Best Filmmaking & Acting Schools in the UK: A List for Indie Filmmakers

Type: Public film school, postgraduate focus

Why it’s great for indies: NFTS is widely regarded as one of the best film schools in the world. Offers specialized MA, diploma, and certificate courses in directing, producing, cinematography, editing, animation, and more. Alumni include Nick Park (Wallace & Gromit) and Lynne Ramsay (We Need to Talk About Kevin).

Estimated Costs: UK students ~£14,800/year, international ~£30,000/year (NFTS Official Site).

Insider Tip: Known for its intensive, hands-on training and direct links to the BFI and UK production houses.

Type: Independent graduate film school

Why it’s great for indies: Offers an immersive MA in Filmmaking where students make multiple short films. Strong emphasis on collaborative, auteur-driven work.

Estimated Costs: £35,000 total for two-year MA (LFS).

Insider Tip: LFS has no undergraduate program — the student body is made up of passionate postgraduates from over 60 countries.

Type: Conservatoire drama school

Why it’s great for indies: RADA focuses on acting, but its graduates frequently appear in independent films and crossover into writing and directing. Alumni include Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Ben Whishaw.

Estimated Costs: UK students ~£9,250/year; international ~£21,000/year (RADA).

Insider Tip: Screen acting modules are increasingly important for actors wanting to transition into indie film.

Type: Private film school with industry integration

Why it’s great for indies: Courses range from short workshops to BA and MA degrees. The school operates out of working film studios (Ealing Studios in London), offering unparalleled real-world exposure.

Estimated Costs: BA ~£27,000/year; MA ~£23,000/year (MetFilm).

Insider Tip: MetFilm’s in-house production company sometimes hires graduates, giving a direct entry point into the indie film market.

Type: Public university, arts focus

Why it’s great for indies: UAL offers creative BA and MA programs in Film and Screen Studies, with strong emphasis on experimental and short-form storytelling.

Estimated Costs: UK students ~£9,250/year; international ~£25,000/year (UAL).

Insider Tip: UAL’s alumni network is massive — ideal for finding collaborators for indie projects.

Type: Public university, in partnership with Edinburgh College of Art

Why it’s great for indies: Offers BAs and MAs in Film, Television, Screenwriting, and more. The city’s annual Edinburgh International Film Festival gives students festival access and networking.

Estimated Costs: UK ~£9,250/year; international ~£16,000/year (Screen Academy Scotland).

Insider Tip: Small class sizes and access to Scotland’s growing indie film community.

Type: Conservatoire, University of London

Why it’s great for indies: Renowned for acting, but also offers courses in theatre directing, applied theatre, and screen performance. Alumni include Kit Harington and Judi Dench.

Estimated Costs: UK ~£9,250/year; international ~£22,000/year (CSSD).

Insider Tip: The Screen Studies pathway allows acting students to build film-focused portfolios alongside stage work.

Type: Public university

Why it’s great for indies: Known for an experimental, theory-meets-practice approach. Offers BA and MA programs in Filmmaking with specializations in fiction, documentary, and experimental film.

Estimated Costs: UK ~£9,250/year; international ~£19,000/year (Goldsmiths).

Insider Tip: Goldsmiths has a strong documentary tradition — great for socially engaged indie filmmakers.

Type: Public university

Why it’s great for indies: Its BA Film program is well-respected, with alumni including Asif Kapadia (Amy, Senna). Strong industry ties in the UK capital.

Estimated Costs: UK ~£9,250/year; international ~£14,400/year (Westminster).

Insider Tip: Offers specialist modules in short-form and online content production — ideal for indie creators targeting digital audiences.