These short courses help train and inspire the next generation of UK filmmakers and production crew, supporting 16 to 19-year-olds to develop new skills and gain commercial and cultural knowledge to help build a career in the screen industries. No experience is necessary.
Courses are happening all across the UK and are now open for applications – take a look at the table below to find what’s nearby.
| Region | Website to apply | Enquiries email address |
| London | London BFI Film Academy | bfifilmacademy@ctvc.co.uk |
| South East | South East BFI Film Academy | info@screensouth.org. |
| West Midlands | West Midlands BFI Film Academy | dans@ruralmedia.co.uk |
| East Midlands | East Midlands BFI Film Academy | filmacademy@broadway.org.uk |
| East | East BFI Film Academy | info@104films.com |
| North East | North East BFI Film Academy | bfi@jackdrum.co.uk |
| Yorkshire | Yorkshire and Humber BFI Film Academy | BFI.Academy@srws.org.uk |
| North | North West BFI Film Academy | filmyoungcreatives@homemcr.org |
| Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland BFI Film Academy | info@nervecentre.org |
| Scotland | Scotland BFI Film Academy | admin@screen-ed.org |
| South West | South West BFI Film Academy | film.academy@watershed.co.uk |
| Wales | Wales BFI Film Academy | bulldozerfilms@hotmail.com |
BFI Film Academy Short Courses are supported by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and National Lottery.
Eligibility for short courses
In order to apply you must:
- be aged 16 to 19-years-old on the first day of the course (applicants who are in receipt of an EHC plan (an education, health and care plan) may be recruited up to 25 years old)
- be a UK resident
- have a passion or talent for filmmaking and an ambition to work in the screen industries
- be able to commit to the duration of the course
- not currently be at university or enrolled at university when the course starts
- not have previously enrolled on a BFI Film Academy course
As each course is likely to have more people apply than available places, any evidence you have of your passion or talent will help your application. Every course is open to young people from anywhere in the UK and from any background. No academic education or degree is necessary.
Course accessibility
The BFI Film Academy encourages young people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply. Please email filmacademy@bfi.org.uk or your local provider to discuss any learning support or access requirements that you may have.
Costs
Short courses are free.
Bursaries for travel and childcare are also available if you require assistance with these costs.
How to apply
Each course has its own application process and you will need to apply directly to the organisation running it. Please visit the relevant organisation links in the table for further information.
The starting date for each course varies and there are different deadlines for applications. Please ensure that you can make all the dates for your chosen course before applying.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please email filmacademy@bfi.org.uk.
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