Film Studies MA at Lancaster University

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

The academics who will teach you 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.

You 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 your final major research project. You 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
• 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 we run a selection of these optional modules and the modules offered can vary depending on staff availability.

The programme will help you to strengthen your academic foundation if you plan planning to progress to doctoral (PhD) studies at Lancaster or elsewhere. It will also stand you in good stead if you want to pursue a career in the arts and media industries. For example you might be interested in:

• Film and TV sector (Researcher, Writer, Director, Producer, Production Manager, etc.)
• Advertising and other creative industries
• Charities
• PR and Marketing
• Education
• Research Council
• Archives
• Organisations involved in festival and cultural event management
• Cultural and heritage organisations involved in film preservation, curating and archiving
• Multimedia authoring and digital design companies