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Central Film School

London, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 26,592
  • Tuition Fee From£ 22,500
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength-
  • Global Diversity14%
  • Gender Ratio57:43

Overview

About

The Central Film School was established in Clapham, London in 2008. This private film educational institute offers a wide range of curriculum and training in the film industry. The Central Film School welcomes students from all over the world and provides them with an opportunity to develop a career in the film sector.

 

The Central Film School provides various educational programs, consisting of both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Along with these courses, there are other non-accredited programmes. These courses offer students with an overall skill development and knowledge for effective storytelling in film. One of the uniqueness of the Central Film School is its extensive practical training in cinematography. This training consists of a wide range of formats, from the traditional 35mm and Super 16mm film to modern 35mm Digital High Definition cameras like the Sony F3 and Canon C300, and 35mm DSLRs such as the Canon 5D. Also, the training includes different elements of filmmaking such as producing, directing, and sound.

 

Now, let’s have a look at the Central Fil School courses. Do you know that the Central Film School courses are focused on filmmaking, acting, and screenwriting? The foundation degrees at this school are seamlessly integrated with the undergraduate degrees, allowing students to complete both in a condensed three-year timeline. The undergraduate degrees, spanning two years, are specifically designed to equip students for careers in the screen industries, offering a BA (Hons) in Practical Filmmaking and a BA (Hons) in Acting for Screen. For those seeking advanced education, the school provides one-year postgraduate degrees aimed at developing specialized knowledge and skills across various aspects of film, television, and creative industries, including an MA in Filmmaking, an MA in Screenwriting (available online), an MA in Documentary, and MA in International Film Business. Additionally, the school caters to diverse interests and needs through its flexible short courses, covering a range of topics like editing, cinematography, postproduction, production, and TV screenwriting.

 

Central Film School Acceptance Rate

An acceptance rate measures the percentage of applicants that are accepted by a college or university. It is usually calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the total number of applicants. There is no official details about Central Film School acceptance rate. 

Central Film School's student retention rate is 99.1%. A higher retention rate indicates most students stay until graduation. However, retention rate is not a direct measure of acceptance rate.

 

 

Ranking

In this segment, let’s focus on Central Film School ranking. Since there isn’t any official ranking system for film schools in the UK, different sources may use varied criteria and methods to analyse the ranking. Hence, the Central Film School ranking might vary, based on the source and perspective of the reviewer. 

 

Factors

Description

Overall Ranking

Ranked among the top 10 in some lists, but there's no official or comprehensive ranking system for film schools in the UK.

Programme Accreditation

Programmes are validated by Falmouth University, a top-ranked arts university in the UK.

Student Feedback

Students have rated CFS 3.2 out of 5 on Whatuni, a website for university and course reviews.

Graduate Employability

Graduates have successfully found various roles and projects in the film and TV industry.

Facilities

Being one of the prestigious film institutions in London, the Central Film School provides hands-on practical experience to the students. They also offer the significant skills that are needed to build a career in the global film and television industry. In this segment, let’s check out the Central Film School facilities offered to its students. 

 

Facility

Details

Professional Studios

Two studios; one is also a functional screening theatre with retractable seats and a full-size projector screen.

Production and Editing Suite

Equipped with modern production and editing tools.

Motion Capture Zone

Dedicated area for motion capture activities.

Sound Recording and Mixing Studio

Facilities for sound recording and mixing.

Colour Grading Zone

Specialized area for colour grading.

Library

Provides a range of resources and materials.

Kit Room

Storage and access to various kits.

Prop Room

Contains a variety of props for production use.

Camera Room

Dedicated space for camera equipment and technology.

Equipment Access

Access to state-of-the-art equipment like Arri ALEXA camera, BlackMagic 4K Cinema Camera, and full motion capture technology.

BFI Library Access

Free access to the BFI Library with a vast collection of film and television materials.

Academic Recognition

Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are internationally recognized and validated by Falmouth University.

Courses

Admission

Central Film School Entry Requirements

We are presenting the Central Film School entry requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in this section. 

 

Entry Requirement For Undergraduates

Personal statement (minimum 500 words)

Scanned copy of passport photo page

Visual portfolio

IELTS English language certificate (if applicable) - Minimum score 6.0, no less than 5.5 in any band, or an equivalent qualification

 

 

Entry Requirement For Postgraduates

Personal statement (minimum 500 words)

Scanned copy of passport photo page

Visual portfolio or short report (topic obtained from the school)

Scanned copy of undergraduate degree certificate

IELTS English language certificate (if applicable) - Minimum score 6.0, no less than 5.5 in any band, or an equivalent qualification

 

 

Central Film School Fees

The Central Film School fees vary for both undergraduates and postgraduate students. The fee structure is also based on the residency status of the students. 

