Film Academy Summer School

This programme is designed for curious, enthusiastic students who are excited to dive into the world of filmmaking alongside an international cohort of similarly-minded peers. You don’t need to be sure that you want to pursue a career in Film, you just need to be interested in learning more about the subject.

No previous experience of Film is needed. The course is designed as a foundational step, providing students with skills and training in an entirely new area which is not traditionally taught in schools. All students need is an interest in Film and enthusiasm for learning new things.

The course is academically rigorous. It is designed to stretch and challenge ambitious students to reach their potential by introducing them to university-level concepts and teaching styles. Their learning is guided by expert members of our faculty and takes place in small classes, ensuring that every student feels supported and enjoys their learning while encountering new ideas.

The course is the perfect preparation for a degree or career in Film. By developing the practical skills which are not taught in schools, students leave the programme with advantageous strengths. The project-based learning style in which students work collaboratively to create and create a Film can form the basis of a compelling portfolio for university or job applications.

The course is very hands-on. While there is some classroom learning focused on essential filmmaking knowledge, it is mostly focused on developing practical skills. This gives students the opportunity to get comfortable using equipment they would be unlikely to ordinarily have access to, and gives them time to develop a project from idea to screening.

A typical morning involves a lecture from an industry expert or other inspiring speaker, or a skills-focused. The rest of the morning and the first half of the afternoon is spent working on students’ projects. They will either be shooting on location or working on post-production, depending on how far into the programme they are. The rest of the day is spent socialising with friends during activities, enjoying delicious meals in inspiring campus settings and exploring the city.

The programme takes place within one of the colleges of the University of Oxford. Students stay in real undergraduate accommodation, eat in historic dining halls, and have plenty of opportunities to go out and discover the city.

The course is taught by industry experts hand-selected by Academy Royale International for their skills and experience. This includes people with experience behind and in front of the lens, as well as screenwriters and audio technicians. Students also have the opportunity to join students from other subjects to hear inspiring guest speakers.

By teaching in small groups, we ensure that each student has a personalised relationship with their tutor. This means they receive high-quality constructive feedback and any support they need in class. It also means that students bond with their classmates, creating a friendly atmosphere in which students get involved and ask questions with confidence.

Our students come from all over the world. Since our first summer school in 2004, we have welcomed students from over 175 countries. They speak a wide range of languages and come from a wide range of backgrounds, creating a vibrant community perfect for international students.

At the end of the course, students receive a graduation pack which contains a certificate acknowledging their academic achievements during the course. They also receive a personalised report and detailed grades.