We welcome applications from the United States of America
We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.
Overview
Top reasons to study with us
Engage with community screenings and events at The Dukes Cinema
Access to British Film Institute resources
Access to cutting edge film equipment including Black Magic 4K cameras
Cinema shapes our emotions, our societies, and our futures. Develop your own unique voice with us –exploring rich cinema history and theories and using them to inspire your own practical film projects. From its cityscape and rural backdrops to its coastal charm – Lancaster’s surroundings provide an ideal film setting. You'll graduate with a combination of intellectual and practical skills, in close film analysis, indispensable for critical and creative pursuits.
Why 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
Immerse yourself in Lancaster’s stunning surroundings - the perfect backdrop for your films
Equip yourself for an exciting career in film production, the creative industries and related professions such as media or advertising
Film from all angles
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. Underpinned by film theory, you will draw on literary theory, social and political theory, philosophy, and psychoanalysis, giving you a deep understanding and a broad view of the influences that helped shape the film industry today.
You will build on your practical skills by delving into cinematography, editing, and sound, whilst also exploring 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 will influence the work you produce throughout your degree and your future career. From tackling the superhero genre through a powerful microfilm, to an award-winning film that provides a ‘women’s lens’ on the fear of walking home alone at night, past graduates have explored a wealth of topics through exciting film projects.
First-class resources
You will have access to top-of-the-line production equipment so you can create your own short films. Make use of our 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. Our specialist production facilities and purpose-built workshop offer everything you need to master the essentials of digital video and audio production, ensuring you can put your ideas into practice. Whenever you need support, you can turn to our skilled technicians who are on hand to support your studies.
A creative community
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.
Take advantage of Lancaster’s city centre arts venue, The Dukes, that shows the latest independent and foreign films on our doorstep. In previous years, final year students have shown their own films here. You’ll also be close to mainstream cinemas in Lancaster and nearby Morecambe, and the city’s vibrant programme of annual literary and music events.
You’ll benefit from our strong industry connections such as with The British Film Institute, The Bay International Film Festival, LA1 Shorts Festival and Lancaster International Film Festival. These offer professional insights and opportunities to attend masterclasses, engage in community-based film productions, and participate in local film festivals. We also organise trips to industry hubs such as Media City in Salford, Greater Manchester, giving you the opportunity to see the film industry in action.
You’ll be developing your practical skills in our film production modules by experimenting with narrative films or documentaries. We provide top-of-the-line production equipment so you can create your own original content.
Practical experience
You will have the opportunity to produce short films in all three years of your study.
Interesting surroundings
Make use of Lancaster’s stunning surroundings for the perfect film setting – cityscape, rural backdrop or coastal charm.
Film production
Gain practical film-making skills and an understanding of film production.
Production equipment
We provide top-of-the-line production equipment so you can create your own original content. Enjoy 24/7 access to our editing suites and specialist equipment, including cinema-ready digital cameras.
Showcase your films
Every year our final year students showcase their films in a major degree show exhibition, that is open to the public.
Creative Arts Facilities at Lancaster University
Whatever creative arts subject you choose, you’ll find we have specialist spaces and equipment to inspire your studies.
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.
Placements and Internships
Hear from students and employers on how Lancaster University could support you to gain real-world experience and bolster your CV with a placement or internship as part of your degree.
A placement year is an excellent way to...
try out a role that you may be interested in as a career path
start to build your professional network (some placement students are offered permanent roles to return to after they graduate)
develop skills, knowledge and experience to put you ahead of the field when you graduate
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. A very wide range of companies and organisations offer placements across all sectors.
As a full-time employee, you’ll have a job description with specific responsibilities and opportunities to access training and development, the same as other employees.
Our Careers and Placements Team...
will help you to search and compete for a suitable placement with expert advice and resources, such as creating an effective CV, and tips for applications and interviews.
You will still be a Lancaster University student during your placement and we’ll keep in touch to check how you are getting on.
The university will...
use all reasonable effort to support you to find a suitable placement for your studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to your academic studies or career aspirations, all offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills.
If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with your studies at Lancaster, finishing your degree after your third year.
