Film Studies

BA Hons

  • UCAS code P303
  • Entry year 2025
  • A level requirements ABB
  • Duration Full time 3 years

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 2

    2nd for Film (Communication and Media Studies)

    The Complete University Guide (2025)

  • Access to cutting edge film equipment including Black Magic 4K cameras

  • 10th for graduate prospects Film (Communications and Media Studies) The Complete University Guide (2025)

Why Lancaster?

  • Deepen your knowledge of global film history through our innovative programme while also gaining practical film making experience
  • Enjoy 24/7 access to our editing suites and specialist equipment, including cinema-ready digital cameras
  • Feel inspired as you learn from our team of distinguished academics
  • Make use of Lancaster’s stunning surroundings for the perfect film setting – cityscape, rural backdrop or coastal charm
  • Equip yourself for an exciting career in film production, the creative industries and related professions such as media or advertising

From studying silent cinema or exploring the James Bond franchise to delving into modern day Asian British films, our degree helps you explore cinema’s cultural and political importance while perfecting your film making skills.

Putting theory into practice

You’ll study cinema history and analyse the significance of films in society. Benefit from our varied programme as you learn about the Hollywood industry alongside world cinema or explore the development of film and comic books.

At the same time, you’ll be developing your practical skills in our film production modules by experimenting with narrative films or documentaries. You can also get involved with our student film journal, Cut/To, which includes video essays and spotlight interviews.

First-class resources

We provide top-of-the-line production equipment so you can create your own original content. Make use of our cinema-ready digital cameras with prime lenses, DSLR cameras, versatile set lighting, grip equipment and the full Adobe Creative Cloud in our acoustic editing suites.

You’ll benefit from our partnership with the British Film Institute by attending our joint master classes and visiting their film archive. In addition, we sometimes organise trips to places like Media City in Salford, Greater Manchester. You can also get involved with our active film production society or student-run Cut/To film journal.

Flexibility

In the first year, there is a focus on increasing your knowledge and skills in your major degree subject. You will also have the option to complement your degree studies with a module in a 'minor subject'. Please contact the department for further details.

Careers

By the end of your course in film studies, you’ll be equipped to follow many exciting careers. Some of our graduates go on to production roles at independent film companies or at the BBC and ITV. Others decide to follow a related profession such as marketing.

Employers will value your range of transferable skills including your analytical thinking, writing ability and research, as well as the practical side.

Just some of the careers our graduates have gone on to include:

  • Media production
  • Advertising
  • Marketing
  • Broadcast and print journalism

Our graduates have a good track record of being accepted into the London Film School, the Met Film School, the National Film and Television School, as well as the New York Film Academy for further vocational training.

Our programme also acts as a good springboard for those wanting to go into teaching or carry out postgraduate research in film, such as our MA in Film Studies.

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring that you gain a highly reputable degree. We are also dedicated to ensuring that you graduate with relevant life and work-based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award, which offers you the opportunity to complete activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development.

Visit our Employability section for full details.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level ABB

Required Subjects Film, Media or one other humanities subject considered desirable but not essential

IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.

Other Qualifications

International Baccalaureate 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects

BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Merit

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

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Fees and funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.

Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2025/26 are:

Home International
£9,250 £24,700

Please note

Course fees for undergraduate home students are currently under review for 2025 entry, following the recent UK Government announcement.

Fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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