Film and Philosophy (Study abroad)

Lancaster’s combined Film and Philosophy degree is taught jointly by academics in the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts and the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion.

Your degree aims to provide you with the information and theoretical frameworks for understanding films as crucial cultural artefacts. You’ll have the opportunity to study the aesthetic importance of cinema in the context of an increasingly visual and media-oriented culture, while investigating the connections between contemporary art, theatre, music and film. Lancaster’s course is academic rather than vocational, but you will have the opportunity at each year of the programme to make your own digital film using the University’s film equipment.

You’ll be able to select from a wide range of options in both disciplines to complement your compulsory modules, beginning with the core first-year modules Introduction to Film and Introduction to Philosophy. In your second year, your courses include Global Cinema and you’ll complete a Film Dissertation in your final year.

The first year philosophy module ‘Introduction to Philosophy' introduces students to key themes in the study of philosophy. Consciously drawing on a broad range of philosophical traditions -- Continental, Analytic, and non-Western -- it aims to present a comprehensive overview of various theoretical sub-disciplines within philosophy, but also to equip students with the ability to reason and think clearly about the most fundamental questions of human existence. The course, though designed as an introduction to the advanced degree-level study of philosophy, will also function as a self-standing introduction to philosophy suitable for those seeking to broaden their understanding of philosophy as it has been practiced throughout various traditions.’ In your second and final years you will be able to choose from a broad range of philosophy modules, including for example: ‘Continental Philosophy; Logic and Language; Aesthetics; Moral Philosophy’.

Study abroad The study abroad option is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree.

Often study abroad students describe the year abroad as a “transformative experience”, as it can shape your future career path as well as having a positive impact on your personal development.

Experience and skills You will study in your third year at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to • develop your global outlook • expand your professional network • increase your cultural awareness • develop your personal skills

Host universities During your year abroad, you will choose specialist modules relating to your degree and potentially other modules offered by the host university that are specialisms of that university and country.  The places available at our overseas partners vary each year, but destinations have previously included Australia, USA, Canada, Europe and Asia.

Alternative option We will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable.

If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.