Careers
The film industry is constantly evolving, with new roles and technologies transforming how we create and consume content. Careers in film production, media, and the creative industries look very different than they did even five or ten years ago, and they continue to change at a rapid pace. Our Film Studies programme is designed to equip you with a versatile skill set so that you’re ready for whatever comes next.
Through this course, you’ll develop critical analysis, research, presentation, and writing skills, as well as hands-on experience with film-making equipment, editing software, and project management — valuable assets across a wide range of career paths.
As a graduate of Film Studies, you could go on to pursue a career in the following roles:
Film and Media Producer
Advertising Executive
Marketing Executive
Broadcast and Print Journalist
Film Programmer or Curator
Script Supervisor
Content Producer (TV, Film, Video, and Social Media)
Art Director
Teacher
Film Director
For those seeking further specialisation, our Film Studies degree also lays a strong foundation for postgraduate study. Previous graduates have continued their studies at renowned institutions such as the London Film School, the Met Film School, the National Film and Television School, and the New York Film Academy, gaining advanced training in areas such as directing, cinematography, and screenwriting. Others pursue a master’s or PhD programme, including our own MA in Film Studies.
With our Film Studies programme, you’re not just studying film—you’re building a portfolio of transferable skills that will serve you in a variety of professional contexts. Whether your goal is to work with established studios, explore the world of independent filmmaking, or even start your own media company, our programme will provide you with the tools to succeed.
Careers and employability support
Our degrees open up an extremely wide array of career pathways in businesses and organisations, large and small, in the UK and overseas.
We run a paid internship scheme specifically for our arts, humanities and social sciences students, supported by a specialist Employability Team. The team offer individual consultations and tailored application guidance, as well as careers events, development opportunities, and resources.
Whether you have a clear idea of your potential career path or need some help considering the options, our friendly team is on hand.
Lancaster is unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which recognises activities such as work experience, community engagement or volunteering and social development. A valuable addition to your CV!
Find out more about Lancaster’s careers events, extensive resources and personal support for Careers and Employability.
Careers
Find out about some of the careers our alumni have entered into after graduation.
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.
Qualifications and typical requirements accordion
ABB. Film, Media or one other humanities subject would be considered desirable but not essential.
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.
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.
DDM. Ideally this would be in a subject relevant to Film or Media, although this is not essential.
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.
32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects
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.
Distinction overall
Help from our Admissions team
If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.
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.
Discovery modules
Humanities, arts and social sciences offer important and innovative perspectives on the topics and debates that are shaping our futures. Each year you will take a Discovery module alongside your core subject modules. Discovery modules are designed to empower you to develop your individual voice and skills.
Britain is one of the most successful and influential film industries in world cinema. In this module you will explore the key films, filmmakers and traditions that have shaped British cinema over the past century. Through a study of major genres, styles, filmmakers and themes, you will consider how British cinema has evolved and reflect on historical cinema-going habits.
Alongside this historical overview, you will engage with critical debates. You’ll examine the relationship between national identity and cinema, the role of realism and recurring preoccupations with emotional repression, race, gender and social class. You will also explore how British cinema captures and shapes ideas of ‘’Britishness’’.
Each week, screenings of case-study films by influential British directors will be paired with key readings, providing a foundation for discussion. By the end of the module, you will have developed a critical understanding of British cinema’s distinctive characteristics and its role within film history and culture.
This module introduces key approaches to film theory, analysis and history while integrating practical filmmaking experience. You will examine cinematography, editing, sound and performance through close analysis of case study films from Hollywood and global traditions. As the module progresses, you will explore major developments in global film history, considering cinema’s role in shaping cultural and political contexts.
Alongside theoretical study, you will take part in practical workshops covering camera operation, sound recording and post-production techniques. These sessions will equip you with the skills needed to collaborate on a group filmmaking project, where you will create a short film that reimagines a scene from a film screened on the module. This practical work will reinforce your understanding of film form and storytelling techniques.
By the end of the module, you will have a strong foundation in film theory, history and practice, preparing you for further academic exploration.
This module explores the role of the arts in building community, identity and confidence. You will engage with a variety of different art forms (such as painting, theatre, fiction, designed artefacts and film) and develop your own voice via collaborative projects such as a podcasts, video essay or presentation. You will also engage in individual critical reflection for example via a blog, journal or research project.
This module fosters co-operation, intellectual experimentation and self-assurance.
