Film and Creative Writing BA Hons

From the very start of your degree, you’ll be hands-on with real, industry-standard equipment and professional software. You’ll spend time in fully equipped studios, editing suites, and rehearsal spaces — not just learning theory in isolation, but actually creating: writing, filming, editing, critiquing, and collaborating. Skilled technicians and support staff will be there to guide you with the technical side, helping to bring your creative ideas to life.

Here’s how that plays out in practice:

• You’ll work with cinema-ready digital cameras, DSLRs, professional set lighting and grip equipment. In sound-proofed editing suites, you’ll have full access to Adobe Creative Cloud — giving you everything you need to shoot, edit, grade, mix sound, and polish your projects.

• In short film production modules, you’ll go through the full creative cycle: write a script, pitch it, choose crew roles (director, cinematographer, sound, and more), then shoot, edit, and present your work. Along the way, you’ll also prepare a production booklet to capture the whole process.

• In your first year, you’ll take modules like Introduction to Film Studies, which blend theory with practical workshops. You’ll work with camera, sound, and post-production, and it all builds towards a group project where you reimagine a scene from a film you’ve studied.

• On the Creative Writing side, you’ll take part in small-group workshops where you share your drafts, get feedback from peers and tutors, and refine your writing across different genres — from fiction and poetry to scriptwriting.

• By your final year, you’ll have the chance to design your own Film Studies Independent Project. You can choose a traditional dissertation or a practice-based project such as a short film, screenplay, or other media work — either individually or as a small group. Whichever path you take, you’ll also write a critical reflection alongside your project.

• Every student has the opportunity to take part in Lancaster’s paid internship scheme, run by the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences employability team, which means you can gain real industry experience while studying.

• You’ll also benefit from careers and employability support that’s tailored for creative graduates — with one-to-one coaching, workshops, networking events, and resources to help you prepare for your future.

• Thanks to Lancaster’s partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI), you’ll get free access to the BFI Player (packed with British and international films) and opportunities to attend BFI workshops and masterclasses.

• Beyond the classroom, there’s a vibrant creative community: you can get involved with the student-run cinema (Take2), the student film society, LA1TV (student television), and attend public screenings — including final-year films shown at local arts venues like The Dukes theatre.

• And of course, Lancaster’s setting is a bonus in itself. From city architecture to rural, coastal, and Lake District landscapes, you’ll find a wealth of locations and inspiration for your creative projects right on your doorstep.

Graduates from this programme often go on to creative or media-based careers, where they use their combined film and writing skills to tell stories across screen, print, and digital platforms. Many become content creators, scriptwriters, or editorial professionals—confidently adapting to the fast-changing creative industries.

Typical career paths include:

• Film / TV Producer or Editor

• Scriptwriter or Screenwriter

• Content Producer / Digital Media Specialist

• Publisher / Editorial Assistant

Because Lancaster’s degree combines practical filmmaking with strong writing and analytical training, you’ll graduate with a substantial portfolio and the flexibility to explore a wide range of careers.

University Services Supporting Employment

• Lancaster has a dedicated Careers and Employability team, offering one-on-one advice, CV and application support, as well as tailored events and workshops.

• A paid internship scheme is available specifically for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences students—giving you the chance to gain valuable work experience during your studies.

• All students are eligible for The Lancaster Award, which recognises work experience, volunteering, and leadership activities—helping your CV stand out to future employers.

Employment Prospects and Salary Expectations

While Lancaster doesn’t publish specific salary figures for this course, alumni regularly move into film, publishing, and media sectors—areas where interdisciplinary creative skills are in strong demand.

In the UK, early career roles in the creative industries (film, media, publishing) often start in the range of £25,000 to £35,000 per year, with the potential to earn more as you build your experience and reputation.

University–Industry Connections

• Lancaster has a partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI), giving students free access to the BFI Player and the chance to take part in workshops and masterclasses.

• Through guest lectures, film screenings, creative events, and the University’s professional networks, you’ll connect directly with publishers, filmmakers, and industry experts.

Long-Term Value of the Degree

• Lancaster’s degree is well regarded across the UK’s creative, film, and publishing industries—giving you credibility and strong networking opportunities.

• The course equips you with durable skills such as storytelling, writing, research, and media literacy—skills that stay relevant even as technology and platforms evolve.

• The programme also supports further academic progression, keeping doors open for postgraduate study.

Graduation Outcomes

• Alumni from this programme have gone on to careers in film production, publishing, scriptwriting, broadcasting, arts management, and digital media.

• Some move into teaching, cultural policy, or managing arts organisations.

• Others continue into postgraduate study or specialised training, building further expertise in film or creative writing.

Further Academic Pathways

After completing your BA, you could go on to:

• A Master’s degree in Film Studies or Creative Writing at Lancaster or other leading universities.

• Specialist training at prestigious film schools, such as the National Film and Television School, Met Film School, or London Film School.

• Research-focused routes, including MPhil or PhD programmes in film, media, cultural studies, or creative writing theory.

✨ In short, this programme is designed to launch you into a wide range of creative industries, while also giving you the academic grounding to take your studies further if you wish.