About

FAQs about the L.F.S.

Do I need a degree to study at LFS?

The MA Filmmaking course is a post graduate course and many applicants will have degrees, though these may be in fields other than film or media. But we would also want to hear from applicants without degrees, who have professional experience in film or some related area, which we could consider as equivalent.

For our MA Screenwriting course you may already have been working in a writing environment, though not necessarily in film. We actively support applicants who have a commitment to filmmaking or screenwriting and want to expand their skills and understanding. We are happy to take the right experience as equivalent to a first degree.

Do you accept students who haven't made films?

If you haven't made films but feel you have the ability and fit our minimum entry requirements then apply. We believe that filmmaking talent shows itself in many different ways, so we would be interested in you if you have a passion for film but a background or portfolio of work in theatre or journalism or still photography or graphic design or other creative discipline - we are open to listen to why you think you are a filmmaker.

How practical are the courses?

The MA Filmmaking at LFS must be one of the most practical film courses in the world. We are dedicated to teaching people to make films by making films. In each twelve week term 120 students between them make 50 or so films in 16mm and 35mm, (as well as directing exercises on dv, practices shoots on film, etc.) Each student is trained in the central filmmaking skills, directing, lighting, cameras, editing, sound and production design, on professional equipment, Panaflex Gold, Movicam Super America, digital Nagra V, Avid Media Composer etc., learning professional procedures, and then developing them in the film exercises.

Can I specialise?

Most students join our course with a clear sense of their direction: they will be directors, directors of photography, editors, etc. Nonetheless every MA Filmmaking student attends classes in all the different craft areas, develop their skills in these areas to a reasonable level, and demonstrate their abilities by working on film exercises. Whatever your speciality, we give you a serious practical knowledge of what the different people working on your films will be doing. We think this is central to creating filmmakers. Of course you will wish to take your own specialisms much further than that and we will do that with you.

What is included in the fees?

As well as the cost of tuition, the fees for MA Filmmaking include production costs on your films and film stock, equipment and processing, as well as a substantial budget for your graduation film. LFS is a non-profit educational charity and spends its money only on your education.

Where can I get funding?

Skillset funding enables LFS to offer a small number of bursary-funded places for the MA Filmmaking programme for 2012 entry. Bursaries cover most of each year's fees and are available to UK QUALIFYING STUDENTS (UK or EU citizens) who can demonstrate economic need through a MEANS TEST.
Applicants need to be offered a place before they can apply for a bursary.

MA degrees at LFS are eligible for US Federal Stafford Loans and private loans.
Students are also encouraged to investigate funding opportunities in their own countries. Below are some web-based resources on scholarships and loans which may prove useful -

Do I have to attend an interview?

If you live in Britain, you will be expected to attend an interview when your application is being considered. Applicants living abroad and who cannot visit the school will be required to take part in a telephone interview.

What are the deadlines for applications?

MA Filmmaking:

Course Start Period Course Dates* Application Deadline
Spring 2012 9th Jan 2012 - 31st Jul 2014 15th Oct 2011
Summer 2012 30th Apr 2012 - 31st Dec 2014 31st Jan 2012
Autumn 2012 17th Sept 2012 - 30th Apr 2015 12th Mar 2012
Spring 2013 7th Jan 2013 - 31st Jul 2015 2nd Jul 2012
Summer 2013 29th Apr 2013 - 31st Dec 2015 19th Nov 2012
Autumn 2013 16th Sept 2013 - 30th Apr 2016 11th Mar 2013
*Course Dates include 2 extra terms (not chargeable) to complete the graduation.

MA Screenwriting:

Course Start Period Course Dates Application Deadline
Autumn 2011 12th Sept 2011 - 31th Jul 2012 1st Jul 2011
Autumn 2012 17th Sept 2012 - 31th Jul 2013 12th Mar 2012
Autumn 2013 16th Sept 2013 - 31th Jul 2014 11th Mar 2013

Can I contact recent graduates?

The school has a database of graduates who are very willing to talk to prospective students and offer advice. If you would like to contact a graduate in your territory, please email the LFS Student Services Manager Lesley Edge. In addition you can read testimonials by graduates.

When can I visit the school?

We offer guided tours around the school on most Thursday afternoons throughout the term which includes a chance to look at some student films. If you would like to book a place on one of the tours, please go to our LFS tour booking page.

What organisations is the LFS accredited by?

The LFS is accredited by the following organisations

  • London Metropolitan University - for the MA Film Making and MA Screenwriting programmes
  • Skillset - LFS has been selected by Skillset, the UK government agency for audio-visual training, as one of three ‘Film Academies’ centres of excellance
  • BAC - British Accrediration Council for independent and further higher education

QAA - Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education

We have received confirmation that the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education has scheduled us for a Review for educational oversight during 2012

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