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

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

Lancaster's degree in Film and Theatre, taught by the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA), offers students a chance to explore contemporary theatre performance alongside the history and theory of film. The course encourages close analysis of individual films, studying cinema history and its social significance while developing film production techniques. Students have the opportunity to produce short films throughout their study and choose from a range of specialist courses. The theatre component allows learning about innovative 20th and 21st-century performance practices through theoretical and practical approaches, aiming to develop critical and creative skills pertinent to theatre industries and others. The degree begins with core courses like Film and Theatre Studies and progresses to advanced modules in film theory, performance analysis, and social change through theatre.

Why this course is highly recommended

Lancaster's Film and Theatre course is highly regarded, ranking 2nd for Film and 4th for Drama according to The Complete University Guide (2025). It offers a stimulating blend of theoretical analysis and practical skills, with facilities that support film production and theatre practice. The course also emphasizes social change, creative enterprise, and career readiness, making it appealing to students interested in media, arts, and social impact. The possibility of a placement year enhances employability, and the course’s reputation for graduate prospects and industry connections makes it a compelling choice.

Specialisation

The programme combines film and theatre studies, allowing students to study contemporary performance, film history, and production techniques. With modules such as Global Cinema, Advanced Film Theory, and Applied Theatre Practice, students can develop a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines and choose focus areas within these fields. The inclusion of practical short film production and theatre projects offers hands-on experience alongside theoretical learning.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should meet typical entry requirements such as ABB at A-levels, with Film, Media, Theatre, Drama, Dance, or Performing Arts considered desirable. Additional acceptable qualifications include BTEC, IB, Scottish Highers, T levels, and others, with specific grade and subject preferences. The course also requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for international students. Demonstrating experience and interest in practical theatre is encouraged if the official qualifications are not in related fields.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from Lancaster’s Film and Theatre programme have pursued careers as professional theatre practitioners, including performers, directors, writers, and technicians. Others have entered TV production, independent film, advertising, marketing, arts administration, and media production. The course’s transferable skills also attract employers in media, journalism, public relations, and civil service. Many graduates go on to further study as academics, lecturers, or training in film and theatre at institutions like the London Film School or New York Film Academy.

FAQs

What are the core modules in the first year?

The first year includes core modules such as Introduction to Film Studies, Introduction to Theatre Studies, and Fundamentals of Contemporary Arts, Drama, and Film, designed to provide a foundational understanding of film and theatre analysis and history.

What kind of practical experience will I gain?

Students have the opportunity to produce short films across their three years, experiment with narrative and documentary filmmaking, and undertake practical projects like community theatre and visual theatre. Facilities include top-of-the-line equipment, editing suites, and the chance to showcase films publicly.