Optional
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Explore how the creative industries can benefit everyone, as we train you to become a skilled professional in developing inclusive and accessible events.
Building your skills in a range of techniques, this module will help to ensure that all forms of creative practice are open for everyone to enjoy, regardless of abilities or backgrounds. You will learn the necessary skills to create welcoming and adaptable event spaces, understand sensory enhancement techniques such as subtitling, closed captioning and audio description and engage with challenging questions about equity and representation within the creative sectors.
Through practical workshops, lectures and seminar discussions, you will examine innovative examples from multiple disciplines to better understand the creative possibilities that accessible practice generates.
The creative industries have a rich and complex history that have impacted lives around the world. In this module you will explore the historical, social, and global contexts that have shaped culture and creativity from the post-war period to the early 21st century. You’ll examine key moments of cultural transformation, from the rise of mass media and countercultural movements to globalisation and the digital revolution.
You will critically assess how political, economic, and technological shifts have influenced creative industries, cultural production, and cultural policy. Through case studies spanning the creative industries, you will engage with theoretical frameworks that interrogate power, identity, and representation. By the end of the module, you will have a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped contemporary culture and the critical debates surrounding creativity in a globalised world.
This is a multi-genre workshop that introduces you to the art of creative writing at university level. It is taught through a mix of lectures and tutor-led workshops with the focus ultimately on the development of your own portfolio. This portfolio could take any form and be devoted to any genre (poetry, prose, drama, screenplay etc).
You’ll be encouraged to experiment with various forms and genres, to explore new approaches in drafting and editing your own work, and to practise the gentle art of responding to the work of fellow students. The module will introduce you to a range of exciting texts and helpful terminology, and offer insight from published authors. It will allow you to practise technique, mature your voice and nurture your writerly instincts.
Media do not just reflect identities, but play an active role in bringing them into being. In this module, you will consider the role our screens – in all their many forms – play in producing our sense of self and the world around us. From selfies and avatars to being the subjects of film or advertisements, our ‘mediated selves’ cannot be avoided. What does it mean to be shaped by media culture? You will critically engage with various media forms to understand their influence on identity formation and societal perceptions.
With a focus on your professional development, choose one from four Discovery modules in year 2.
Core
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Join us as you explore the stylistic, industrial and cultural diversities of global cinema, through the close study of films from different historical and regional contexts. Whilst developing your analytical skills you will examine variations in cinematic style, aesthetics and production modes and consider how films reflect and shape social, political and industrial landscapes.
Through lectures, screenings, readings and discussions, you will explore major cinematic movements and traditions such as:
Silent cinema
Classical Hollywood
Global Neorealism
Middle Eastern and European New Waves
Contemporary independent filmmaking
You will also engage with key debates on:
Film authorship
Digital technologies
Genre evolution
Film circulation
Emerging identities in cinema
By analysing case studies from mainstream and avant-garde traditions across different regions, you will gain a broader understanding of the theoretical and cross-cultural connections that shape world cinema. By the end of the module, you will have developed critical perspectives on the continuities, ruptures, and debates in film history.
Optional
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Not all professional contexts are the same – and within any organisation there are diverse people with varied backgrounds. This module focuses on enhancing your intercultural competency and cultural awareness, with a particular emphasis on ‘place-based’ learning. Considering the cultural dynamics of the North West of England and the broader UK helps us reflect upon intercultural dynamics in very different locations.
Through analysis, discussion and self-reflection you will strengthen your ability to navigate diverse workplace settings and enhance your employability in today’s interconnected world.
Develop the art of creative writing in this multi-genre workshop. Taught through a mix of lectures and tutor-led workshops the focus is on the development of your own portfolio. This could take any form and be devoted to any genre (poetry, prose, drama, screenplay etc). Working at university level, you will develop your understanding of various forms, the graft involved in editing your own work and the art of responding to the work of fellow students.
This module explores how digital technologies, in their multiple forms, figure in our everyday lives and the global societies we live in. We will analyse the affordances of digital technologies in connection to questions of power, context, and embodiment, particularly in relation to identities and issues of gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality and class. You will consider how digital technologies order, shape and disrupt societies globally, but also develop in relation to local histories and practices. You will debate the promises of empowerment, liberation and participation that accompany the rise of digital media – and reflect on the challenges and limitations of these transformative potentials.