Student Category

Program Type

Fees for the 2023/24 Academic Year

Additional Notes

UK Undergraduate

Undergraduate

Up to £11,100 per year

Plus maintenance loan up to £12,382 (means-tested)

Welsh Undergraduate

Undergraduate

£9,250 per year

Maximum annual tuition fee loan from Student Finance Wales

International (incl. EU/EEA/Swiss without Settled Status)

Undergraduate

£20,750 per year

Plus £1,000 deposit

UK/EU Postgraduate

Postgraduate

£9,900 per year

Plus £500 registration fee

International Postgraduate

Postgraduate

£17,450 per year

-

 

Central Film School Placement

As a part of the Central Film School placements, the institute offers the best practical experience for the students. It helps them to make a powerful and successful career in the film and TV industry. 

 

  • Industry Connections - Central Film School (CFS) boasts strong ties with the film industry, including regular events and guest lectures by established professionals.
  • Practical Experience - CFS offers industry placements, collaborative projects, and research opportunities to acquaint students with professional standards and sector-specific cultural and industrial needs.
  • Diverse Alumni Backgrounds - CFS alumni range from hobbyists to aspiring professionals like directors, screenwriters, and editors, showcasing the school's broad appeal.
  • Real Project Opportunities - Courses are practical, with alumni testimonials highlighting opportunities to work on actual film projects. Examples include directing short films as graduation projects.
  • Hands-On Courses - Alumni stories underline the hands-on nature of courses, like the one-month Practical Filmmaking course, known for its intensity and the chance to create a film.
  • Portfolio Development - Screenwriting courses at CFS help students build comprehensive portfolios, emphasizing the school's focus on practical skill development.
  • Small School Benefits - The small school environment at CFS is praised for providing direct exposure to filmmaking, fostering a more intensive learning experience.

 

Central Film School English Proficiency Requirements

The Central Film School has specific English Language proficiency requirements for its undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Let’s have a closer look! 

 

For Both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees: 

Test/Qualification

Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, no less than 5.5 in any band

Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE)

ISE II with Distinction in all four components

TOEFL (ibt)

Total 80 (Reading – 20, Writing – 19, Listening – 19, Speaking – 22)

Language Cert: SELT

High Pass in LanguageCert ESOL B2 Communicator (reading, writing, speaking, listening)

Pearson Test of English (Academic)

PTE: Score of 56

Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

Score of 169

Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)

Score of 37

Cambridge First Certificate in English

Grade C

A Level English Language (all UK Exam Boards)

Grade C

A Levels (minimum 2) + Language Assessment

Grade C

APTIS (British Council)

Reading – 40, Writing – 42, Listening – 32, Speaking – 42

Bellerby’s Academic English Skills (AES)

Pass of 50%

ESOL Skills for Life Level 2

Pass required in each subskill

International Baccalaureate / IB

Grade 5

GCSE (all UK Exam Boards)

Grade 4 (post-2017) or C (pre-2017)

GCSE – International / iGCSE (Cambridge International Examinations)

Grade C

Level English Language (all UK Exam Boards)

Grade C

Wimbledon School of English, English Language Assessment

6.0 equivalent

 

 

For International Foundation Programme

Exam

Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, no less than 5.5 in any band

Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE)

ISE II, Pass in each component

TOEFL (ibt)

Total 72 (R-18, W-17, L-17, S-20)

Pearson Test of English (Academic)

PTE: Score of 51

Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

Score of 162

Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)

Score of 32

Cambridge First Certificate in English

Grade C

A Level English Language (all UK Exam Boards)

Grade C

A Levels (min. 2) + Language Assessment

Grade C

APTIS (British Council)

R-40, W-42, L-32, S-42

Bellerby’s Academic English Skills (AES)

Pass of 50%

ESOL Skills for Life Level 2

Listening and Speaking – Borderline

International Baccalaureate / IB

Grade 5

GCSE (all UK Exam Boards)

Grade 4 (post-2017) or C (pre-2017)

GCSE - International / iGCSE

Grade C (Syllabus 0500 & 0522)

Level English Language (all UK Exam Boards)

Grade C (Syllabus 1115, 1119, 1120, 1123, 1125, 1126, 1127)

Scholarship

The Central Film School provides various scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. You can also seek assistance from UniScholars, the best scholarship solution provider for students who want to study abroad. UniScholars have counsellors who help the students with the pre and post-application process. 

