Overview

Cinema and creative writing are powerful mediums that shape cultural narrative, visual language, and emotional expression. Studying the BA (Hons) Film and Creative Writing at Lancaster University provides an inspiring space where visual analysis and creative composition reinforce one another. The curriculum balances critical film studies with original creative writing practice, offering equal focus to both artistic fields. Students explore cinema history, world film movements, and screen theory while developing their own creative output in collaborative, tutor-led workshops. Supported by practicing filmmakers, published authors, and modern media facilities, the program offers access to digital editing suites and vibrant regional arts networks. This degree is ideal for aspiring screenwriters, storytellers, and visual media enthusiasts who want to build strong skills in screen critique, script construction, narrative design, and original artistic production.

What You'll Learn

Global cinema history, film theory movements, aesthetic styles, and diverse national film traditions

Techniques of screenwriting including script formatting, narrative structure, dialogue design, and character arcs

Practice of creative writing across multiple genres, including prose fiction, poetry, drama, and digital media

Critical methods for analyzing visual media, film production contexts, representation, and screen culture

Workshop techniques for peer critique, script editing, story development, and revising creative projects

Strategies for visual storytelling, pitching narrative concepts, and understanding contemporary screen industries

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will possess a deep understanding of cinematic forms, film history, and creative narrative structures across varied genres. Students acquire the ability to critically analyze visual and written media using relevant theoretical frameworks, aesthetic criteria, and contextual research. Alongside analytical expertise, learners gain practical skills in writing, formatting, and refining original screenplays, fiction, and dramatic works for specific audiences. Through workshop collaboration and peer feedback exercises, students develop strong abilities in editing material, managing creative projects, and pitching narrative ideas effectively. Ultimately, graduates are equipped to bridge critical media analysis with creative practice, allowing them to specialize in areas such as screenwriting, film production, publishing, arts journalism, media curation, or postgraduate research.