It’s true that you don’t need to attend film school or have a degree to work in the film
industry. However, many people still benefit from taking a course and learning the basics of
filmmaking before working on a film set. Some roles even require you to have skills before
you can apply. For example, a make-up artist assistant should have basic make-up
knowledge and work experience. 

Consider what roles you will be applying for this new year and if a course will help you stand
out. Filmmaking courses can also be placed onto your filmmaker CV, and don’t forget to list
any new skills you learn. Below you can find a list of classes taking place throughout the UK
this year; more courses are listed on our film course database. 
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Film Schools

NFTS – The UK’s most influential film school based in Beaconsfield offers a wide range of
courses. Unlike most filmmaking courses, the NFTS focuses on specific job roles. So, if you
know what film job you want you can attend a class that caters entirely to that subject.
Application deadlines for all full-time courses are in May and July. 

Met Film School – With campuses in London, Leeds and Berlin, The Met has a full-time BA
and MA course. The London film school is based in the famous Earling studios and aims to
teach practical hands-on skills. This is a good choice for anyone who wants to learn
everything and not focus on a specific job role. Applications are accepted between
September and January. 

Raindance – The film festival also has a successful film school offering full-time MA’s in
filmmaking and screenwriting. This is perfect for anyone who already has a degree or
industry experience. Based in London, their 2-year courses and undergraduate BTEC’s aim to
get you ready for a successful film career. Applications for full-time courses are in
September. 
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Short Courses

YAFTA – The Yorkshire Academy of Film and Television Acting provides a range of short
filmmaking courses. Initially an acting school, the YAFTA now has training and opportunities
for crew. One course on offer is a part-time screenwriting diploma that only requires 3
hours of study per week. In addition, they have lots of courses and workshops for actors.
Applications for courses take place throughout the year. 

Creative Media Skills – Based in Pinewood Studios, they have a wide range of short courses.
Subjects include prop making, character make-up, wig making and script supervision. All
classes are taught by industry professionals, and many students have gone on to work on
high-end productions. Applications for short courses take place throughout the year. 
NFTS Short Courses – Not only does the NFTS do full-time courses, but it has a variety of
short workshops year-round. So whatever your profession, you will find a course here,
including directing actors, data wrangling, TV producing and film financing. Short courses
happen year-round and are held in Beaconsfield, Glasgow, Cardiff, Leeds and online.
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Specialist Courses
IMA – The Iver Make-up Academy is the leading make-up and hair school for film and TV. If
you want to work in the hair and make-up department, it makes sense to gain focused
education. Based in Pinewood Studios, courses include SFX make-up, hair artistry and wig
making. All classes take place several times a year, and you will need to book in advance as
they routinely sell out. 

Escape Studios – Based in London and online, they have a range of Visual Effects (VFX) and
computer animation courses. You can find evening filmmaking courses and post-graduate
degrees, although lessons are also available online. Examples of classes are character and
creature design, storyboarding and 3D visual effects. Short courses take place throughout
the year, with full-time course deadlines in September.

Grierson Doc Lab – This is an exciting documentary course that also provides a paid, high-
end work placement. The course takes place throughout one year and is only open for
young people aged 18-25. In addition, they have two other focused courses in production
management and editing. The scheme is fully funded but is only offered to 15 students per
year. The deadline for the Grierson Doc Lab is February 11th 2022.  
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Online Courses

Screenskills – Here, you can find a selection of free online courses and training
opportunities. Course titles include how to perform well in an interview, matte painting,
career mapping and networking. Screenskills also has its acclaimed trainee finder and TV
work experience placements. Online courses take place monthly, the trainee finder opens in
September. 

Aardman Animation – The studio behind Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep has a 3-
month intensive stop-frame animation course. The modules have been created by award-
winning professionals and are aimed at beginners. You can learn how to start your
animation career in the comfort of your own home, as well as chat with the Aardman online
community. You can sign up for the online course any time of the year. 

Raindance Online – Besides providing full-time courses, Raindance film school has plenty of
monthly online courses. In addition, you can book 1-1 mentorship from an industry
professional, including personal script feedback and career consultation. All classes at
Raindance are affordable, and new lessons are added every month. 
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Filmmaking courses help you gain confidence in your role and prepare you for a professional
film career. You will need to decide if you will benefit from taking a comprehensive course
or a more focused workshop. It also doesn’t matter how old you are or even if you already
have experience. Continuing education classes are attended by a range of people with
different goals. 

This list above is only a selection of filmmaking courses throughout the year. You can find a
complete list on our film course database where you can also filter your course by subject,
provider and location.