Screen Academy Scotland at Edinburgh Napier University

Overview

Screen Academy Scotland is the national center for screen education in Scotland, based at Edinburgh Napier University. Established in 2005 with support from Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish government, the academy provides postgraduate training in filmmaking disciplines for students who want to work in Scotland's growing screen industry and beyond.

Scotland has seen substantial growth in its film and television production sector, driven by generous tax reliefs, the development of new studio facilities, and the increasing volume of international productions choosing Scottish locations. Edinburgh and Glasgow both serve as production hubs, and the Scottish government has committed significant investment to expanding the country's screen infrastructure.

The academy's location in Edinburgh, one of the UK's most culturally vibrant cities and home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival (one of the oldest film festivals in the world), provides students with access to a rich artistic environment and professional networking opportunities.

Programs Offered

• MA in Filmmaking -- a one-year intensive postgraduate program covering directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, sound, and producing
• MA in Screenwriting -- dedicated graduate writing program
• MA in Film Production -- focused on production management and producing

What Students Should Know

Screen Academy Scotland teaches in English and is fully accessible to international students. The UK's student visa system allows international postgraduate students to work part-time during their studies and to remain in the country for a period after graduation to seek employment.

Tuition for UK and Scottish students benefits from Scotland's distinct tuition policies within the UK system. International fees are competitive with other UK postgraduate programs. Edinburgh's cost of living is lower than London, making the academy a more affordable option for students seeking UK film education.

The academy's connections to the Scottish screen industry are strong. Screen Scotland, the national agency for screen development, works closely with the academy to ensure that training aligns with industry needs and that graduates have pathways into professional employment.

Notable Alumni

Screen Academy Scotland alumni work across the Scottish and UK film and television industries. The academy has produced directors, writers, and producers who contribute to Scotland's growing production output.

See Also

For understanding the UK film industry, see International Film Markets. To plan your production budget, use the Production Budget Calculator.