop an appreciation for the intricacies of governments around the world.
Course units and texts studied
- Unit 1: UK Politics
- Unit 2: UK government
- Unit 3: Comparative Politics
How is it assessed?
- 3 examinations, 2 hours each, 33% each
- Throughout the course, students will be assessed through example and past paper exam questions, comprising of 12 and 30m questions
Suggested reading
- In Defence of Politics, Bernard Crick
- What’s Left?: How Liberals Lost Their Way, Nick Cohen
- Who Runs This Place?: The Anatomy of Britain in the 21st Century, Anthony Sampson, John Murray
- Why Politics Matters: Making Politics Work, Gerry Stoker
- The End of History, Francis Fukuyama,
- The Right Nation: Why America is Different, John Micklethwait
- The Ideas that Conquered the World, Michael Mandelbaum
- After Blair: David Cameron and the Conservative Tradition, Kieron O’Hara, Icon,
- How Democratic is the American Constitution?, Robert Dahl
Destinations and future careers
· Civil Service
· Government social research officer
· Policy officer
· Politician/ politician’s assistant
· Public affairs consultant
· Public relations account executive
· Social researcher
· Business development manager
· Detective
· Local government officer
· Market researcher
· Newspaper journalist
· Public relations officer
Stockbroker
Transition Materials
Politics acitivty – Year 11 Transition Pack
“Politics has helped me improve my debating skills- I now know why I think the way I do but I also understand why others have different viewpoints – I use this to help my argument!” Year 12 student
A Level Psychology
Exam Board
AQA
Qualification
A Level Psychology
Aims of the course
Psychology is the scientific study of mental life and human behaviour. It helps explain how we think, feel and act both individually and as part of a social group. By understanding psychology, we have the capacity to predict behaviour and improve society.
How is it taught?
The study of Psychology is based on scientific research principles. Students will learn through a range of methods including creating and practicing their own experiments, analysing and evaluating famous psychological case studies and observations, and conducting presentations using statistical data to explain or predict behaviour.
Course units and texts studied
- Paper 1: Social influence, memory, attachment, psychopathology
- Paper 2: Approaches, biopsychology, research methods
- Paper 3: Issues and debates; relationships; schizophrenia; aggression
How is it assessed?
- 3 examinations, 2 hours each
- Throughout the course, students will be assessed through example and past paper exam questions, comprising of 4, 6, 8, and 16 mark questions.
Suggested reading
- ‘A beautiful mind’ (2001) – useful for schizophrenia
- ‘Mockingbird don’t sing’ (2001) – useful for privation
- ‘Adaptation’ (2002) – Personality disorder
- ‘Amelie’ (2001) – Schizotypal Personality Disorder
- ‘Analyze this’ (1999) – Depression
- ‘As good as it gets’ (1997) – OCD
- ‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985) – Abnormality, Conformity
- ‘Girl Interrupted’ (1999) – Abnormality
- ‘The Quiet Room’ (1996) – Attachment
Destinations and future careers
· Clinical psychologist
· Counsellingpsychologist
· Educational psychologist
· Forensic psychologist
· Further education teacher
· Health psychologist
· High intensity therapist
· Occupational psychologist
· Psychological wellbeing practitioner
· Sport and exercise psychologist
Transition Materials
Psychology activity – Year 11 Transition Pack
“I love Psychology because it allows us to understand why people behave in the way that they do. We use scientific knowledge to explain patterns of behaviour- it makes us feel like we have an insight into the human mind- it’s fascinating!” Year 12 student
Religious Studies
Exam Board
N/A
Qualification
N/A
Aims of the course
Religious Studies at Mulberry UTC enables students to engage in the study of religion and belief whilst relating it to the specialist pathways they are undertaking. The subject allows learners to reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes on a range of topics, whilst developing their own identities as confident and creative young people.
How is it taught?
The Religious Studies curriculum is taught in three distinct ways:
- Three dedicated drop-down days during the academic year
- ‘Spiritual and Personal Development’ sessions run in tutor time once a week
- Collective worship in assemblies across all year groups
Course units and texts studied
- Religious Studies Day One: Faith in Film
Student will: gain insights into ways of expressing important religious ideas; understand the influence of religion in art/film; consider the value of religious imagery; identify the religious ideas being portrayed in film extracts; evaluate the realism and impact of particular portrayals of founders and leaders; assess the value and effectiveness of the film in communicating the essence of religion.
Religious Studies Day Two: Science and Religion
Students will: explore the difference between scientific knowledge and religious knowledge; explain the nature of ‘truth’ in each; discuss if religion and science are compatible, in conflict or mutually exclusive (co-exist but kept completely separate)
Religious Studies Day Three: Religion Charity and Conflict
Students will: explore the work of global religious charities and their work in conflict zones and upholding human rights around the world.
Tutor time include discussion topics sure as:
- What do different religions state about fairness and tolerance?
- Who are the Amish and what is their way of life?
- Does God exist?
