London is a hub of creative industries, and it comes as no surprise that the city is home to some of the best film schools in the world. These film schools offer a wide range of programs, from short courses to full-time degree programs, that cover everything from screenwriting to film production, cinematography, and post-production. Attending a film school in London can provide aspiring filmmakers with access to some of the most cutting-edge technology and facilities, as well as world-class faculty members who are industry experts with extensive experience in the field. So why not check out our list and find which are the best film schools in London to go to!
1. MetFilm School London
Established in 2003, MetFilm offers undergraduate, postgraduate and short courses in filmmaking, acting, film business and more. It’s a leading film, television, and online media school with campuses in London, Berlin, and Leeds. The London campus is located in Ealing Studios complex, which is renowned for its historic and recent film productions. Some these include The Theory of Everything, Last Night in Soho, and the Downton Abbey TV series. There’s also a Garden Studios campus, which is designed to support the latest production technologies and is located just a few miles from the Ealing Studios campus.
Filmmaking Degrees
- BA (Hons), Content, Media and Film Production
- BA (Hons) Film and Screen Business
- BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking (Two or Three Year)
Alumni
Rina Yang is a cinematographer who graduated the BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking (Two Year) degree. Yang’s work includes Euphoria 2022, Top Boy 2019-2022 and All Too Well: The Short Film 2021. Here is a link to her professional website displaying all her projects and collaborations.
Reviews
The average rating for MetFilm School is 4.1 out of 5, which clearly shows it’s one of the best film schools in London. Students report back about having great experiences, the friendly staff, useful facilities and more. However, some believe the film school is expensive, which kind of goes with London living.
2. London Film Academy
Founded in 2001, London Film Academy offers a variety of degrees and courses with focus on practical elements and innovation. The premises of LFA, once a church, is now a film school offering a range of facilities to their students. These include two studios, editing suites, classrooms equipped with video and computer playback, and a cinema with a Sony 4K digital projector and Cambridge Audio 7.1 Surround Sound with Subwoofer. LFA also has a JW Studio, named after world-renowned camera and steadicam operator John Ward, which is used for workshops, film shoots, and set design. The Kubrick Studio is another film studio where students can hone their practical filmmaking skills. As one of the best film schools in London, it also provides Super 16mm ARRI SR3 and 416 camera kits, a wide range of lighting and mounts, and a student room for relaxation and inspiration.
Filmmaking Degrees
- BA (Hons) Filmmaking
They also offer MA degrees as well as many short courses with durations ranging from a day to six weeks.
Alumni
Philip Clements is a foley (sound) editor who graduated a Filmmaking Diploma. Clements’ work consists of Chernobyl 2019, Blue Story 2019 and The Crown 2016-2020. Here is a link to IMDb profile detailing his projects, awards and nominations.
Reviews
3. National Film and Television School
Since 1971, National Film and Television School has produced some of the best talents in London and the UK including Roger Deakins, David Yates and Kim Longinotto. National Film and Television School offer 12-15 months diplomas instead of undergraduate degrees. This is better suited for those with industry experience and portfolios. In addition, they also do masters in directing, composing, cinematography, games design, editing and more.
Filmmaking Diplomas
- Assistant Directing
- Cameras for Television Production
- Location Sound Recording
- Motion Graphics and Titles
Alumni
Lynne Ramsay is a director who graduated from NFTS. Ramsay’s work includes We Need to Talk About Kevin 2011, Ratcatcher 1999 and You Were Never Really Here 2017. Here is a link to her profile on her agency’s website showcasing her films and work.
Reviews
Many students positively describe their experiences at the National Film and Television School. Some claim that it’s a great opportunity to network, listen to guest speakers and gain insight and mentoring from experienced tutors. Other students discuss the quality and variety of courses, which are not available elsewhere in Europe.
4. London Film School
Known to be the oldest film school in the UK, London Film School (LFS) began in 1956 and is definitely one of the best around. It’s a leading institution for emerging creative talent offering MA programs in Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Documentary Filmmaking, and International Film Business. LFS follows a conservatoire model, providing an intensive and collaborative environment for students to learn and grow. The film school believes in nurturing student’s imagination and provides opportunities for them to collaborate with peers and industry professionals. The staff at LFS also have great connections to UK and global screen industries, making teaching and networking that much more valuable.
Degrees and courses
It doesn’t offer undergraduate courses, however they do offer various masters degrees including:
- MA Filmmaking
- MA Screenwriting
- MA International Film Business
You can also enrol in one of London Film School’s workshops and summer programmes. These include a variety of crafts, such as cinematography, TV coaching, how to set up production companies and more.
Alumni
Brad Anderson is a filmmaker who graduated from LFS. Anderson’s filmography includes Transsiberian 2008, The Machinist 2004 and Boardwalk Empire 2010-2011. Other notable alumni include Iain Smith, Michael Mann and many others.
Reviews
According to Student Filmmakers, London Film School is great for its teaching quality and post-graduate opportunities. In other reviews, students note how the school developed their skills, provided hands-on working experience, and launch careers. Meanwhile, some of the other students have noted that despite being one of the best film schools in London, LFS doesn’t always live up to its reputation.
Overall, these are the best films schools in London that can kickstart your careers in the film and television industries. Universities and film schools are a great place to be immersed in it all – they even provide a backdrop to many movies filmed on site!
