London Film School

Overview

The London Film School (LFS) is an independent postgraduate film school located in Covent Garden, central London. Founded in 1956, LFS is one of the oldest film schools in Europe and has built a reputation for producing directors and cinematographers who work across international cinema. The school's student body is exceptionally diverse, with students from over 80 countries typically enrolled at any given time.

LFS operates independently rather than as part of a university, which gives it flexibility in curriculum design and admissions. The school's central London location places students in the middle of the UK's media capital, with direct access to production companies, post-production houses, distributors, and the broader cultural life of the city.

The school occupies a purpose-built facility near Covent Garden that includes studios, editing suites, a sound dubbing theatre, and screening rooms. Students produce a high volume of short films during their studies, and LFS thesis films regularly appear at international festivals including Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and Sundance.

In 2024, LFS announced a partnership with the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, run by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, strengthening its connections to the American film industry.

Programs Offered

• MA in Filmmaking -- a two-year intensive program covering directing, cinematography, editing, sound, and producing
• MA in Screenwriting -- a focused writing program for feature film and television
• MA in Film Producing -- a specialized program covering creative and physical producing
• MA in International Film Business -- a program focused on the business side of global cinema
• Short courses -- intensive programs in specific disciplines

What Students Should Know

LFS's MA in Filmmaking is the school's flagship program, and its structure is distinctive. Students rotate through crew positions on multiple productions during their first year, gaining experience in directing, camera, sound, and editing before specializing in their second year. This rotation model ensures that graduates understand the full production process, not just their primary discipline.

The international composition of the student body is a genuine educational asset. Students collaborate with peers from vastly different cultural and cinematic traditions, which broadens creative perspectives and builds an international professional network. Many LFS graduates return to their home countries as leading filmmakers, creating a global alumni presence.

Tuition for international students is approximately 30,000 pounds per year for the MA in Filmmaking. UK students pay lower fees, though LFS is not subsidized at the same level as the NFTS. The school offers scholarships and bursaries, but students should budget for London's high cost of living.

LFS and the NFTS are the two dominant film schools in the UK, and prospective students often weigh them against each other. LFS offers a more urban, internationally diverse experience in central London; the NFTS offers a campus-based, industry-connected model outside the city. Both are excellent, and the choice depends on the student's priorities.

Notable Alumni

LFS alumni include Mike Leigh (Secrets & Lies, Mr. Turner), Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral), Carla Simon (Alcarras), Oliver Hermanus (Living), and Ann Hui (Hong Kong New Wave director). The school has produced filmmakers who have won major prizes at Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and the Academy Awards.

See Also

For understanding the differences between US and UK film education, see International Film Markets. To plan your film's production budget in a UK context, use the Production Budget Calculator.