BFI Film Academy Short Course 2025
Derry~Londonderry, Belfast & Armagh
Admission: Free
Break into Film
BFI Film Academy short courses, delivered across Northern Ireland, are free, industry-led course perfect for young people aged 16-19 wishing to break into the screen industries.
You'll build knowledge, develop practical skills, and explore diverse career pathways in filmmaking and crew roles.
Designed to inspire the next generation of filmmakers, these hands-on courses offer valuable insights and set you on the path to a successful career in the industry.
BFI Film Academy in Northern Ireland is led by Nerve Centre and delivered in partnership with Amma Centre Armagh and Cinemagic Belfast.
What to expect:
- Learn from experts: Gain film theory, industry insights and technical skills through workshops and masterclasses.
- Collaborate: Work in teams to produce professional-standard short films.
- Become a BFI Film Academy alumni: Access further training, funding and industry events.
- Network: Attend Film Festival Industry events and meet film directors and producers.
- Hands-on experience: Work as part of a crew with mentorship from screen industry professionals.
- Understand the industry: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the film industry, its dynamics and various career pathways.
FAQs
- Location:You can choose to apply to one of four locations: Derry~Londonderry or Belfast through Nerve Centre,
Belfast through Cinemagic Film & Television Festival,
Armagh through the AmmA Centre.
- Delivery: The course runs for 10 weeks from September to December each year, usually one evening session per week and occasional Saturdays.
Application forms for your chosen location will provide more specific information. - Qualification: You'll earn an OCN Level 2 qualification in Creative Arts & Digital Technologies.
How to Apply
Applicants must be aged 16–19 years old, a UK resident, not be enrolled at university when the course starts and not have previously enrolled on a BFI Film Academy course.
Fill out the application form for the location you wish to apply to:
Nerve Centre, Derry~Londonderry
Deadline: Thursday 12 September — Apply Now
Nerve Centre, Belfast
Deadline: Thursday 12 September — Apply Now
AmmA Centre, Armagh
Deadline: Thursday 12 September — Apply Now
Cinemagic, Belfast:
Deadline: Thursday 27 August — Apply Now
About BFI Film Academy
BFI Film Academy offers opportunities for 16–25 year olds, anywhere in the UK, to get to know more about film and how to forge a career in the screen industries.
A range of accessible activities, courses, workshops and events offer opportunities for those wanting to test the water, through to those keen to hone their skills.
About Screen Academies
BFI Film Academy is one of four screen academies offered by Nerve Centre which include games, animation and visual effects.
Partners & Funders
BFI Film Academy in Northern Ireland is led is by Nerve Centre delivered in partnership with AmmA Centre and Cinemagic. The programme is supported by the UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, National Lottery, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland.
