10 Best Film Schools In The UK In 2026

Have you ever dreamt of your bathtub stage becoming the most award-winning shower scene?Maybe your script can literally blow someone’s socks off (and win you some, too)? If filmmaking excites you, the right film school can help turn your passion into a career. The UK is home to some of the world’s most respected film schools, offering expert mentorship, advanced facilities, and industry connections. Here are the top 10 best film schools in the UK in 2026 to help you start your journey in cinema.

10 Best Film Schools in the UK

As more students aspire to build a career in the film industry, studying at one of the best film schools in the UK can be a great way to begin your journey. Additionally, amber offers several scholarships for film schools, helping students pursue their filmmaking dreams. Here are the top 10 film schools in the UK, along with their acceptance rates, fees, and famous alumni.

1. National Film and Television School

Location: Beaconsfield Studios in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England
Course Duration: 1- 2 years
Course Fees: £6000 to £26,000
Scholarship Offered: BAFTA Scholarship
Acceptance Rate: 3%
Alumni: Lynne Ramsay (Brigitte Lacombe in Brigitte) & Ruby Abbiss

The National Film and Television School is hardly detached from the famous faces of the industry. The school is regarded as the best film universities UK that offers up to 30 master's, diploma, and certificate programs in filmmaking. Students have the opportunity to learn alongside industry professionals in a fully functional studio with dubbing theatres, edit suites, and three cinemas. However, enrolling in this institution is competitive, as it requires an interview, submission of showreels, and participation in weeklong seminars.

Courses Offered:
1. Animation
2. Audience Engagement
3. Creative Business
4. Digital Effects
5. Editing

2. London Film School

Location: Covent Garden, Central London
Course Duration: 2 years
Course Fees: £666 to £11,183
Scholarship Offered: LFS Scholarship
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Alumni: Michael Mann (The Insider), Koby Adam, & Julian Doyle

The London Film School features master's, doctoral, and short courses in film. It's considered one of the top film studies universities in the UK. The London Film School was once a more prominent location than the National Film and Television School, but it later formed a solid reputation within the film industry as its student works are often screened at the world's film festivals. Moreover, approximately 60% of its students come from overseas.

Courses Offered:
1. MA in Filmmaking
2. MA in Screenwriting
3. MA in Documentary
4. MA in International Film Business

3. MetFilm School

Location: Leeds, Prime Studios, 94–96 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds, LS3 1HD
Course Duration: 3 years
Course Fees: £26,500 to £42,750
Scholarship Offered: MET Film School Scholarship
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Alumni: Nick Rowland (Calm with Horses), David Bond, & Clementine Malpas

MetFilm School is a premier film, TV, and online media school that provides several courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses. The school is located in an area where popular movies like The Ladykillers, Notting Hill, and Downton Abbey have been filmed. Actually, this film school in the UK also operates its own film production house. MetFilm School is one of the best film schools in the UK, which is relatively new and promises to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for the industry.

Courses Offered:
1. Acting Screen
2. Media and Film Production
3. Film and Screen Business
4. Practical Filmmaking
5. Cinematography

4. Goldsmiths, the Screen School

Location: New Cross, England
Course Duration: 3 years
Course Fees: £16000 to £22220
Scholarship Offered: Screen School Scholarship
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Alumni: Sam Taylor-Johnson & Latifah Ireland

The Screen School of Goldsmiths is housed in a specially designed media and communication area within the college. It runs an MA in filmmaking with six different paths: cinematography, directing fiction, editing, producing, sound recording (with post-production & design), and screen documentary. However, keep in mind that this is among the best film schools in the UK that do not offer short courses, BA degrees, or diplomas, so make sure you are sure before enrolling, as the options for studying here are limited.

