Whether you see your future in front of the camera or behind the scenes, studying at a film school could bring your dreams to life. Around the world, there are many universities that specialise in the big screen, offering courses in everything from acting to directing and costume design. Explore some of these fantastically artistic institutions now, as we guide you through the best film schools in the world.
New York University Tisch School of the Arts
Located on Broadway in the creative heart of New York City, Tisch School of the Arts has a world-class reputation in many cultural fields. Its areas of expertise include musical theatre, game design and dance. However, it is its contribution to film that gains most accolades.
A total of 22 Tisch students have won Academy Awards for acting, writing and directing. These include Chloé Zhao, Mahershala Ali and Spike Lee. The last of these is now a professor on the school's graduate film programme. Studying here can therefore mean learning from an icon of cinema.
Links to Hollywood legends are everywhere at Tisch. Its Department of Cinema Studies is even named after Martin Scorsese, another alumnus. There, you can develop your understanding of film theory and history at undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral level. You'll also cross paths with stars of the future on the graduate acting programme. Relationships made here can lead to very big things.
Consider some of our top reasons to study film.
National Film and Television School
Also known as NFTS, this institution is widely regarded as the best film school in the UK. With campuses in England, Scotland and Wales, it brings top-quality screen skills education to students across the country. Its main location is in Beaconsfield, which is close to London and some major film and TV studios.
NFTS puts behind-the-scenes work front and centre. Mostly focused on the postgraduate level, it offers master's degrees, diplomas and certificates in areas as diverse as cinematography, script supervision and media sales. You can even learn what it takes to become a camera operator, or follow in the footsteps of animation pioneers.
Aardman's Nick Park is just one of the school's famous alumni, creating his characters Wallace and Gromit while studying here. Oscar-winning graduates like him inspire current students to capture awards of their own. The BAFTA for British Short Film was recently awarded to an NFTS production.
Discover more of the best specialist universities in the UK.
Vancouver Film School
This institution's list of alumni makes a strong case for it being the top film school in Canada. Filmmakers including Bollywood's Shakun Batra and Oscar nominee Neill Blomkamp have studied at Vancouver Film School (VFS). Beyond big names, more than 100 of its graduates have worked on Game of Thrones.
Many of these people were students of the school's highly regarded animation programmes. These 12-month courses cover both classical and 3D design, helping you develop skills in the style that you prefer. By the time that you leave with your diploma, portfolio and new industry connections, you will be ready to thrive in the creative industries.
What's more, you will be in a great place to do this. Sometimes known as Hollywood North (a name it shares with Toronto), Vancouver plays a big part in the film and TV industry in Canada and beyond. Whatever you study at VFS – other options include make-up design, sound design and writing – you could find yourself working on some major productions.
Explore the best universities for studying animation.
Australian Film, Television and Radio School
As the only Australian institution in the Hollywood Reporter list of the 15 best film schools in the world, this government-linked centre of learning has powerful credentials. Based in the cultural hub of Sydney, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has a longstanding reputation for producing major talent.
Many of Australia's most successful directors studied here, including two-time Oscar winner Jane Campion. Leading screenwriters have also emerged from the school – Tony McNamara has twice been nominated for an Oscar in recent years. At AFTRS, you will find great role models across a range of fields.
The school's flagship Screen MA course is offered with nine different specialisations, including directing, producing, sound design and documentary. In addition to gaining hands-on skills in their chosen field, students are given the opportunity to work closely with coursemates from others. AFTRS recognise that film studies is a truly interdisciplinary subject, and aim to help you forge connections that could take your career forward.
Get to know some other popular interdisciplinary subjects.
Where else can I study film?
The top film schools we've explored are not the only institutions dedicated to the art and craft of the screen. Others who appear on the Hollywood Reporter list of the world's best include London Film School and Toronto Film School.
In addition, there are many great film courses that you can study at non-specialist institutions. Universities where you can find them include:
- Griffith University (Australia)
- Capilano University (Canada)
- Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand)
- Arts University Bournemouth (UK)
- DePaul University (USA)
Beyond the above, there are hundreds of other places to study film around the world. Each of these have their own strengths, with many specialising in a particular part of the field. You can start exploring them now with our full list of film courses. Alternatively, you can look for anything you might like to study with our simple search tool.
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