These 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 available across the UK. See details in the table below.
Location | Organisation / application link | Enquiries | Application dates (opens / closes) |
---|---|---|---|
Aberdeen | 17 July 2023 to 10 September 2023 | ||
Armagh | 8 August 2023 to 15 September 2023 | ||
Argyll and Bute | 1 August 2023 to 25 September 2023 | ||
Barrow-in-Furness | 14 August to 24 August 2023 | ||
Belfast | 8 August 2023 to 15 September 2023 | ||
Belfast | 1 August 2023 to 2 September 2023 | ||
Birmingham | 4 September 2023 to 20 October 2023 | ||
Borehamwood, Herts | 11 July 2023 to 6 October 2023 | ||
Bradford | 16 July 2023 to 23 September 2023 | ||
Brighton | Creative Process Digital | 18 August 2023 to 20 October 2023 | |
Bristol | 21 August 2023 to 22 September 2023 | ||
Cambridge | 1 August 2023 to 8 September | ||
Cardiff | 1 August 2023 to 30 September 2023 | ||
Chester | 1 September 2023 to 2 October 2023 | ||
Cornwall | 4 September 2023 to 29 September 2023 | ||
Crook, County Durham | 1 August to 13 October 2023 | ||
Derby | 10 July 2023 to 5 October 2023 | ||
Derry-Londonderry | 15 August 2023 to 15 September 2023 | ||
Edinburgh | 7 August 2023 to 24 September 2023 | ||
Glasgow | 16 August 2023 to 14 September 2023 | ||
Hereford | 20 July 2023 to 30 September 2023 | ||
Hull | 31 July 2023 to 6 October 2023 | ||
Ilfracombe, Devon | 24 August to 9 October 2023 | ||
Ipswich | University of Suffolk | 1 September 2023 to 2 October 2023 | |
Kent | 3 July 2023 to 2 October 2023 | ||
Leeds | 16 July 2023 to 23 September 2023 | ||
Lincoln | 10 July 2023 to 13 October 2023 | ||
Liverpool | 16 August 2023 to 30 September 2023 | ||
Llandudno | 3 July 2023 to 24 August 2023 | ||
London, Barking and Dagenham | 4 September 2023 to 6 October 2023 | ||
London, Islington | 31 July 2023 to 25 September 2023 | ||
London, Fulham | 28 July 2023 to 29 September 2023 | ||
London, Hackney | 1 August 2023 to 17 September 2023 | ||
London, Kennington | 31 July 2023 to 27 September 2023 | ||
London, Brixton | 31 August 2023 to 20 October 2023 | ||
London, Southwark | 10 August 2023 to 8 September 2023 | ||
Manchester | 25 August 2023 to 18 September 2023 | ||
Milton Keyes | 7 July 2023 to 4 November 2023 | ||
Newcastle upon Tyne | 1 September 2023 to 4 December 2023 | ||
Norwich | Access to Music | 30 July 2023 to 30 August 2023 | |
Nottingham | 4 August 2023 to 17 September 2023 | ||
Redcar | 1 August 2023 to 13 October 2023 | ||
Sheffield | 1 August 2023 to 15 october 2023 | ||
Slough | 12 June 2023 to 19 November 2023 | ||
Somerset | 17 July 2023 to 3 January 2025 | ||
Southampton | 17 July 2023 to 24 October 2023 | ||
Swansea | 1 August 2023 to 30 September 2023 | ||
Whitley Bay | 1 August 2023 to 15 October 2023 |
BFI Film Academy courses are supported by the Department for Education in England, the National Lottery, Screen Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen.
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 cost £25, but if you are unable to pay the fee don’t let this discourage you from applying. Contact the course provider, as costs may be waived. 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.
Related qualifications
If you enrol on a UK short course you will be completing one of the following qualifications:
NCFE
The Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification is an NCFE Level 2 award, which helps to develop young people’s interest, passion and skills to help them in their potential careers across the film industry. This qualification has been driven by the needs of industry and education partners.

Arts Award
The Arts Award is a framework developed by Arts Council England to help young people learn new skills and share them. The BFI Film Academy is using Explore (specifically for participants with disabilities), Bronze and Silver. Employers, universities and colleges know that Arts Award is a qualification that shows young people’s level of commitment and progress in the arts, and in developing new skills.

Contact us
If you have any questions, please email filmacademy@bfi.org.uk.
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