Hone a strong sense of purpose and gain the satisfaction of applying your skills and knowledge to a community, charity or student-led initiative.
Your challenge will be to take responsibility for arranging and completing a voluntary or fundraising activity—locally, virtually or during vacation periods at home. You will need to show that you have made a positive difference through this activity.
In class, you will be asked to reflect on this experience and explore the wider social impact of the work. In doing so you will build your confidence in your ability to contribute meaningfully to society through your future personal and professional path.
Explore the development of film genres in Classic Hollywood, examining how the studio system shaped genre conventions, storytelling techniques, and audience expectations. You will analyse key genres, such as Silent Cinema, Musicals, and Melodrama, considering their evolution, industrial contexts, and cultural significance.
Through screenings and critical readings, you will assess how genre films establish recurring themes, visual styles and modes of performance. The module also explores how factors such as technological advancements, audience demand and the rise of the star system influenced genre filmmaking.
By the end of the module, you will have developed a strong understanding of genre as both a creative and commercial force in Hollywood cinema, as well as essential analytical skills for further study in film history, theory, and contemporary genre cinema.
Move beyond introductory concepts to explore film theory in depth, examining how films construct meaning through form, representation, and audience engagement.
You will critically assess cinema’s relationship with artistic expression and spectatorship, engaging with complex debates that have shaped film scholarship since the medium’s inception. Focusing on advanced theoretical analysis, this module equips you with the conceptual knowledge and critical vocabulary to interpret films using semiotic, psychoanalytic, formalist, philosophical and cognitivist approaches.
You will explore key concepts such as cinematic modernism, subjectivity in film perception and cinema’s evolving relationship with philosophy. The module fosters independent critical engagement with the works of influential theorists, deepening your understanding of theoretical frameworks.
By applying these perspectives to a range of case studies, you will refine your ability to conduct detailed textual analysis. By the end of the module, you will have developed sophisticated theoretical and analytical skills essential for higher-level film study.
Join us as we explore how cinema constructs, reinforces and challenges ideas of gender, race and ideology through global examples. You will engage with key theoretical frameworks, including feminist and queer film phenomenology, psychoanalysis, Marxism and postcolonial theory, to critically examine how films reflect and shape social and political structures.
Through screenings and readings, you will analyse the work of women filmmakers, Third Cinema movements and representations of race and identity across different cultural and historical contexts. The module considers how film style, narrative and spectatorship contribute to ideological meaning, encouraging you to question dominant perspectives in mainstream and independent cinema.
By the end of the module, you will have developed critical tools to analyse cinema through multiple theoretical lenses, deepening your understanding of film as a site of ideological negotiation. This module provides essential skills for further study in film theory, global cinema and cultural analysis.
You are invited to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team with other students as you explore major global challenges such as climate change, inequality or emerging technologies.
Throughout the module you will examine how the humanities, arts and social sciences contribute to understanding and addressing complex issues. Classroom discussions and activities focus on the process of identifying problems and considering innovative, ethical responses, while helping you to consider and articulate the relevance of this work to your personal and professional development.
This dynamic module blends theory and practice to immerse you in the craft of screenwriting. Through lectures and hands-on workshops, you will develop essential skills in narrative structure, character development and dialogue, while working towards a 15–20-page screenplay.
You will engage with the entire screenwriting process—from initial concept to final draft—receiving feedback through writing groups, table reads and peer critiques. The module emphasises both creativity and industry awareness, introducing you to funding opportunities, pitching techniques and the screenwriter’s role in film production. Alongside practical writing, you will refine your critical analysis skills by evaluating professional screenplays and developing confidence in presenting your work.
By the end of the module, you will have produced a professional-quality screenplay and gained a comprehensive storytelling toolkit, preparing you for careers in screenwriting, filmmaking and broader media industries.
Gain an immersive, hands-on experience in filmmaking, where you will develop, produce and complete a short dramatic film while following industry-standard practices. Through specialised workshops, you will receive training in:
High-end cameras
Professional sound recording and mixing
Grip equipment
Post-production workflows
Colour grading
Editing
Collaboration is central to this module. At the start, all students will write a short script, with the group selecting two to pitch before producing one as a collaborative project. You will take on a key creative role—such as Writer/Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Art Director, Sound Recordist, or Editor—while also supporting another production in a technical role. Through this, you will gain essential experience across multiple aspects of filmmaking. As a group, you will also create a production booklet, to document the film’s development.
