The London Film School opened in 1956, making it one of the oldest film schools anywhere, and it has long been based in Covent Garden. Its flagship MA Filmmaking lasts two years. Students crew on each other's films in every role, not only the one they plan to specialise in. Mike Leigh and Michael Mann are among its former students. There are also master's degrees in screenwriting and international film business.
London, England, United Kingdom
Official website: lfs.org.uk
1956
Specialist postgraduate film school
Covent Garden, London
Mike Leigh and Michael Mann
£22,000 – £32,000
International students, per year of MA study
£16,000 – £22,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on lfs.org.uk before you apply.
MA Filmmaking
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Jan, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0
MA Screenwriting
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0
MA International Film Business
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0
Short Courses (LFS Workshops)
Short CourseDuration
1-12 Weeks
Intake
Year-round
Exam Score
No formal test; fluent English
Students crew on each other's films in every role, from camera to edit.
Former students include Mike Leigh and Michael Mann.
A central London base close to Soho's post-production houses.
Graduates work as directors, cinematographers, editors, producers and sound designers.
Many build careers in independent film, television drama and commercials.
The Graduate Route lets graduates stay and work in the UK; check its current length.
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
MA Filmmaking
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
All MA programmes
The school is a short walk from Covent Garden and Leicester Square stations, surrounded by theatres, cinemas and the edit suites of Soho.
Central London is expensive, and most students share flats further out and commute by Tube or bus. A student Oyster photocard cuts travel costs.
CAS from the London Film School
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
The London Film School reviews MA applications in rounds, and places are limited. Apply several months before your intake with a portfolio of creative work, and leave time for the CAS and visa after an offer.
MA Filmmaking has more than one entry point a year, including January and September. The other MA programmes mostly start in the autumn. Check current dates before applying.
You'll apply for a Student visa. the London Film School gives you a CAS number once your offer is unconditional and the deposit is paid. You can then apply online up to six months before the course starts, with bank evidence and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
MA Filmmaking is the main programme, followed by MA Screenwriting and MA International Film Business. Applicants need a degree or equivalent experience, a portfolio of creative work and strong English, usually around IELTS 7.0. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed.
The school offers a small number of scholarships and bursaries, and some outside funders support film students. Competition is strong, so research external funding early.
