Film

07 to 25 July 2025. Through this immersive three-week course, you’ll develop an understanding of the formal and technical composition of films and the wider conventions of cinema.

Lancaster University film students. photo credit Rebecca Johnson.

Applications are now open

Applications for this Summer School Programme are now open!

Apply to this course

Tab Content: Programme overview

This summer school provides an opportunity to develop theoretical and practical knowledge in the world of film, learn from distinguished research-led academics at a top 150 globally ranked university, and enhance your global competencies by developing a diverse network of fellow creative students.

Who is this course designed for?

If you’re an undergraduate student aged 18 years or over who is studying at a university outside of the UK, you could be eligible for this course.

How you’ll learn

Expand your knowledge through both collaborative environments and independent learning opportunities.

Lectures, seminars and practical workshops

You’ll explore the formal and technical composition of films and learn how to undertake detailed analysis. Workshops will allow you to develop your practical skills using specialist equipment like cameras and digital film tools. You’ll also spend time in our hi-tech editing suites to improve your post-production and editing skills.

Film screenings

You’ll analyse a range of examples, becoming familiar with the key formal and semantic conventions of cinema.

Group project

You’ll work on a practical group project which will include meetings, pitching sessions, production and post-production, and a presentation of your final project. Lancaster’s stunning surroundings provide the perfect setting for your film.

Applications close 14th April 2025.

Apply now

Tab Content: Programme schedule

You’ll learn at an institution ranked 2nd for Film (Communication and Media Studies) by The Complete University Guide (2025).

Week 1
  • Lecture: Cinematography and the shot, and mise-en-scène, plus a film screening
  • Seminar: Discussing the topic and the film
  • Scriptwriting workshop
  • Practical camera and sound workshop
  • Post-production workshops
Week 2
  • Lecture: Editing and film sound, plus a film screening
  • Seminar: Discussing the topic and the film
  • Lecture: Pre-production to production
  • Practical camera and sound workshop
  • Post-production workshops
  • Pitching session and informative feedback on each project
Week 3
  • One-to-one group meeting to finalise the plan for the film project
  • Production and post-production of project
  • Presentation of the completed work

Applications close 14th April 2025.

Apply now

Tab Content: Credits and assessment

Students who complete this programme are awarded 15 LU / 4 US / 7.5 ECTS credits.

This summer school is assessed on three components:

  • 40%: Short film project (2-3 minutes in duration)
    Working in a group, students will select a script to produce. Students in a group all share the same mark for the completed film.
  • 20%: Group presentation (10 minutes)
    With your group, you’ll pitch the script you’d like to produce.
  • 40%: Reflective essay (2000 words)
    You’ll write an individual essay to critically reflect on and analyse the production process, the formal and aesthetic decisions made and reflect on the completed film.

The reflective essay is submitted once you’ve returned home, so you can focus on enjoying the summer school while you’re with us.

Upon completion of this summer school, you’ll receive an official transcript and earn Lancaster University academic credit. This will help you to stand out against the competition and enhance your future prospects.

Applications close 14th April 2025.

Apply now

Explore Lancaster, explore the UK

Every summer we welcome students from around the world to our UK campus. Here they can live, learn, and explore our beautiful region and the wider country.

Intercultural and social experience

It’s not just British culture that you’ll learn about through this course – you’ll meet a whole network of students from all over the world.

By spending a summer at our welcoming and well-facilitated university, you can experience student life at a beautiful parkland campus, near a thriving historic city, right in the middle of the UK.

An important part of your experience will be the diverse group of friends that you’ll make. Our friendly Student Ambassadors have a terrific schedule of social activities and weekend trips planned for you that will help you to make the most of your time here. And, with free time on the weekends, you’ll be able to go out and explore more of the UK – we have great transport links from Lancaster to major cities and places of interest. If you want to travel as a group, we can arrange a coach service for you to buy a space on.

Social programme
Global Summer School students cheering

Creative development

“My Professors were knowledgeable and encouraging. My film experience has enhanced my perception and application of all visual arts. Overall, I was surprised by my accomplishments in such a short time due to the support of all faculty and staff.” - Western University student, Film Programme 2024. 

Student walking in Lancaster University Charles carter building

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Got a question?

If you have any questions, our friendly team will be happy to help.
Send us an email at globalschools@lancaster.ac.uk