Film and Theatre Lancaster University

Cinema and Theatre shape our emotions, our societies, and our futures. Study Film and Theatre at Lancaster to gain interdisciplinary insights and evolve your own artistic voice.

You will bridge practice and theory, developing an original narrative through film and theatre projects. From its cityscape and theatre venues to rural backdrops and its coastal charm – Lancaster’s surroundings provide the ideal setting.

Whether you want to focus on performing, production, cinema history, film theory, scenography, directing or playwriting, join us to shape the film and theatre industry of the future.

Why study Film and Theatre at Lancaster?

• Deepen your knowledge of global film history through our exciting course 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

• Benefit from a forward-thinking curriculum that is firmly based on the skills and knowledge that will be needed in the theatre industry in years to come

• Tailor your studies by specialising in your chosen area of theatre such as acting, scenography, scriptwriting, directing or applied and community performance

• Choose a course that expertly combines practical skills with contextual knowledge, giving you a strong understanding of 21st century theatre and how it can impact society

What can I expect from studying Film at Lancaster University?

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.

You will also build your practical skills in cinematography, editing and sound, and explore 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 could influence the work you produce during your degree and your future career.

You will have access to top-of-the-line production equipment including 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.

What will I study in Theatre?

Focussing on the emerging trends and innovations of 21st-century theatre and performance, we will teach you the building blocks of performance making, whilst supporting your ability to develop highly creative, challenging and impactful work.

You will collaborate with others to create original performance projects spanning multiple genres, from experimental intermedial theatre to naturalism and applied theatre. You will frequently work in professional theatre venues, including the Nuffield Theatre on the University campus.

You might choose to focus on acting, playwriting, scenography or directing. You may see yourself behind the scenes, managing productions from start to finish or creating sound, video and lighting concepts.

What opportunities are there outside the course?

Studying at Lancaster offers a lively, creative community that extends from our campus to the city’s Castle Quarter and beyond. You will have opportunities to attend workshops with industry experts and can engage in community-based film and theatre productions as well as local film festivals.

You will be taught by professional theatre practitioners and top academics, benefitting from their links to leading creative and cultural organisations, such as Arts Council national portfolio organisation, Lancaster Arts, and The Dukes Theatre with their Creative Communities programme.

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. 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.

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 in Performing Arts, but we would also welcome an application from you if you can demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

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. 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.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects. Theatre, Drama or Performance 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.

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. We would also expect you to be able to demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre in your application.

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.

Additional requirements

If you have not studied Theatre, Drama, Dance or Performing Arts as one of your qualifications equivalent to A level, then we would expect you to demonstrate experience and interest in practical theatre elsewhere in your application.

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.