Alongside practical work, you will reflect on your learning and the production process, evaluating creative and logistical challenges. By the end of the module, you will have developed essential technical and collaborative skills, preparing you for professional and independent filmmaking.
Exploring groundbreaking projects that showcase how different artistic disciplines are tackling the challenges of the climate crisis, this module sheds light on sustainability in the creative industries.
Beyond using creative work to raise awareness of climate change, practitioners and producers from all disciplines are increasingly focused on finding practical ways to reduce the environmental impact of their work. From innovative models of touring to the use of revolutionary new materials, artists and makers are discovering that sustainability challenges can drive bold and transformative creativity.
Through lectures, seminars and practical workshops you will deepen your awareness of this emerging area and refine your own capacity to develop influential approaches within the creative sector.
Explore how ideas can be developed into real-world projects with lasting value. Through hands-on collaboration and problem-solving, you will develop innovative projects, learn how to bring ideas to life and explore ways to sustain them.
Whether you are working in a team or individually, you will be encouraged to experiment with different approaches to making a difference in artistic, cultural, social and community spaces.
Develop key techniques for writing fiction and hone the skills you need to write short stories and/or novels.
Through workshops, discussions, set reading from a range of contemporary writers and generative writing prompts, you’ll develop confidence in creating character, worldbuilding, establishing narrative voice, experimenting with point of view and constructing engaging structures and plot.
You will draw on a range of techniques according to your own interests. In your reflective essay you will consider the various ways short fiction and the novel uniquely deploy these techniques.
Core
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This module will allow you to spend the year working in a graduate-level placement role in the industry or sector that interests you most. Throughout the year, you will build an awareness of what is required in the professional workplace whilst developing a range of transferable skills.
During the module you will reflect on and critically analyse: your own career readiness, the ongoing development of your self-awareness in terms of skills and professional knowledge, and your understanding of current workplace practices and professional etiquette.
Our Careers and Placements Team will support you during your placement with online contact and learning resources.
Choose one from seven Discovery modules offered in your final year and develop the crucial ability to apply your knowledge and skills to diverse contexts.
Core
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This is the culmination of your studies, combining everything you have learnt to undertake an in-depth, self-directed research project on the topic of your choice. You will propose an area of investigation, and an appropriate supervisor will be assigned to provide guidance, helping you refine your research focus and methodology.
Supporting independent research, creative exploration, and critical engagement with film and media practices, this module gives you the freedom to explore your personal interests. You may choose to complete one of the following:
A traditional written dissertation
An individual practice-based project such as a short film, screenplay, or other media work accompanied by a written critical piece
A small group practical project in which you will collaboratively produce a short film with individual critical reflections
By the end of the module, you will have produced a substantial piece of work demonstrating advanced conceptual engagement, independent thinking and project management, preparing you for further study or a career in research, filmmaking or the media industry.
Optional
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What happens when radically different forms of art meet? How do these fused forms change our understanding of the world? We will draw on material from different periods and continents, to explore works of art where, for example, film meets history, poetry meets philosophy, fine art meets sociology, religion meets fiction, and theatre meets politics.
How might we engage with the implications of environmental transformation locally, nationally and globally? Where do we have agency and capacity to intervene?
This module brings together a range of perspectives—historical, political, philosophical and cultural—to explore the nature and severity of the effects of the climate crisis on our world.
Creative industries are at the forefront of digital innovation, shaping and redefining how content is created, distributed, and experienced. This module explores the historical development and impact of digital technologies across a range of creative sectors. You will examine key technological advancements, from early digital experimentation to contemporary innovations like AI (Artificial Intelligence) and VR (Virtual Reality). Through case studies and practical exercises, you will analyse how digital tools influence creative processes, business models, and audience engagement.
You will consider the challenges and opportunities digital innovation presents, including issues of accessibility, monetisation, and ethical concerns. By engaging with both theoretical perspectives and hands-on activities, you will develop a critical understanding of digital transformation within the creative industries. You will gain the knowledge and skills to navigate and contribute to the evolving digital landscape, preparing you for future roles in creative and cultural sectors.
