Film Studies Lancaster University

Overview

Through the Film Studies course from Lancaster University you'll engage with film theory, history and diverse cinematic traditions from around the world, while you develop a deep understanding of the cultural and political power of film.

We share your passion for film and, whether your interest lies in writing about film or making it, at Lancaster you can do both.

Balance theoretical depth with creative opportunity as this programme aims to develop both rigorous analytical skills and practical expertise.

Through a series of lectures, seminars, workshops and optional practice-based modules, you will explore the relationship between cinema’s cultural, historical and political dimensions and its expressive, aesthetic possibilities.

You’ll develop your independent thinking, intercultural awareness and appreciation of the power of cinema to engage, challenge and transform. You will be encouraged to bring your knowledge of film theory and history into your creative practice, and to engage in experimentation and reflective practice as you develop your filmmaking, curatorial and writing skills.

You will draw together your skills, knowledge and interests as you choose a subject for your dissertation, either written or practice-based, delving deeper into an area of particular importance to you. You’ll investigate your chosen subject under the guidance of one of our academic team, with particular expertise in the area.

Career opportunities:

Whether you aspire to work in the film industry or other sectors of the creative industries, or are simply passionate about film, Lancaster’s MA in Film Studies provides a strong foundation. It cultivates the ability to think deeply and critically, to write persuasively and to create work that has meaning and impact —skills that are important in many professional roles.

You might want to pursue a career in:

• Film or TV production

• Directing

• Screenwriting

• Film editing

• Research

• Film programming

• Curation for arts or heritage organisations

• Independent film festival management

• Film criticism

• Journalism or publishing

• Teaching at secondary, further or higher education level

If you are inspired by this master’s programme to pursue further study, you may choose to further your studies by taking a PhD in film studies or a related discipline. Past students have taken doctoral programmes in the UK and internationally and have contributed to new research in cinema and screen cultures.

Our degrees open up an extremely wide array of career pathways in businesses and organisations, large and small, in the UK and overseas. Our specialist Employability team is ready to support you, whether you are starting out your career after leaving higher education or returning to university to open up new career options.

We provide individual employability advice, application support, career events, development opportunities and resources to help you plan and achieve your career goals. We also run a paid internship scheme specifically for arts, humanities and social sciences students.