National Film & TV School - In Depth

Founded: 1970.

Site: Beaconsfield (Buckinghamshire) 25 miles west of London.

How to get there: Train from London Marylebone to Beaconsfield (30+ mins), station 15 mins' walk; by car via M40 (junction 2); close to Heathrow Airport (hourly bus).

Special features: Professional level, post-experience school. School year runs from January to December, based on 3 terms. Entrance: 60 students admitted to MA course annually, 20-30 to diploma course; average age 25 years. Normal requirements either first degree, equivalent professional qualification or relevant practical experience in chosen specialisation.

Academic features: MA courses specialising in cinematography, direction (animation, documentary or fiction), editing, producing, production design, sound, screenwriting, music. Diploma course in sound production, TV factual entertainment, digital post-production, script development, visuals & special effects producing. 5 week courses in writing feature film screenplays. Range of prestigious resident and visiting tutors.

Awarding body: Royal College of Art.

Main awards: MA.

Length of courses: 2 years (MA), 12-15 months (Diploma).

Library & information services: 4000+ volumes, 35 periodicals, 7000 videos. Introduction to library for new students. Separate IT service, open 24 hours/day; 6 computers with internet access.

Study abroad: Strong links with other film schools. Corporate membership of CILECT (Centre International des Ecoles de Cinema et Television); school is founding member of GEECT (European Association of Film and Television Schools); staff and student exchanges with other schools.

Careers: Advice on career development forms part of each course.

Amenities: Student membership of BAFTA; corporate membership of BFI, and CILECT.

Accommodation: No school accommodation.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £6000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended.

Financial help: Maintenance bursaries available to UK students; 30% of students receive scholarships for tuition. Own small fund for cases of severe hardship. All students get subsidised rail season ticket London-Beaconsfield.

Tuition tees: Home students pay £4100-£5500 pa for Diploma or MA, international students pay £15,000 pa (except Diploma in sound recording: £2200 for home students, £5500 international students).