Film, Media and Cultural Studies Lancaster University

This programme explores how media and film shape identities, values, and perspectives. Blending theory with hands-on skills, we help you develop as a critical thinker and creative filmmaker. Stand out from other graduates with your more diverse skill set - from film production techniques to a broad understanding of the media and creative industries.

Why Lancaster?

• Deepen your understanding of global film history and media's role in the world, while gaining hands-on film-making and digital media experience

• Enjoy 24/7 access to our editing suites and specialist equipment, including cinema-ready digital cameras and the latest digital media tools

• Tailor your work to mix written research with film and media practice, developing essential skills in critical analysis, creative thinking, and problem-solving

• Build a creative portfolio by participating in our student film and media societies, including a television station, newspaper, radio station, and cinema

• Take advantage of Lancaster’s inspiring surroundings—cityscape, rural backdrop, and coastal charm—as an ideal setting for creative projects

Film and media from new perspectives

Combining the exciting practice of hands-on film-making with the study of media and culture, this diverse course offers the study of film from a new perspective.

You will have the opportunity to examine media history and how it has shaped all we consume today, from politics and power to subcultures and marginal cultures, the role of gender, race, disability and body image in the media, and media and social (in)justice. You will develop a strong understanding of the media’s social, economic, and political power in everyday life, as well as the historical and contemporary issues we see in the media and how these issues are portrayed through film.

Through practical workshops, you’ll develop skills in film and media production, gaining experience in areas such as film-making, editing, digital content creation, storytelling and scriptwriting, film technique and genre, and film theory.

Past students have completed projects such as:

• Flavours of Home: The Story of TwoThai – A group documentary project exploring the themes of belonging, post-graduation, and entrepreneurship

• Exploring International Life – A documentary about cultural diversity in Lancaster, following the life of two international mums, aiming to shine a light on the story of integration

First-class resources

Our top-of-the-line production facilities will support you in putting your ideas into action. Make use of our cinema-ready digital cameras with prime lenses, DSLR cameras, versatile set lighting, grip equipment and full access to Adobe Creative Cloud in our acoustic editing suites. Our specialist production facilities and purpose-built workshops offer everything you need to master the essentials of digital video and audio production, ensuring you can bring your ideas to life and build a portfolio that showcases your versatility.

Developing your voice and vision

At Lancaster, we will empower you to develop a unique voice. Our teachers are industry professionals and filmmakers, as well as leading experts who influence real-world conversations on topics such as gender and sexualities, race, artificial intelligence, and media ethics.

Get involved with student media societies such as our television station, newspaper, and radio to further hone your creative skills, as well as our student run cinema Take2 where you can show your films and bring your vision to life. You’ll also showcase your work at our annual Degree Show.

Strong industry connections

Studying at Lancaster will open doors to many opportunities that will support you in your future career. You’ll benefit from our strong industry connections with organisations such as The British Film Institute, The Bay International Film Festival and La1 Shorts Festival, as well as industry professionals such as working journalists and media activists.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

ABB. Film, Media or one other humanities subject would be considered desirable but not essential.

Access to HE Diploma

30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 Level 3 credits at Merit. Film, Media or one other humanities subject would be considered desirable but not essential.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM. Ideally this would be in a subject relevant to Film or Media, although this is not essential.

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BB plus BTEC at D. Film, Media or one other humanities subject would be considered desirable but not essential.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Distinction overall

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.