Film Studies (Placement Year)

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.

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.