Film and English Literature BA Hons

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the BA (Hons) Film and English Literature course at Lancaster — and what you’ll actually get to do and use along the way:

At Lancaster, this degree is more than just reading and theory: you’ll be making films, working in editing suites, and combining literary thinking with cinema practice. You’ll have 24/7 access to editing suites and cinema-ready cameras, supported by tutors and small group workshops.

The course is jointly run by Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA) and the Department of English & Creative Writing, so you benefit from top-notch film and arts facilities alongside expert literary guidance.

Here’s a clearer picture of how you’ll learn by doing:

• In practical modules, you’ll create short films—narrative, documentary, or experimental—in groups, putting theory straight into practice.

• In the Documentary Film Practice module, small groups (3–7 students) produce a 5–7 minute documentary, combining research, planning, filming, editing, and presentation skills.

• You’ll work with state-of-the-art equipment—cameras, editing software, sound gear—within dedicated studios and editing suites.

• Small seminar groups and workshops give you opportunities for peer feedback, script development, collaborative projects, and lively discussions about film and literary ideas.

• In your final year, a film dissertation lets you research and produce a substantial film or film/literary project of your own.

• The course encourages interdisciplinarity, with modules that may explore film theory, global cinema, literature, adaptation, and cultural studies.

• You’ll have access to Lancaster’s extensive library resources, digital collections, and arts archives.

• The Ruskin Library and Museum & Research Centre provide unique archives and materials for arts, literature, and cultural research.

• Through LICA, you’ll be part of a vibrant arts community, engaging with exhibitions, film events, public screenings, and cross-arts collaborations.

Most graduates go on to careers that blend creativity, analytical thinking, and communication skills. They often find themselves working in film, media, publishing, or related fields, or using this versatile foundation to explore other opportunities. This degree equips you with both practical and critical skills, helping you stay adaptable and competitive in a changing creative landscape.

Looking ahead, typical job roles might include:

• Film / Media Producer

• Content Producer / Digital Media Specialist

• Publishing Editor or Literary Agent

• Marketing or Advertising Executive

• Screenwriter / Script Supervisor

• Arts Manager or Curator

• Broadcast or Print Journalist

• Teacher or Lecturer in media or literature

Future Progression & Opportunities

Support from university services

• Lancaster’s Careers and Employability team provides one-to-one consultations, tailored application advice, mock interviews, and events focused on your chosen sector.

• There’s a paid internship scheme specifically for Arts, Humanities, and Social Science students, giving you real-world experience.

• The Lancaster Award recognises extracurricular engagement like work experience, volunteering, or leadership—great for boosting your CV.

• Students have free access to BFI Player, along with masterclasses and workshops, helping you build connections within the film industry.

Employment stats & salary expectations

• While exact salaries for this degree aren’t listed, graduates in film, media, and literary fields in the UK typically start around £20,000–£30,000, depending on role and location.

• With experience (around 5+ years), roles such as senior producer, content manager, or editorial lead can reach £30,000–£45,000+—especially in London or major media hubs.

• Lancaster humanities graduates enjoy high employment or further study rates within six months of graduation.

University–industry partnerships

• The programme partners with the British Film Institute (BFI), giving students free access to BFI Player and opportunities to take part in BFI-led events and masterclasses.

• Through Lancaster’s creative networks, students have showcased final-year films in local cinemas like The Dukes in Lancaster and collaborated with the university’s film societies and student TV station (LA1TV).

• Literary students benefit from a long-standing link with the Wordsworth Trust, accessing archival, cultural, and research resources in the Lake District.

Long-term reputation & value

• Lancaster is well-regarded in humanities, creative arts, and literature, lending credibility to your degree in cultural, media, and academic circles.

• The degree blends theory and practical filmmaking, so you graduate with a strong portfolio of films, scripts, and critical essays—not just a transcript.

• Your training is future-proof: as media evolves (streaming, digital storytelling, VR, interactive narratives), your skills in narrative, film theory, and hands-on practice equip you to adapt.

Graduation outcomes

• You’ll leave with both critical insight into literature and visual culture and practical filmmaking abilities, including editing, cinematography, and production.

• You’ll have a creative body of work—short films or adaptation projects—to showcase to employers or festivals.

• You’ll be well-prepared for careers in film, media, publishing, creative agencies, cultural institutions, content creation, marketing, journalism, curation, and more.

Further Academic Progression

After completing a BA in Film and English Literature, there are several paths to deepen your expertise or broaden your career options:

• You could pursue a Master’s in Film Studies, English Literature, or Creative Writing.

• For a more production-focused route, postgraduate courses at film schools such as the London Film School, the National Film and Television School, or Met Film School are popular among Lancaster graduates.

• If research appeals to you, an MPhil or PhD in areas like film history, visual culture, or adaptation studies is possible.

• Alternatively, you could combine your creative training with postgraduate studies in Media Studies, Digital Culture, Creative Industries Management, or Arts Administration.