Course summary

Lancaster’s degree in Film, Media and Cultural Studies, taught by the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts and the Sociology department gives you the opportunity to study film within the broader areas of communications and entertainment media and culture. Film at Lancaster is a stimulating and intellectually engaging course which provides a framework for the close analysis of individual films. You will study cinema history and the social significance of films and will develop a detailed understanding of the techniques of film production. You will also have the opportunity to produce short films in all three years of your study. You can choose from a range of specialist courses and will develop skills that can lead to postgraduate study and careers in the media, advertising and marketing. Media and Cultural Studies at Lancaster is similarly theoretical and analytical but also contains practical components and skills embedded within the core curriculum. This programme is concerned with the critical study of media and culture and offers you the opportunity to examine historical and contemporary issues and debates. We will cover such themes as media history, politics and power, subcultures and marginal cultures, the role played by media in contemporary activist movements, the relationship between media, gender, race, ability, disability and body image, and making, reforming and hacking the public sphere. To prepare students for their work placement year, our Careers and Placements Team will provide advice and guidance on: the skills required to create effective CVs, cover letters and applications; tips and techniques on how to make an impact at interviews and assessment centres; how to create a relevant digital profile; and how to research employers and career sectors of interest. In addition, there is great emphasis placed upon developing self-awareness and on how to present yourself in a professional manner to employers. This optional provision will be delivered via a blend of traditional and digital methods including face-to-face workshops, online webinars, e-courses and 1:1 appointments. 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 placement roles 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.