Film and English Literature (Placement Year) BA Hons

When you choose Film and English Literature (Placement Year) BA (Hons) at Lancaster, you’re not just signing up for lectures — you’re stepping into a creative environment where you can explore, make, and grow. This degree is designed to give you the tools, space, and hands-on experience you need to graduate with both confidence and a strong portfolio of work.

From your very first year, you’ll get practical experience in film production — from narrative and documentary filmmaking to editing and experimental projects — all while exploring how stories are told across both film and literature. You’ll study how written and visual narratives shape one another, building a unique perspective that sets you apart in today’s creative industries.

Lancaster’s outstanding facilities fully support this creative mix. You’ll have access to cinema-quality digital cameras, studio and lighting equipment, and 24/7 editing suites, so you can bring your ideas to life whenever inspiration strikes.

The programme is jointly run by the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA) and the Department of English and Creative Writing, giving you the best of both worlds — a blend of creative practice and critical insight.

Each year, you’ll have the chance to produce short films, develop your portfolio, and showcase your work in public exhibitions. You’ll also become part of Lancaster’s vibrant arts community, contributing to student-led journals such as Lux, Flash, Cake, Errant, or Cut/To, and taking part in film and literary events both on campus and in the city.

Your placement year, taken between your second and third years, gives you the chance to spend 9–12 months working in a relevant professional role. It’s an invaluable opportunity to build industry connections, apply your creative and analytical skills in a real-world setting, and gain experience that employers look for.

You won’t do this alone — the Careers and Placements team is there to support you throughout the process, helping with your CV, interview preparation, and ongoing check-ins even while you’re out on placement.

Here’s what experiential learning looks like in this degree:

• Film production every year — from short narratives to experimental films and documentaries.

• Access to professional equipment — including cameras, lighting, and editing facilities available day and night.

• Public showcases — your final-year projects are exhibited to audiences beyond the university.

• Student-run creative initiatives — collaborate on journals, organise film screenings, and join campus arts events.

• Placement year (9–12 months) — gain hands-on experience in a full-time, industry-related role.

• Dedicated careers support — receive personalised coaching before, during, and after your placement.

• Collaborative projects — learn to work as part of a production team, coordinating everything from scripts to post-production.

• Field and location opportunities — Lancaster’s diverse surroundings, from coastal views to cityscapes, become your filming backdrop and creative inspiration.

This isn’t a theory-only degree. By the time you graduate, you’ll have created your own films, developed a strong professional portfolio, gained real industry experience, and built lasting connections — all of which will prepare you to stand out in the world of film, media, and the arts.

Most graduates from similar disciplines at Lancaster go on to roles where they can put their critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills to real use — whether that’s in film production, publishing, media, or education. Thanks to the built-in placement year, you’ll graduate with more than just academic knowledge — you’ll already have professional experience, making you more confident and competitive from day one.

Typical job pathways include:

• Film producer, assistant producer, or production coordinator

• Content editor, scriptwriter, or commissioning editor

• Publishing and editorial roles

• Marketing, communications, or media strategy positions

University services to support employability

At Lancaster, you’ll have dedicated career support right from the start.

• The Careers and Placements Team helps you find and secure your placement through CV workshops, interview practice, and one-to-one guidance.

• The Arts & Employability service, based within the Faculty of Arts, connects you to internships, creative projects, and valuable industry contacts.

• You’ll also get access to a network of internships and short-term opportunities promoted internally to help you build your portfolio while you study.

Employment statistics & graduate outcomes

Lancaster’s graduates are known for their strong employment prospects.

• Within 15 months of graduation, English studies graduates earn a median salary of around £26,000, with a typical range of £23,500–£30,000.

• In longer-term data (five years after graduating), the median rises to around £27,500, showing steady career progression.

• 100% of UK-resident English graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

• Lancaster is ranked 14th in the UK for work experience opportunities and is among the top 30 universities most targeted by employers.

• Overall, 97% of Lancaster graduates enter employment or further study within six months of graduation.

University–industry partnerships & professional links

This degree is jointly delivered by the Lancaster Institute for Contemporary Arts (LICA) and the Department of English & Creative Writing, giving you access to both creative and academic expertise.

• You’ll use industry-standard production equipment, digital cameras, and editing suites as part of your coursework.

• The University regularly brings in industry professionals for guest lectures, mentoring, and project collaboration, helping you bridge the gap between study and the workplace.

• Lancaster’s Arts employability programmes actively encourage internships and real-world projects with professional partners.

Long-term reputation & career value

Lancaster is a top-10 UK university and holds a 5-Star QS rating for overall performance, including employability and research — adding real credibility to your degree.

• The course is recognised for its strong blend of theory and hands-on film experience, making it highly respected both academically and in the creative industries.

• Lancaster’s reputation for employability and real-world readiness continues to strengthen your profile long after graduation.

What you’ll take away

By the time you graduate, you’ll have:

• A deep understanding of film and literary theory, backed by practical film production experience.

• 9–12 months of professional placement experience, often leading directly to job offers.

• A network of professional contacts built through your placement, academic departments, and industry links.

• The skills and confidence to enter creative, media, publishing, or educational sectors, or to move into related roles in marketing or communications.

Further academic progression

After completing the BA (Hons) in Film and English Literature, you might choose to continue your studies through:

• A Master’s in Film Studies, Media & Communications, or Screen Studies (including research or practice-based options)

• A Master’s in English Literature, Creative Writing, or Cultural Studies

• MPhil or PhD studies in Film, Literature, or related interdisciplinary areas

• Professional postgraduate qualifications in Publishing, Screenwriting, Film Production, or Arts Management to refine your specialisation