Courses Offered:
1. Anthropology and Media
2. Journalism and History
3. Media & Communications
4. Cultural Studies
5. Cultural Industry

5. London Film Academy

Location: Fulham, London
Course Duration: 2 years
Course Fees: £18,750 to £21,750
Scholarship Offered: Provides a range of scholarships and bursaries
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Alumni: Mat Whitecross (Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams) & Philip Clements

The London Film Academy has nurtured the talent of many filmmakers who have gone on to become independent and successful. Among their credits, which they had a hand in along the way, are big UK productions like 'Mission Impossible 8', 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny', 'Fall', Netflix's 'The Crown', 'The Witcher: Blood Origin', and 'Half Bad: The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself.' One of the best film schools in the UK for international students, it is the right place for those who want to make their mark in the industry.

Courses Offered:
1. Filmmaking
2. Screenwriting
3. Cinematography
4. Documentary

6. The University of Westminster

Location: 309 Regent Street, London
Course Duration: 3 years
Course Fees: £12,500 to £16,000
Scholarship Offered: Vice-Chancellor's scholarship
Alumni: Jada Brevett

Instead of acting, the University of Westminster offers a three-year BA in film and TV production. Situated at one of the best film schools in the UK, it highlights group work, which is a fundamental element of the film industry. The course strikes a balance between academic and vocational training, thus students will more profoundly understand the subject. Moreover, if you decide to stay in the country, you will have numerous opportunities to go on exciting road trips across the UK.

Courses Offered:
1. Architecture and the Built Environment
2. Business Management
3. Creative Industries
4. Life Science
5. Social Sciences

7. Ravensbourne University

Location: Greenwich Peninsula, London
Course Duration: 1-2 years
Course Fees: £12,000 to £25,000
Scholarship Offered: Chevening Scholarships
Alumni: Tom Harper (Peaky Blinders) & Andy Osho

Ravensbourne University is known for its film production courses. Among the top film schools in the UK, Ravensbourne University embraces a holistic approach to teaching that integrates elements of film production, screenwriting, and film industry knowledge. You will understand the core techniques of audio and visual storytelling via camera, lighting, sound, and editing, and at the same time, production management, workflow, and design will be taught to you.

Courses Offered:
1. Animation
2. Architecture
3. Digital Film Production Degree
4. Graphic Design
5. Product Design

8. Leeds Beckett University’s Northern Film School

Location: School of Arts Building, Portland Way, Leeds LS2 3AD
Course Duration: 1-2 years
Course Fees: £13,250 to £15,750
Scholarship Offered: Northern Film School Scholarship
Alumni: Mark Herman (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas) & Patrick Greenhough

The Northern Film School of Leeds Beckett University counts among its alumni those who have won major awards such as BAFTAs and Oscars. The location of the school in Leeds offers the added benefit of a lower cost of living in London. It includes two studios that allow you to create large film sets, a dedicated animation studio, and editing suites; access to top-of-the-line camera equipment, such as the Arri and Aaton, is provided.

Courses Offered:
1. Filmmaking
2. Screenwriting
3. Advertising & Design
4. Documentary

9. Bournemouth Film School

Location: AUB BH12 5HH, United Kingdom
Course Duration: 3 years
Course Fees: £15,750 to £16,750
Scholarship Offered: AUB GREAT Scholarship
Alumni: Edgar Wright

Bournemouth Film School is also known to be among the best film schools in the UK. AUB is acknowledged as one of the leading universities in the UK for film studies since it focuses on being creatively risky. It supports you in turning your artistic fantasies into reality with first-class studios made just for that. Wherever you are on your artistic path, it has a study level that meets your requirements. All its courses are geared towards giving you the skills and knowledge to be successful in the constantly changing economy of today.

Courses Offered:
1. Film Production
2. Television Production
3. Cinematography
4. Model Making

10. Brighton Film School

Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
Course Duration: 3 years
Course Fees: £3750 to £14,000
Scholarship Offered: Screen and Film School Brighton Seamus Mcgarvey Scholarship
Alumni: Toby Haynes (Doctor Who: The Impossible Astronaut Prequel) & Connor Kinsey

Brighton Film School BFS provides a wide range of short-and long, term courses options. As one of the leading film universities in the UK, it motivates students to specialise in their second year and fully leverage their understanding and skills. Besides, this UK film school offers plentiful access to equipment and cameras, which ensures that students have chances for practice under professional guidance. Brighton Film School, one of the top film schools in the UK, is also famous for upgrading students' abilities by engaging with them.

