BA (Hons) in Film and Philosophy with Placement Year, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

This combined degree offered by Lancaster University integrates Film Studies and Philosophy, taught jointly by the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts and the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion. You'll explore films as crucial cultural artifacts, studying their aesthetic importance within a media-driven culture, while also examining the connections between art, theatre, music, and cinema. The course is academically focused, but includes practical opportunities such as creating digital films using university equipment. The philosophy component covers key themes including epistemology, metaphysics, phenomenology, and religion, with the first year providing a comprehensive introduction suitable for those new to philosophy. In subsequent years, students can choose from a broad range of modules, including topics like Continental Philosophy, Logic, Aesthetics, and Moral Philosophy, allowing for specialized study.

Why this course is highly recommended

Lancaster's course is highly regarded for its combination of strong theoretical grounding and practical filmmaking experience. It is well-ranked, being second for Film (Communication and Media Studies) and tenth for graduate prospects in Film (Communications and Media Studies) according to The Complete University Guide 2025. The course offers excellent facilities, including top-tier film equipment, and the chance to showcase films in a public exhibition. The interdisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from politics, philosophy, and the arts, provides a comprehensive understanding of film and its cultural significance, making it valuable for students aiming for careers in media, academia, or related fields.

Specialisation

The programme is a unique blend of film and philosophy, drawing on interdisciplinary approaches to understand films as cultural and philosophical texts. Students will engage with both practical film-making and theoretical philosophy, with options to further specialise in topics such as aesthetics, moral philosophy, or contemporary art. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis and research, preparing students for diverse careers or postgraduate study.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants typically need ABB at A level, with a preference for Film or Media subjects, though not essential. Alternative qualifications include a BTEC Extended Diploma (DDM), International Baccalaureate (32 points), or Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, among others. The course requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. There are no specific GCSE requirements, but overall profile considerations are taken into account.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from Lancaster's Film and Philosophy course develop strong research, analytical, and communication skills, opening doors to careers in journalism, media, marketing, or postgraduate studies. Some pursue vocational training in broadcast, print journalism, or media production, while others move into law, computing, finance, or government roles. The programme also emphasizes developing employability skills through activities like placements and the Lancaster Award, helping students build professional networks and practical experience.

FAQs

What practical film-making opportunities are available?

Students have the chance to produce short digital films each year, using university equipment, culminating in a final year showcase in a public exhibition.

What does the philosophy component cover?

Philosophy modules explore areas such as epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics, moral philosophy, Chinese philosophy, feminist philosophy, and more, providing both broad and specialised knowledge.