Film and Philosophy (Study Abroad) Lancaster University

Cinema shapes our emotions, our societies, and our futures. This course in Film and Philosophy gives you an exciting opportunity to develop your unique voice alongside engaging with fundamental philosophical questions about human existence, truth and knowledge, right and wrong, politics and justice, art, faith and reason.

Why study Film and Philosophy at 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

• Engage in philosophy as an active practice, learning from philosophers who are involved in developing the research, ideas, and theory you will study

• Study a curriculum that draws upon multiple philosophical traditions including, western, continental, Chinese, and feminist thought

• Gain valuable work experience with internship opportunities through the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, known for its cutting-edge research

What aspects of Film will I study?

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. As well as deepening your knowledge of international film history, you will develop skills of close film analysis, examining how formal elements work in concert to produce meanings and generate effects.

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.

How will I study in Philosophy?

In your Philosophy studies at Lancaster, you will gain strong foundational knowledge, building confidence in key areas of the discipline, before going on to examine specialist topics of particular relevance to your degree in Film and Philosophy. From ethics, epistemology, metaphysics and critical thinking in your first year, to the opportunity to study research-led cutting edge questions at the frontiers of philosophy in your final year , you will leave your degree with a deeper understanding of multiple philosophical traditions, themes and topics, and their relevance to important historical and contemporary challenges.

As a Film and a philosophy student you will study philosophy that will directly inform and draw on your study of Film. Examining debates in language and communication in your second year, and questions in philosophy and popular culture in your final year, you will gain a deeper appreciation of the connections between the two subjects of your degree.

Through this, and through further optional research-led close study of philosophical texts and the live challenges philosophers at Lancaster are working on, you will showcase your philosophical reasoning skills, critical thinking skills and communicative abilities, and develop valuable attributes that will open up a range of career prospects.

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 might participate in our student-run cinema Take2, where you can show your films, or LA1TV - our own TV studio.

Lancaster’s city centre arts venue, The Dukes, shows the latest independent and foreign films and, in previous years, final year students have shown their own films there.

Study abroad

The study abroad option is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree.

Often study abroad students describe the year abroad as a “transformative experience”, as it can shape your future career path as well as having a positive impact on your personal development.

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.