10 Best Film Schools in the UK in 2024

Dreaming of turning your bathtub into the next award-winning shower scene? Maybe you have a script that'll blow socks off (and maybe win you some, too)? Well, grab your camera (or phone) because we're here to unveil the top 10 best film schools in the UK in 2024! Get ready for legendary professors, amazing facilities, and maybe even a run-in with a future A-lister (that could be you!).

10 Best Film Schools in the UK

With more and more people aspiring to have a career in the film industry, find out how you can launch a career at the best film schools in UK. Here are the 10 top film schools in the UK, along with their acceptance rate, fees and popular 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
QS World Ranking: #11
Scholarship Offered: BAFTA Scholarship
Acceptance Rate: 3%
Alumni: Lynne Ramsay (Brigitte Lacombe in Brigitte) & Ruby Abbiss

The National Film and Television School is often associated with famous names in the industry. It is considered one of the best UK film universities, offering over 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
QS World Ranking: #860
Scholarship Offered: LFS Scholarship
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Alumni: Michael Mann (The Insider), Koby Adam, & Julian Doyle

The London Film School provides a range of master's and doctoral studies as well as short courses focused on film. It's regarded as one of the best universities for film studies UK. In the past, it had a more prominent location than the National Film and Television School. Later, it established a reputable name in the motion picture industry as student work is frequently screened at international film festivals. Furthermore, a significant portion of its student body, roughly 60%, comes from outside the United Kingdom.

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
QS World Ranking: #574
Scholarship Offered: MET Film School Scholarship
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Alumni: Nick Rowland (Calm with Horses), David Bond, & Clementine Malpas

MetFilm School is a leading film, TV, and online media school. It offers several courses, such as undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses. Notable films such as The Ladykillers, Notting Hill, and Downton Abbey were shot where the school's headquarters were established. In fact, this film school in the UK also has its own film production house. MetFilm School is one of the best film schools in the UK that is relatively new and promises to make you industry-ready.

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
QS World Ranking: #12
Scholarship Offered: Screen School Scholarship
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Alumni: Sam Taylor-Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey) & Latifaha Ireland

The Screen School of Goldsmiths operates from a purpose-built media facility in the media and communication department within the college. It offers 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 one of the best film schools in the UK that doesn't offer short courses, BA degrees, or diplomas, so make sure you are certain 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
QS World Ranking: #860
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 supported and cultivated numerous talented filmmakers who have subsequently embarked on their independent ventures. They have contributed to notable UK productions such as 'Mission Impossible 8', 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny', 'Fall', Netflix's acclaimed 'The Crown', 'The Witcher: Blood Origin', and 'Half Bad: The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself.’ One of the best film schools in UK for international students, it is the right fit for people looking to establish themselves 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
QS World Ranking: #701
Scholarship Offered: Vice-Chancellor's scholarship
Alumni: Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer) & Jada Brevett

The University of Westminster offers a three-year BA in Film and TV production rather than acting. Being one of the best film schools in the UK, it emphasises group work, which is a vital aspect of the film industry. The program provides a balance of both academic and vocational training, allowing students to have a better understanding of the subject. Plus, when you’re in the country, you can always go on amazing road trips in 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
QS World Ranking: #201
Scholarship Offered: Chevening Scholarships
Alumni: Tom Harper (Peaky Blinders) & Andy Osho

Ravensbourne University offers a variety of film production courses. One of the best film schools in the UK, Ravensbourne University takes a holistic teaching approach, combining elements of film production, screenwriting, and film industry knowledge. Here, you will gain insights into core techniques of audio-visual storytelling through camera, lighting, sound and editing, along with production management, workflow, and design. 

