Research into certificates

After creating our storyline, it was very apparent that our film would be a 12A this is because our film only talks about violence and death but doesn't actually show it happening, and there is hardly any strong expletive language in the film. 

What is 12A? 

'12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.' http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/12a-and-12 

Can horror films be classed as a 12A? 

Yes, some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/12a-and-12 

Can other controversial issues such as drugs be included? 

Dangerous behaviour (for example hanging, suicide and self-harming) may be present in 12 or 12A works but will not dwell on detail which could be copied or present those activities as pain or harm free. Discriminatory behaviour should not be endorsed by the film as a whole. There may be infrequent sight of drugs misuse in a 12 or a 12A but the portrayal should not be glamorised or provide instructional details. 

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/12a-and-12 

What is allowed, to what extent is it allowed and what isn't allowed? 

• Discrimination - Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

• Drugs - Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.
• Horror - Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

• Imitable behaviour - Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

• Language - Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.

• Nudity - Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

• Sex - Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

• Theme - Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

• Violence - Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/BBFC%20Classification%20Guidelines%202009_1_0.pdf

What is the difference between a 12 and a 12A? 

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/BBFC%20Classification%20Guidelines%202009_1_0.pdf