Film Studies Lancaster University

Cinema shapes our emotions, our societies, and our futures. Develop your own unique voice with us –exploring rich cinema history and theories and using them to inspire your own practical film projects. From its cityscape and rural backdrops to its coastal charm – Lancaster’s surroundings provide an ideal film setting. You'll graduate with a combination of intellectual and practical skills, in close film analysis, indispensable for critical and creative pursuits.

Why Lancaster?

• Deepen your knowledge of global film history through our exciting programme while also gaining practical film-making experience

• Benefit from 24/7 access to our editing suites and specialist equipment, including cinema-ready digital cameras and workshop spaces

• Gain inspiration from our team of distinguished academics, passionate filmmakers and experienced industry professionals

• Immerse yourself in Lancaster’s stunning surroundings - the perfect backdrop for your films

• Equip yourself for an exciting career in film production, the creative industries and related professions such as media or advertising

Film from all angles

Dive into the fascinating world of film, studying cinema and its history from international perspectives. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the development of cinema, from Victorian novelty films to the thriving global industries of the 21st century. Underpinned by film theory, you will draw on literary theory, social and political theory, philosophy, and psychoanalysis, giving you a deep understanding and a broad view of the influences that helped shape the film industry today.

You will build on your practical skills by delving into cinematography, editing, and sound, whilst also exploring film-making styles such as narrative, documentary and experimental. Together with global film practices, storytelling and scriptwriting, and gender and politics in film, you will be introduced to a wide range of themes that will influence the work you produce throughout your degree and your future career. From tackling the superhero genre through a powerful microfilm, to an award-winning film that provides a ‘women’s lens’ on the fear of walking home alone at night, past graduates have explored a wealth of topics through exciting film projects.

First-class resources

You will have access to top-of-the-line production equipment so you can create your own short films. 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 workshop offer everything you need to master the essentials of digital video and audio production, ensuring you can put your ideas into practice.

A creative community

Studying at Lancaster offers a lively, creative community that extends from our campus to the city’s Castle Quarter and beyond. You might participate in our student-run cinema Take2, where you can show your films, or LA1TV - our own TV studio.

Take advantage of Lancaster’s city centre arts venue, The Dukes, that shows the latest independent and foreign films on our doorstep. In previous years, final year students have shown their own films here. You’ll also be close to mainstream cinemas in Lancaster and nearby Morecambe, and the city’s vibrant programme of annual literary and music events.

You’ll benefit from our strong industry connections such as with The British Film Institute, The Bay International Film Festival, LA1 Shorts Festival and Lancaster International Film Festival. These offer professional insights and opportunities to attend masterclasses, engage in community-based film productions, and participate in local film festivals. We also organise trips to industry hubs such as Media City in Salford, Greater Manchester, giving you the opportunity to see the film industry in action.

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. Theatre, Drama, Dance or Performing Arts are considered desirable subjects, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

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.