Courses Offered: ‍
1. Filmmaking
2. Screenwriting
3. Cinematography

Why Attend Film Schools in the UK?

Depending on your goals, attending the top film universities UK studies is not always necessary to become a filmmaker. These film universities in the UK are closely associated with the film industry and focus on educating filmmakers. Here are some of the reasons why you should attend these best film schools in the UK:

Comprehensive Education: UK film schools provide a well-rounded education in all aspects of filmmaking, from directing and cinematography to screenwriting and producing. 

Experience: A lot of the best film schools in the UK have a strong connection with the film industry and thus venture more into the practical side of filmmaking. Studying filmmaking through such down-to-earth approaches greatly increases your comprehension of this art and a science.

Networking Opportunity: Besides learning, these UK film schools also give you a chance to meet and get to know other industry professionals. Such a relationship can be very helpful when getting work or simply opening the door to the film industry.

Highly Specialised Skill: The most straightforward advantage is that you will be taught how to make films. This is a highly specialised skill that takes years to master.

Top-notch Facilities and Skilled Instructors: The top universities for film studies in the UK offer top-notch facilities and skilled instructors who can provide various competitive industrial skills and knowledge.

International Exposure: More than 60% of the school's student population is from outside the UK, thus providing a great multicultural learning experience. 

Eligibility Criteria

It may seem like it is very difficult to get into the best film schools in the UK. The truth is that a lot of students want to get into UK film schools, but only a few of them are qualified. Take a look at the eligibility criteria: 

1. Usually, a high school degree in humanities is required. The minimum grade for passing should be over 80%. 

2. Being proficient in the English language by scoring well in exams such as IELTS/TOEFL/PTE is necessary. 

3. If you're applying for a master's degree, you must have an undergraduate degree. 

4. Some courses also ask for practical experience in the arts or media field and relevant work experience. 

5. Five GCSEs at grade C/ level 4 or higher, or equivalent, including English.

Career Opportunities After Completing Film Studies

After earning a film degree from one of the best film universities in the UK, graduates can explore a wide range of creative and technical roles in the film and media industry. From working with established directors to joining production houses, there are many exciting career paths to consider, such as:

• Film Director
• Screenwriter / Scriptwriter
• Film Producer
• Cinematographer (Director of Photography)
• Film Editor
• Production Designer
• Sound Designer / Sound Editor
• Visual Effects (VFX) Artist

Admission Tips to the Top Film Schools in the UK

There are several fine film schools in the UK, but just like a lot of great options, it can be confusing as to where to start. Here are some hints and tips that will assist you in making a wise decision for the best film schools in the UK.

Research: Investigate the requirements of the best film schools in the UK in detail. See which top filmmakers went to the college or university that you are thinking of. 

Demonstrate your passion: Let the world know that you are a filmmaker! Develop a body of work that shows your distinctive point of view and your capacity to be a filmmaker. 

Be innovative: Think out of the box and use your ideas carefully. Look at the student projects; are you impressed?

Storytelling: Become a storyteller! Films are essentially about narratives that create deep emotions in the audience, so let your storytelling skills shine.

Be yourself: Stay true to you! Authenticity is the secret ingredient in the film business.

Willing to explore: Be willing to explore! A career in filmmaking is not a walk in the park, but for some, it's like being drawn to the only door that opens.

The best film schools in the UK can be your stepping stone to a career out of your obsession with movies. So, don't waste time and send your applications to the best film schools in the UK! Who knows? You could be the next Christopher Nolan or Greta Gerwig! Now that you've found out about the best film schools in the UK, a few of the students from these best film schools in the UK have been involved in some of the best TV shows of all time. Also, if it's a challenge for you to figure out where to watch them, you can have a look at these top streaming services that offer student discounts! 

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