This advanced, practice-based module provides an industry-informed approach to documentary filmmaking.
Working in small groups, you will research, develop and produce a short documentary, choosing either to pursue an independent concept or respond to a stakeholder brief. The module supports a broad range of documentary genres and styles, encouraging experimentation with form while maintaining professional standards.
Through workshops and practical training, you will refine your skills in cinematography, sound recording and editing, while gaining awareness of ethical considerations, industry expectations, funding opportunities and distribution strategies across traditional and digital platforms.
Collaboration is central to this module, requiring you to navigate real-world production challenges, from research and planning to post-production. By the end of the module, you will have created a completed short documentary and developed the technical, conceptual and professional skills essential for careers in documentary filmmaking and beyond.
This hands-on module uses engaging workshops to explore Experimental Cinema and discover how it challenges mainstream narratives and disrupts traditional modes of spectatorship.
Through a combination of critical discussions on selected films and hands-on creative experimentation, this module challenges you to rethink film form beyond conventional storytelling while encouraging you to bring your visions to life through practice.
You will study key movements and approaches, starting from the historical avant-gardes – the influence of artistic movements like Dada, Surrealism and Structuralism- to contemporary artists’ moving image.
By the end of the module, you will have developed a critical and practical understanding of experimental cinema, gaining experience in challenging the boundaries of film aesthetics and spectatorship. Emphasising creative risk-taking and critical inquiry, this module encourages an expanded approach to filmmaking that transcends conventional modes of production and exhibition.
Discover cinema as a dynamic socio-cultural institution, exploring how films are circulated, exhibited and received. You will analyse the role of mediators such as programmers, distributors and critics, as well as the spaces where films are consumed and preserved, including cinemas, festivals, archives and digital platforms.
Focusing on both historical and contemporary perspectives, the module considers how film cultures evolve within local and global contexts. Examples may include:
The introduction of movie theatres in colonial settings
The rise of multiplexes
The role of film festivals in shaping regional industries
You will also explore how exhibition and distribution shape audience engagement and film heritage.
By the end of the module, you will have developed advanced research, analytical and communication skills, enabling you to engage critically with film institutions and cultural industries. This will prepare you for further academic study or careers in film curation, distribution and exhibition.
Examining the evolution of film genres in a global context, this module focuses on the ways contemporary filmmakers innovate within established and classic genre traditions. You will analyse key genres such as Science Fiction, Horror and Comic Book films, considering their artistic, industrial and technological developments across different cinematic traditions.
Through case studies, you will explore how genre conventions adapt to national and transnational influences, addressing topics such as digital effects and world-building, genre hybridity and the role of franchises in global media. The module also considers how streaming platforms, audience reception and fan cultures shape contemporary genre filmmaking.
By the end of the module, you will have gained an advanced understanding of modern genre as a dynamic cinematic form. You will be equipped with critical and analytical skills essential for further research or careers in film criticism, curation and media industries.
This module examines the evolving structures, practices, and challenges of film industries across different historical and global contexts. You will explore key industrial processes such as censorship, marketing, promotion and sustainability, while also engaging with major film movements that have shaped contemporary cinema.
Through case studies, you will analyse how national and transnational film industries adapt to technological, economic and political shifts. Topics may include digital cinema, green production initiatives and the role of institutions such as the BFI in shaping industry standards. The module also explores movements like Hong Kong and New Wave cinemas, assessing their impact on filmmaking practices and global circulation.
By the end of the module, you will have developed a critical understanding of the forces shaping film industries, equipping you with analytical skills applicable to film production, distribution and policy. This module provides a strong foundation for further study in film culture and industry practices.
What does it mean to imagine a world without borders? Using materials typically derived from case studies, reports, archives, film, television and literature, this module foregrounds interdisciplinary approaches.
You will be encouraged to develop your understanding of migration and displacement, and to envision alternative global migration futures in ways that can impact future policy, political and societal perspectives.
Both the Gothic and science fiction emerged in response to the 18th century ‘age of reason’ and the Western world’s investment in logic and progress. The Gothic explores the terrors of the past and its return while science fiction imagines alternative futures; in doing so, both voice the concerns of the present.