 

Here’s the list of scholarships offered by the Central Film School:

 

Scholarship / Fund Name

Description

CFS Merit Scholarship - International Talent Award

6 partial scholarships for high-achieving students entering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in 2024, aimed at international students to assist with tuition fees.

Chevening Scholarship

UK government’s international awards program for developing global leaders. Includes scholarships and fellowships, awarded worldwide, for international students studying in the UK.

BAFTA UK Scholarship Programme

Supports UK nationals needing financial aid for postgraduate studies in film, television, or games in the UK. Offers up to £10,000, mentoring, and access to BAFTA events.

Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund

Provides financial support in film, cinema, and television sectors. Offers cash grants between £1,000 to £5,000 and sponsors the John Brabourne Awards scheme.

Swedish Loan and Grant Programme

Grants for Swedish students cover costs in the UK, including tuition, accommodation, travel, food, and socializing.

Charles Wallace Trust

Supports students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Burma.

Funds for Women Graduates

Grants assisting women graduates with living expenses during postgraduate studies.

Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust

Provides grants for tuition, especially in the final year of postgraduate courses. Open to overseas and UK postgraduate students.

Gilchrist Education

Supports postgraduate students facing unexpected financial difficulties, typically in the last year of study.

Helena Kennedy Foundation

Offers bursaries to students transitioning from further to higher education, with £1,500 available for first-year students.

The Leathersellers Company

Provides small grants of up to £4,000, prioritizing students from Greater London.

Finances

The Central Film School in London offers financial support for both undergraduate and postgraduate students through various loan options. Getting access to various loans will help the students ease the financial burden of pursuing their film education. Students can also seek assistance from UniCreds, a platform dedicated to simplifying the student loan process. It connects students with customized financing solutions for their education.

 

Loan Type

Amount Available

Conditions/Notes

Full Tuition Fee Loan (Undergraduate)

Up to £11,100 per year

Available for undergraduates entering 2023.

Maintenance Loan (Undergraduate)

Up to £12,382 per year

Available for the academic year 2023/24, means-tested.

Tuition Fee Loan (Student Finance Wales)

Maximum £9,250 per year

Maximum annual tuition fee loan from Student Finance Wales.

Central Film School Tuition Fees

Up to £10,800 per year

Fees are set not to exceed the maximum regulated fee rates by the UK Government, specifically for accelerated degrees.

Tuition Fee Loan (Central Film School)

Up to £10,800 per year

Covers the full cost of tuition fees for eligible students.

Accommodation

Accommodation plays a pivotal role in the successful integration of international students into their new academic environments. It provides a safe and comfortable living space, encouraging a sense of security and belonging in an unfamiliar country.

 

Cedar Hall Student Residence (Tooting) Options:

  • Single Standard Room: Single room, shared bathroom, and kitchen for 3-4 students. Cost: £183-£192/week, plus £100 administration fee.
  • Single Ensuite Room: Single room, private bathroom, shared kitchen for 8 residents. Cost: £201-£206/week, plus £100 administration fee.
  • Townhouse Double: Single occupancy studio with private kitchen and bathroom. Cost: £215/week, plus £100 administration fee.

 

Accommodation Booking:

  • Central Film School assists with booking after a student receives a confirmed offer.
  • Allocation is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

Homestay Accommodations:

  • Available with host families.
  • Offers a supportive, authentic London experience.
  • Suitable for younger students, including those under 18.

 

Private Renting:

  • Recommended for more independent living, especially for second-year students.

 

Students can consult UniAcco for further assistance related to their accommodation. UniAcco  is a renowned global student accommodation marketplace, offering its services in more than 10 countries around the world. Whether you're a student planning to study abroad or an educational institution seeking comprehensive accommodation solutions, UniAcco Assistance is your go-to contact for detailed accommodation setup assistance. 

 

Cost of Living

The cost of living will give the students an overall idea about the expenses related to housing, accommodation, transportation, utilities, etc. This section will be helpful for the students who are planning to join the Central Film School in London. 

 

Particulars

Monthly Cost (Pound Sterling)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£760

On-Campus Accommodation

£1,200

Transportation

£186

Food Cost

£480

Utility Cost

£314

Entertainment

£60

Groceries

£144

Clothes

£70

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation 

£2,014

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation 

£2,454

Annual Cost of Living

£24,168

 

 

If you are dreaming of shining in the world of films and cinema, the Central Film School could be the right choice for you. 

 

FAQs