Film and Philosophy (Placement Year)

Cinema shapes our emotions, our societies, and our futures. This course in Film and Philosophy gives you an exciting opportunity to develop your unique voice alongside engaging with fundamental philosophical questions about human existence, truth and knowledge, right and wrong, politics and justice, art, faith and reason.

Exploring rich cinema history and theories, you will use these to inspire your own written assignments and practical film projects.

Why study Film and Philosophy at Lancaster?

• Deepen your knowledge of global film history through our exciting programme while also gaining practical film-making experience

• Benefit from 24/7 access to our editing suites and specialist equipment, including cinema-ready digital cameras and workshop spaces

• Gain inspiration from our team of distinguished academics, passionate filmmakers and experienced industry professionals

• Engage in philosophy as an active practice, learning from philosophers who are involved in developing the research, ideas, and theory you will study

• Study a curriculum that draws upon multiple philosophical traditions including, western, continental, Chinese, and feminist thought

• Gain valuable work experience with internship opportunities through the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, known for its cutting-edge research

What aspects of Film will I study?

Dive into the fascinating world of film, studying cinema and its history from international perspectives. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the development of cinema, from Victorian novelty films to the thriving global industries of the 21st century.

You will also build your practical skills in cinematography, editing and sound, and explore film-making styles such as narrative, documentary and experimental. Together with global film practices, storytelling and scriptwriting, and gender and politics in film, you will be introduced to a wide range of themes that could influence the work you produce during your degree and your future career.

You will have access to top-of-the-line production equipment including cinema-ready digital cameras with prime lenses, DSLR cameras, versatile set lighting, grip equipment and full access to Adobe Creative Cloud in our acoustic editing suites.

How will I study in Philosophy?

In your Philosophy studies at Lancaster, you will gain strong foundational knowledge, building confidence in key areas of the discipline, before going on to examine specialist topics of particular relevance to your degree in Film and Philosophy. From ethics, epistemology, metaphysics and critical thinking in your first year, to the opportunity to study research-led cutting edge questions at the frontiers of philosophy in your final year , you will leave your degree with a deeper understanding of multiple philosophical traditions, themes and topics, and their relevance to important historical and contemporary challenges

As a Film and a philosophy student you will study philosophy that will directly inform and draw on your study of Film. Examining debates in language and communication in your second year, and questions in philosophy and popular culture in your final year, you will gain a deeper appreciation of the connections between the two subjects of your degree.

Alongside this, you’ll benefit from our specialist, cutting-edge research through optional topics ranging from the philosophy of science to the philosophy of global crises and will develop a rich picture of key questions and debates in philosophy.

What opportunities are there outside the course?

Studying at Lancaster offers a lively, creative community that extends from our campus to the city’s Castle Quarter and beyond. You might participate in our student-run cinema Take2, where you can show your films, or LA1TV - our own TV studio.