Sociology and Film (Placement Year) Lancaster University

Why study Sociology and Film at Lancaster?

• Find out how sociologists use theories to interpret and engage with contemporary social issues at local, national, and international levels

• Learn from respected academics who shape public policy through their advisory work, public engagement and media appearances

• Develop advanced skills in critical thinking, data analysis, communication and research design, combined with in-depth knowledge of underpinning theories

• Deepen your knowledge of global film history and theory 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

How is Sociology taught at Lancaster University?

We bring our ongoing research directly into the classroom to engage you with contemporary debates, methods and findings as they are being developed. You will explore big ideas, not as abstract issues, but as lived experiences that are governed, contested, and researched in specific social contexts. You’ll learn how sociologists frame questions, work with theories to interpret evidence, and draw on data to reveal patterns, inequalities, and social consequences that are not always immediately visible.

By the end of the degree, you’ll have the confidence and skills to engage in lively debates and undertake your own sociological research on topics that matter to you.

What aspects of Film does Lancaster’s course cover?

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 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 opportunities are there outside the course?

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

Our creative community extends from our campus to Lancaster, where the city centre arts venue, The Dukes, shows the latest independent and foreign films. In previous years, final year students have shown their own films there. There are also mainstream cinemas, and the city has a vibrant programme of literary and music events.

We have strong industry connections with The British Film Institute, The Bay International Film Festival, LA1 Shorts Festival and Lancaster International Film Festival. You will have opportunities to attend masterclasses, engage in community-based film productions, and participate in local film festivals.

Your Placement Year

Sometimes known as a year in industry, your placement year will take place between your second and final year of study and this will extend your degree to four years. You'll spend your third year in a graduate-level position, where you’ll work for between nine and twelve months in the type of role that you might be considering for after you graduate.

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.