BFI Film Academy short courses

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.

BFI Film Academy courses are supported by the Department for Education in England, the National Lottery, Screen Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you enrol on a UK short course you will be completing one of the following qualifications:

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.

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.

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