You will study both classic literary texts and contemporary film and other media. Exploring what the Gothic and science fiction each do, rather than what they each are, you will consider how these genres address some of the most pressing questions facing contemporary Western culture.
What are the possibilities and pitfalls of community and citizen action, voice and agency? This module uses interdisciplinary case-studies to critically examine collaboration with communities.
You will participate in activities such as a mock citizens' assembly, visit local community groups and hear different points of view from a range of guest speakers on concepts like power, race, gender, class, affect and justice.
What do we understand by queerness? Looking back at earlier interpretations, we imagine how queerness might evolve—how it might be lived, felt and understood in the future.
You will explore queer futures from a range of perspectives and viewpoints, while examining both feminist and queer theory, as well as queer media and cultural texts and material relating to areas such as activism, politics and healthcare.
Who does technology benefit or harm, and what should its role in society be? This module examines the social and ethical issues surrounding the development of modern technologies and their use in the modern world, with a vision to shape our future relationship with technology.
What will our digital future look like? How could AI transform global societies? What media will we watch, listen to, wear, be tracked by, or collaborate with – whether in smart cities, virtual workplaces, or even in outer space? These are big questions this module will explore, addressing how past visions of technological futures inform the speculative digital landscapes we imagine today. This module examines the social, cultural, and political implications of these technologies, addressing issues such as personalisation, surveillance, platform governance, and digital inequalities. You will explore critical debates on issues such as automation, data governance, digital labour, and ethics while reflecting on the future of digital media in everyday life.
How do ideas understand, transform and conserve the world? In this module we will study examples of powerful ideas such as the nation, free speech, liberation, the free market, culture and nature. We will use case studies to help us explore the relationship between analysis, imagination and practice.
This module enables you to both explore and learn to write graphic novels, including digital forms such as web comics.
You will investigate the graphic novel from the point of view of the writer, looking at the very many considerations required to create stories for this specific medium. Particular attention will be paid to writing a script for a graphic novel and how words work with both images and the space(s) of the page.
Through regular workshops, you will be introduced to a wide array of genres such as:
The realism of Craig Thompson
The space opera of Brian K. Vaughan
The investigative journalism of Joe Sacco
The surreal horror of Emily Carroll
The queer science fiction of Tillie Walden
Enhancing our curriculum
We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future. The University will make every reasonable effort to offer programmes and modules as advertised. In some cases, changes may be necessary and may result in new modules or some modules and combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, staff changes and new research.
Fees and funding
We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27
entry fees have not yet been set.
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small college membership fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
Study abroad courses
In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you will need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs such as travel documents (e.g. VISA or work permit) and any tests and vaccines that are required at the time of travel. Some countries may require proof of funds.
Placement and industry year courses
In addition to possible commuting costs during your placement, you may need to buy clothing that is suitable for your workplace and you may have accommodation costs. Depending on the employer and your job, you may have other costs such as copies of personal documents required by your employer for example.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
Home fees are subject to annual review, and may be liable to rise each year in line with UK government policy. International fees (including EU) are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
We will charge tuition fees to Home undergraduate students on full-year study abroad/work placements in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are:
Students studying abroad for a year: 15% of the standard tuition fee
Students taking a work placement for a year: 20% of the standard tuition fee
International students on full-year study abroad/work placements will also be charged in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are:
Students studying abroad for a year: 15% of the standard international tuition fee during the Study Abroad year
Students taking a work placement for a year: 20% of the standard international tuition fee during the Placement year
Please note that the maximum levels chargeable in future years may be subject to changes in Government policy.
Scholarships and bursaries
Details of our scholarships and bursaries for students starting in 2026 are not yet available.
The information on this site relates primarily to 2026/2027 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. Find out more about our Charter and student policies.
Undergraduate open days 2025
Our summer and autumn open days will give you Lancaster University in a day. Visit campus and put yourself in the picture.
Take five minutes and we'll show you what our Top 10 UK university has to offer, from beautiful green campus to colleges, teaching and sports facilities.
Most first-year undergraduate students choose to live on campus, where you’ll find award-winning accommodation to suit different preferences and budgets.
Our historic city is student-friendly and home to a diverse and welcoming community. Beyond the city you'll find a stunning coastline and the world-famous English Lake District.
