Film Studies at Lancaster University at Main

The Film Studies MA at Lancaster provides the opportunity to study film theory, history and culture - particularly transnational cinemas - while also developing practical skills in filmmaking. If students are passionate about putting theory into practice, the department also provides optional project-led modules and students could develop skills in short narrative, documentary or experimental cinema.

The academics who will teach are active in research and specialise in British cinema, Hong Kong cinema and Asian filmmaking in general, African-American popular culture, Middle Eastern cinemas, European arthouse cinemas and Hollywood Cinema, as well as approaches to film aesthetics, and the intersection between theory, culture and the image.

Students will have the flexibility either to submit a traditional independent research dissertation or to undertake a practice-based project accompanied by a critical written piece for the final major research project. Students will have access to an excellent range of technical resources and equipment including top of the line digital cameras and digital editing equipment.

The core modules are described under the course structure section above: Research Methods: Contemporary Film Theory; Transnational Cinemas; and Major Research Project: Dissertation. There is also a range of optional modules including Contemporary Gothic, Film Theory and the Creative Process of Writing for the Screen, Digital Journalism & Visual Storytelling and more.  Please note however that each year the department runs a selection of these optional modules and the modules offered can vary depending on staff availability.

The program will help students to strengthen their academic foundation if they plan planning to progress to doctoral (PhD) studies at Lancaster or elsewhere. It will also stand students in good stead if they want to pursue a career in the arts and media industries.