Film

Develop an understanding of the formal and technical composition of films and the wider conventions of cinema through this immersive three-week course (06 to 24 July 2026).

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Five students students presenting their project mood board during the Film Summer School

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 highly 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 are now open.

Tab Content: Programme schedule

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

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 now open

Apply to this course

Film Summer School

Develop an understanding of the formal and technical compositions of films and the wider conventions of cinema through this immersive three-week summer school.

Intercultural and social experience

It’s not just Film 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.

Social programme
Global Summer School students cheering

Student Feedback

“I got to learn more about myself (...) and I learned so much about film that I did not know before and can utilise in my future career!” - Film Summer School student, 2025.

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