Film and Creative Writing (Placement Year) BA Hons

From your very first day, this degree is about creating — not just studying. At Lancaster, you’ll dive straight into film and writing through hands-on, creative experiences. You’ll have access to professional production suites, editing labs, rehearsal studios, and all the gear you need — cameras, lighting, sound, and more — with expert technicians to guide you. You’ll collaborate with classmates, workshop stories, make short films, and get real feedback as you develop your skills and confidence.

Here’s how the course helps you learn by doing every step of the way:

Hands-on film production & writing workshops:
Each year, you’ll work on your own narrative films or documentaries — from storyboarding and filming to editing the final cut. At the same time, you’ll take part in small writing workshops to explore fiction, poetry, screenplays, or experimental forms, learning from peers and tutors in a creative, supportive space.

Industry-standard equipment & software:
You’ll be working with professional-level tools, including cinema-quality digital cameras with prime lenses, full lighting and grip kits, and sound equipment. Editing takes place in dedicated, sound-proofed suites using Adobe Creative Cloud and other industry-standard post-production software.

Placement year in industry:
Between your second and final year, you’ll have the chance to spend 9–12 months working in a graduate-level role. Many students take placements in film, publishing, or media — gaining experience, building contacts, and developing the confidence that comes with professional practice. You’ll stay supported by Lancaster’s Careers and Placements team throughout.

Field trips, industry exposure & screenings:
You’ll get opportunities to visit creative hubs like MediaCity, attend local film festivals, and take part in partner events. In your final year, your own films may even be screened publicly — a brilliant chance to showcase your work to real audiences.

Supportive technical & academic guidance:
From technicians who help you get the most out of equipment to tutors who are themselves published writers and working filmmakers, you’ll always have expert support. Their feedback and mentorship will help shape both your craft and your career direction.

Creative and cultural campus life:
Lancaster’s lively creative scene means your studies go beyond the classroom. You can get involved with the city’s LitFest, theatre productions at The Dukes, or student-run journals such as Flash, Cake, Lux, and Errant. There are regular readings, open mic nights, and cross-arts collaborations to fuel your creativity.

Library & digital resource support:
Lancaster’s library and digital services are among the best in the UK, with extensive film and writing resources, online databases, and reliable IT support to help you stay productive and inspired.

Graduates from Film and Creative Writing (Placement Year) BA Hons at Lancaster University are well-prepared for a wide range of creative and professional careers. Many go on to roles where they can apply their storytelling, analytical, and communication skills across industries such as media, publishing, and education. With the placement year providing real-world experience, you’ll graduate with both creative confidence and workplace readiness.

Typical career paths include:

• Film producer, assistant producer, or production coordinator

• Scriptwriter, screenwriter, or editor

• Content creator or communications specialist

• Publishing or editorial professional

You’ll also benefit from Lancaster’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service, which offers:

• One-to-one career guidance, CV and portfolio support, and access to internships and graduate job databases

• Tailored employability workshops focused on creative industries and freelance career development

• Lifetime access to career support even after graduation

Lancaster graduates are highly employable — the university is consistently ranked among the UK’s top 15 for graduate prospects, and 91% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey, HESA).

Strong industry partnerships with media, arts, and cultural organisations enhance networking and placement opportunities, while the placement year ensures students graduate with genuine professional experience. Lancaster’s creative degrees also hold long-term value due to their strong reputation and internationally recognised accreditation.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can advance your studies through postgraduate pathways such as MA in Creative Writing, MA in Film Studies, or MA in Arts Management at Lancaster or other leading universities. These programs allow you to deepen your craft, specialise in your creative field, or prepare for doctoral research and teaching careers in academia.