- How does spirituality affect people’s lives?
Mulberry UTC also continues to link with St Joseph’s Hospice and other local religious organisations to support the delivery of religious studies.
How is it assessed?
Throughout the year, students will be assessed through reflections made on their e-portfolio in relation to their learning on the three religious education days, as well as the spiritual development reflection activities completed in tutor time.
Destinations and future careers
Careers related to studying Religious Studies include: Teacher; Social Worker Community development worker; or Family support worker; International aid/development worker; Social researcher; Youth worker; Charity fundraiser; faith advocate.
A Level Film Studies
Aims of the course
Film Studies students will be introduced to a wide variety of films in order to ignite their passion for film and broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. This encourages broader cultural and historical perspectives in this academic area of study. This course of study encourages learners to watch, engage critically with and explore a wide range of film; to develop and sustain confident, personal responses to film via textual analysis; and to enjoy a variety of critically acclaimed films across the major genres. These include films from different cultural perspectives, films from the Silent Era to the present day, and different forms of film, including documentary, shorts and experimental. Studying a diverse range of films from several different contexts is designed to give learners the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to their own filmmaking and screenwriting. This is intended to enable learners to create high quality film and screenplay work as well as provide an informed filmmaker’s perspective on their own study of film. Film Studies reinforces the relationship between academic theory and practice. It is our strong desire that Film Studies should inspire learners to continue learning beyond the confines of the classroom as well as developing personal and interpersonal skills that will serve them well both in Higher Education and in the workplace.
How is it taught?
Film Studies is taught through a combination of academic and technical learning. This involves students accessing the UTC’s cutting edge film facilities to gain industry standard hands on experience in film scripting and production through the use of the UTC’s world class TV and Film Studio, Radio Studio and Editing Suites in a supportive and nurturing classroom environment.
Course units and texts studied
Students will develop knowledge of film form through the study of at least three US set films from:
- the Silent Era
- 1930–1960
- 1961–1990
Students will also study set films from two major European film movements or stylistic developments:
- Experimental film (European surrealist film)
- German expressionism
- French new wave
Students will further develop knowledge and understanding of key critical approaches to film and of narrative, genre, representations and spectatorship. Learners must study at least one set film from each of the categories below:
- Contemporary British
- Contemporary US
- Documentary
- Non-European non-English language
- English language (non-US)
- US Independent.
Students must study one compilation of short British fiction films. Learners have the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills through:
- the production of a 5 minute short film or a 10 minute screenplay for a short film (incorporating a digitally photographed storyboard)
- an evaluative analysis of the production in relation to professionally produced set short films.
How is it assessed?
- Exam 1: Film History (01) 105 marks 2 hour paper. 35% of total A Level.
- Exam 2: Critical Approaches to Film (02) 105 marks 2 hour paper. 35% of total A Level.
- Production: Making Short Film (03/04) 90 marks Non-examined assessment (NEA) 30% of total A Level
Suggested Reading
- How to Read a Film: Movies, Media and Beyond 4th Edition – James Monaco
- Introduction to Film Studies 4th Edition – Ed. Jill Nelmes
- The Classical Hollywood Reader – S. Neale
- The New Hollywood: From Bonnie and Clyde to Star Wars – P. Kramer
- Film England: Culturally English Filmmaking Since the 1990s – A. Higson
- An Introduction to Film Analysis: Technique and Meaning in Narrative Film – M. Ryan
- Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 Most Powerful Film Conventions Every Filmmaker Must Know – J. Van Sijll.
- Introduction to Documentary, Third Edition – B. Nichols
- Experimental Filmmaking: Break the Machine – K. Ramey
- Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting – R. McKee
- ‘Screen’ https://academic.oup.com/screen
This is the leading international journal of academic film and television studies. - ‘Film International’ http://filmint.nu/
Covers film culture as part of the broader culture, history and economy of society.
Destinations and future careers
- Broadcast presenter
- Journalist
- Screenwriter
- Film director
- Film/video editor
- Location manager
- Production design, theatre/television/film
- Programme researcher, broadcasting film/video
- Television/film/video producer
- Production coordinator
- Adverting art director
- Arts administrator
- Concept artist
- Marketing executive
- Special effects technician
- Talent agent
- VFX artist
Transition Materials
Creative Industries: Head Start
We’re really excited that you have chosen a MUTC Creative Industries specialism to study for your future career. Current subject areas include Media & Film, Performing Arts and Literature.
If you would like to know more about Creative Industries and prepare for life as a Creative Industries student please send an email to admissions@mulberryutc.org. Our friendly team will put you in touch with members of staff from the Creative Industries department, who will grant you personalised access to our ‘Head Start’ page.
When you receive the login details, you can begin to explore and learn more about the team and our subjects, as well as having a go at some of the challenges we have prepared for you!
We look forward to hearing from you.
Creative Industries Team
Get in touch
64 Parnell Road, Bow, London, E3 2RU
info@mulberryutc.org
020 3137 7024
