How I choose Them

I am categorizing a film school as a school where film is a priority. However it is best to say that universities that have taken on film courses are not necessarily any worse off than film schools. This is especially true when it comes to film studies and film theory classes. I have searched online through countless lists of best course reviews and came to the conclusion that these are the top 10 film schools in the world.

The student's age is notably higher when attending film schools as opposed to university courses. American film schools seem to have the most money thrown into them although the European film schools such as Poland’s Lodz have students shooting on 35mm.

There is also CILECT - The International Association of Film and Television Schools created in Cannes 1955 which lists the world's major film schools. This could be used as a good indication of what film schools are highly regarded within each country

Worth checking out - CILECT Site . Blogger Stephen Follows has also created a film school dictionary

How To Pick universities with film programs

Student Feedback – if possible can you find any student feedback online or off. Is it possible to get in contact with people who have recently taken the course to get first hand advice. Also try searching through social media, see if anyone is saying good things about their experience.

Teachers – who are the teachers and what is there previous experience. Teachers who excel in their subject, film studies teachers who have written books on the subject and film production teachers who have had practical work experience in the film industry.

Course outline – request a course outline if the university does not not provide one. Get a breakdown of what will you be learning every year, every week, do these subjects interest you.

Equipment – what equipment does the school have, although equipment is not everything, a list of working film equipment could be useful. Also if you are more interested in cinematography finding experience on high quality cameras could be beneficial.

Practical Vs Theory – What is the balance between practical work and theory,most schools have a mix of both but make sure you are getting what you expect from the course.

Practical Things to Consider

Money, and location will play a big factor. For instance studying in London will be beneficial as the majority of film work in the UK does come from London. However the cost of living their can be double that of anywhere else in the UK. Weigh up your options. Also check that the courses are carried out in a language you understand, international courses may be taught in English. Beijing for instance has a programme carried out in English, in which James Cameron is a visiting professor.

Short Courses

Many of the film schools also do short courses for a much lower price. You won't get a degree for attending these but it could be a way of eyeing up an education before taking the big leap into spending 2-3 years at an institution. Check out England's NFTS short courses here - Short Courses this year

Do as much research as you can before making your decision on where to study. Even though I have a degree in film production I am considering further education in the future, it is not something I have completely written off and when I do I will be far more prepared and researched than I was last time.