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• Location: London, England,
• Year of foundation: 2008,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of study: mixed.

Central Film School London (CFS) is a specialized school offering UK higher education programs, short—term and summer courses in the field of the film industry.

Since its foundation in 2008, CFS London has been open to anyone who wants to become professionals in the world of cinema and acting. Bachelor's, master's, and short programs are devoted to the main aspects of filmmaking. CFS London is characterized by a practice-oriented approach, small class sizes, and individual studying; here, each teacher develops unique techniques, uses the latest equipment and methodology to familiarize themselves with the most up-to-date professional practices. Students meet with film professionals from all industries and have the opportunity to learn from their experience: they try to work as screenwriters, distributors, directors, and authors of documentaries.

In 2018, Central Film School opened its own film production facility to provide resources for the first film projects of students and graduates. Students' artistic, documentary, and corporate films are shot under the guidance of professionals, providing an opportunity for aspiring talents to make themselves known.

All graduates leave CFS with the skills necessary to work in feature films, short films, and documentaries. Some applicants enroll to study even without practical skills or a portfolio, developing professional skills every day under the guidance of qualified teachers. Upon graduation, Bachelor's and Master's degrees in practical filmmaking and screen adaptations are awarded by the University of Gloucestershire.

Kevin McDonnell

Specialist in International Students of the University of Sussex

What challenges might international students face at UK universities?

The usual challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and teaching style are common. Homesickness and language barriers can also be issues.

However, UK universities strive to support international students. 

Practice is the basis of the educational process - students undergo internships on the basis of partner organizations, create individual projects, attend additional master classes and seminars to expand their horizons, exchange information and improve knowledge.

CFS London has two academic departments, each of which is focused on teaching students of a certain higher level of education: bachelor's and master's degrees. In the summer months, the department of short-term courses is open.

CFS provides ample opportunities for skill development both during classes and independently, providing students with equipment, materials and access to all studios and campus facilities almost around the clock.

CFS London does not have its own residences, but offers its students accommodation in the Cedar Hall residential building based on cooperation with Findding.

Cedar Hall Student Residence offers two types of rooms:

• Single room with shared Bathroom, kitchen, shared by three or four residents,
• Single room with private bathroom and access to a shared kitchen.

The residential building is located in the Tooting area of south London and will be an ideal choice for any student who wants to combine study, hobbies, self-development and recreation. The residence boasts a vibrant student community, convenient access to public transport to central London. Tooting is rich in  street markets, shops, lots of bars and restaurants, so the area is always bustling with life, whether it's day or night.

Students are provided with a free shuttle service to Tooting Broadway Subway Station, which provides easy access to both the campus and the city center. Students can also request assistance in finding other housing that best suits their needs.

Throughout the year, the campus hosts a series of events where film professionals tell their stories, share their experiences and unique knowledge. The "Professional Perspectives" series of events has recently been attended by such famous personalities as:

• Jason Fleming is an actor in the films "The Mysterious Story of Benjamin Button", "Boiling Point", "Cards, money, two barrels",
• Matt Jones — screenwriter, producer of the television series "Doctor Who", "Shameless", "Lucky Guy",
• Lucy Purdy — Casting Director for "After the Sun," "The Rocks," "Dirty God," "American Honey",
• Tim Haines is the creator of television dramas, documentaries "Walking with Dinosaurs", "Primitiveness",
• Richard Hewitt is the producer of films "Bohemian Rhapsody", "The Theory of Everything", "Aeronauts", "Never Let Me Go".

The list of events also includes a series of "Life Skills Sessions" — classes aimed at improving practical skills both in the world of filmmaking and beyond. They can provide students with advice on issues such as:

• Finding freelance work in the cinema,
• Getting to know film festivals,
• Maintaining an eco-friendly, sustainable atmosphere on the set.

Off—campus, students have the opportunity to explore the capital of Great Britain, London: many historical, cultural and architectural attractions, art galleries, theaters and cinemas, shops and restaurants of various cuisines are easily accessible thanks to an extensive public transport network.