Courses Offered: 
1. Animation
2. Architecture
3. Digital Film Production
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
QS World Ranking: #1001
Scholarship Offered: Northern Film School Scholarship
Alumni: Mark Herman (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas) & Patrick Greenhough

Leeds Beckett University's Northern Film School has several alumni who won prestigious 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 is a top competitor for being the best university for film production UK that has the necessary equipment to fulfil your needs. 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
QS World Ranking: #801
Scholarship Offered: AUB GREAT Scholarship
Alumni: Edgar Wright (The World's End) & Edgar Wright

The Bournemouth Film School is also one of the top film schools in the UK. AUB is considered one of the best universities in UK for film studies, as it believes in taking creative risks. It helps you turn your creative dreams into reality with top-notch studios designed just for that. No matter where you are in your creative journey, it has a study level that fits your needs. All its courses are designed to give you the skills and know-how you need to thrive in today's ever-changing economy.

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
QS World Ranking: #125
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 offers a variety of short—and long-term course options. As one of the best film universities in the UK, it encourages students to specialise in their second year and fully utilise their knowledge and skills. Additionally, this UK film school provides ample access to equipment and cameras, ensuring that students have opportunities for hands-on training. Brighton Film School, one of the best film schools in the UK, is also known for enhancing students' skills by interacting with them.

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

Why Attend Film Schools in the UK?

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

1. Comprehensive Education: UK film schools provide a well-rounded education in all aspects of filmmaking, from directing and cinematography to screenwriting and producing.
2. Practical Experience: Many of the best filmmaking schools in the UK are closely associated with the film industry and focus on practical filmmaking. This hands-on experience is invaluable for learning the art and science of filmmaking. 
3. Networking Opportunities: UK film schools also provide an opportunity to network with other industry professionals. This can be beneficial when you’re looking for work or getting your foot in the door of the film industry.
4. Highly Specialised Skill: One of the most obvious benefits is that you will learn how to make films. This is a highly specialised skill that takes years to master.
5. Top-notch Facilities and Skilled Instructors: The top universities for film studies UK offer top-notch facilities and skilled instructors who can provide various competitive industrial skills and knowledge.
6. International Exposure: More than 60% of the student population in the school comes from outside the UK, providing an excellent multicultural learning experience.

Eligibility Criteria

Getting into the best film schools in the UK might seem very tough. The reality is that many students wish to get into UK film schools, but only a few are eligible. Have a look at the eligibility criteria:

1. A high school degree in humanities subject is often required. The minimum grade of passing should be above 80%.
2. Proficiency in the English language with a good score in exams like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE is required.
3. Having a graduate degree is a must if you’re applying for a master’s degree.|
4. Some courses also require practical experience in the arts or media sector 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 completing studies at one of the best film UK universities in the UK, you surely get many offers and chances to work with prominent filmmakers. There are many other job profiles as well, which you might not have even thought of; the following are a few: 

Admission Tips to the Top Film Schools in the UK

There are several top film schools in the UK, but with so many great options, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you choose the best film schools in the UK wisely.

1. Research: Thoroughly research all the requirements of the best film schools in the UK. Look into which prominent filmmakers are alums of the college or university you’re considering.
2. Demonstrate your passion: Show the filmmaker in you! Build a portfolio of work that communicates your unique point of view and your potential as a filmmaker.
3. Be creative: Be creative and careful with your ideas. Study the projects students have made; are you impressed?
4. Storytelling: Be the storyteller! Filmmaking is all about telling stories that invoke strong emotions in the viewers, so showcase your storytelling skills.
5. Be yourself: Be you! Authenticity is key in the film industry.
6. Open to exploring: Be open to exploring! Filmmaking isn’t an easy career, but for many people, it feels like the only possible choice.

The best film schools in the UK can help you pursue a career in your love of movies. Thus, don't hesitate any longer and apply to the best film schools in the UK! Who knows? You may just be the next Christopher Nolan or Greta Gerwig! 

Now that you know the best film schools in the UK, here are some best TV shows of all time that a few of the alumni from these best film schools in the UK have a hand in. And if you’re finding it difficult to find where to watch them, you can check out these top streaming services with student discounts!