In the summer, CFS London organizes short-term courses, which already include a variety of entertainment: collective movie screenings, barbecues, game nights, excursions and much more.

• Specialized higher education programs with hours of practice and internships,
• Two years of study for a bachelor's degree instead of three,
• Creating a portfolio while studying in the UK,
• Qualifications have international, national accreditation,
• Some diplomas are awarded by the University of Gloucestershire,
• Modern equipment, specialized facilities and a variety of skills training opportunities,
• Partnerships with local and foreign organizations and universities,
• Comprehensive support for international students, including language support, preparatory programs.

CFS provides students with all the facilities and equipment they will need in their studies; depending on the needs of specific filming locations and program modules, students will also have access to off-campus facilities and materials.

The educational area of the film school includes:

• Two specialized studios for filming and screenings,
• Installation and postproduction class,
• The Central Library,
• A room with materials, sets of equipment for rent and free use,
• The prop room,
• Recording studios.

The post-production equipment was completely updated in 2023: The Edit Suite includes 20 Mac Mini computers with dual-screen monitors available to all students. The postproduction space includes a color correction area, a studio for recording additional dialogues and mixing.

Full Motion Capture technology allows students to transfer their stories to the virtual world, bridging the gap between traditional filmmaking and digital innovation. This hands-on experience not only empowers students to create more realistic and dynamic characters, but also prepares them for the evolving entertainment industry, where motion capture is already playing a key role. CFS London has a wide range of cameras that can be used depending on conditions, requirements and situations. Starting with the Canon EOS C100, students move on to advanced cameras such as the C300, BlackMagic 4K Cinema Camera, and Arri ALEXA.

Students studying hands-on filmmaking have the opportunity to use the ARRI SRIII Super 16mm. The teachers offer comprehensive studying in working with various sets of sound and lighting equipment, which contributes to the well-coordinated work of the team throughout the entire production. CFS London has its own library with a wide selection of books, magazines and DVDs. Access is provided free of charge to all students so they can take the resources home or use them on site. Off-campus, students can use the BFI Library's collection of materials located in Southbank.

The academic year at CFS runs from September to early summer, followed by short-term seasonal courses. Undergraduate and graduate students attend classes on weekdays, rest is provided on weekends, national and international holidays, and vacations.

An approximate list of additional expenses includes:

• Registration fees,
• Accommodation, meals,
• The cost of individual materials, the production budget and other expenses for practical studying,
• Pocket expenses.

Extras:

• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 100 GBP

To enroll in one of the CFS programs, applicants will have to go through several registration stages, some of which are available online.

• Submitting an application and filling out the registration form, providing the required documents,
• Receiving a positive response on the consideration of the application with an invitation to the entrance exams,
• Payment of registration fees,
• Interview
• Obtaining an official invitation to study, with the help of which visa documents can be issued,
• Payment of the program fee,
• Arrive at campus to accommodate in a residence, attend orientation events, and begin classes.

Admission of candidates is conducted on an individual basis, students enter on the basis of their existing merits, portfolio.

Over the past 10 years, CFS has graduated hundreds of students from more than 52 countries, who subsequently cooperate with leading international companies in the film industry. Graduates of the school work for organizations such as Netflix, BBC Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios, Paramount Pictures Company, and others.

Foreign applicants who enroll in higher education programs must provide:

• Personal documents: passport, medical insurance, visa or residence permit,
• Certificate of completion of secondary education/Bachelor's Degree,
• Language test results: IELTS (from 6.0) or equivalent,
• Video business card lasting 2-3 minutes, work from the portfolio (short film),
• Motivation letter.

All documentation should be translated into English and certified.

CFS has a system of discounts that cover part of the tuition fee:

• International discount for early confirmation of admission - for those who pay the full cost of the program by the end of April,
• Discount for graduates who continue their studies - 10%,
• Discount on short-term and summer courses — 10% for early booking.

Students can request additional funding for their studies in the form of government credits, loans, foundation scholarships, and partner organizations. The institution itself offers only one scholarship program based on the student's outstanding academic merit: it is a 10 to 50% discount on tuition fees, which are awarded to up to 10 students annually.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision