In-person Programme

    Film Summer Programme

    by ISSOS

    A hands-on filmmaking programme combining technical training, creative teamwork and professional guidance as students produce and screen their own short film.

    Last verified: 19 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Film Summer Programme
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    Film Summer Programme at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    High school students worldwide

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 13-18

    Location / Region

    St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

    Cost

    £7,900

    Duration

    3 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Film

    Language: English

    Accommodation: University halls

    Meals: Full board

    Certificate / Outcome: Completion certificate and short film

    Sessions / cadence: 3 hours, four weekday afternoons

    Tutors / faculty: Working film professionals

    Main output: Own short film

    Film Summer Programme summary

    Students learn the creative and technical stages of filmmaking, from story structure and production planning to cinematography and editing.

    Working in small groups, participants operate as a film crew and take an original short film from concept to final cut.

    The programme suits students who want practical creative work, professional instruction and a collaborative introduction to film production.

    What is Film Summer Programme?

    The Film Summer Programme is ISSOS’s practical introduction to filmmaking, taught by working industry professionals. It combines interactive lessons, technical training and hands-on production experience.

    Students explore storytelling, scriptwriting, shot composition, directing, cinematography and editing. They work in small groups to make a short film and present the finished piece at the summer school’s Creative Night.

    Why Succeed highlights Film Summer Programme

    • Students complete a substantial creative project rather than only attending introductory lectures.

    • Teaching covers the whole production process, from story planning to the final edit.

    • Working professionals provide direct insight into filmmaking practice and film-set roles.

    • The final screening gives students a clear goal and a public conclusion to their project.

    • The wider programme combines filmmaking with academic study, activities and cultural trips.

    Who is Film Summer Programme for?

    Best for

    Students who want to learn by making a film, enjoy collaborative creative work and are ready to contribute to a small production team.

    Not ideal if

    You want a specialist conservatoire course focused only on Film, because every student also chooses an academic class and joins the wider residential programme.

    Is Film Summer Programme worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants a structured first experience of filmmaking and a finished creative project. The mix of professional tuition, technical practice and teamwork offers more substance than a lecture-only introduction.

    The main limitation is breadth: three weeks must cover many production roles, while Film is only one part of the wider academic and residential programme. Families should also decide whether the all-inclusive experience offers enough value for their goals and budget.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £7,900; includes Academic and elective tuition., University accommodation with full board., Course materials and equipment., Cultural trips and excursions., Evening activities and Sunday workshops., Travel and medical insurance during the programme., Transfers from the selected airport within specified arrangements., Academic report and completion certificate..

    Accommodation

    University halls

    Meals

    Full board

    Provider details

    Review the ISSOS provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    3 weeks; St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Film Summer Programme need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Six to eight weeks before a preferred future session, allowing time for application details, travel planning and creative preparation.

    Main challenge

    Coordinating creative decisions and production responsibilities within a small group.

    Typical preparation

    • Watch several short films and note how each uses framing, sound and editing.

    • Prepare two or three simple story ideas that could be filmed with a small cast and limited locations.

    • Practise giving constructive feedback and explaining creative choices clearly.

    Useful if

    You are willing to test ideas, accept feedback and take responsibility within a film crew.

    What do students do on Film Summer Programme?

    Students move through the filmmaking process as a small production team, combining workshops and technical instruction with practical camera, directing and editing work.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn story structure, scriptwriting and production planning.

    2. 2

      Practise shot composition, framing, the rule of thirds and the 180-degree rule.

    3. 3

      Use cameras and experience directing, performing and working within a film crew.

    4. 4

      Shoot an original short film with a small group.

    5. 5

      Edit raw footage using professional editing software.

    6. 6

      Screen the finished film for the summer school at Creative Night.

    Film Summer Programme dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Session 1

    28 June-19 July 2026

    Three-week St Andrews residential session.

    Reference date

    Session 2

    22 July-12 August 2026

    Three-week St Andrews residential session.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 13-18.

    • Returning to high school after the summer break.

    • Students of all nationalities may apply.

    • No academic entry requirements.

    • All filmmaking experience levels accepted.

    • Parent or guardian consent required.

    How much does Film Summer Programme cost?

    Registration fee

    £500 — Required to secure a confirmed place.

    Funding or discounts

    • Programme total: £7,900 — Published all-inclusive St Andrews total.
    • Tuition fee: £7,400

    What's included

    Academic and elective tuition., University accommodation with full board., Course materials and equipment., Cultural trips and excursions., Evening activities and Sunday workshops., Travel and medical insurance during the programme., Transfers from the selected airport within specified arrangements., Academic report and completion certificate.

    How to apply to Film Summer Programme

    1. 1

      Choose a session, an academic option and the Film elective.

    2. 2

      Complete the online form with student, school, teacher and parent or guardian details.

    3. 3

      Upload the requested student photo and submit the application for review.

    4. 4

      Pay the £500 registration fee when requested to secure an offered place.

    5. 5

      Pay the remaining tuition fee within 21 days of confirmation.

    6. 6

      Complete the student questionnaire and provide final travel information when requested.

    What does Film Summer Programme cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Story and script development

    Explore story structure, scriptwriting and production planning for a short film.

    Camera and composition

    Practise framing, shot composition, the rule of thirds and the 180-degree rule.

    Production and directing

    Work on set as a crew while directing, filming and supporting fellow students.

    Editing and post-production

    Use professional editing software to turn raw footage into a finished film.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Film Summer Programme?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Academic classes

    Students attend three hours of academic classes each weekday.

    Film elective

    Film runs for three hours on four weekday afternoons, excluding Wednesdays.

    Activities

    Students join organised activities and clan events with the wider summer school.

    Trips and workshops

    The programme includes cultural trips and Sunday workshops.

    Who teaches on Film Summer Programme?

    Film tuition is delivered by working professionals from the film industry. The wider academic programme is taught by qualified teachers who are experienced professionals in their fields.

    Students receive both technical instruction and practical guidance during production.

    Where do students stay on Film Summer Programme?

    Residential plan

    • St Salvator’s Hall: Students stay in university accommodation reserved for ISSOS.
    • Full-board catering: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included and served in the hall’s dining room.
    • Pastoral structure: Residential rules include curfews, campus boundaries and restricted floor access.
    • Campus life: The experience includes evening activities, cultural trips and university facilities.

    Shared rooms may pair students of a similar age and different nationality; single rooms cannot be guaranteed.

    What happens after Film Summer Programme?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Keep the completed short film as evidence of creative and technical work.

    Use the production experience to explore directing, cinematography or editing further.

    Reflect on teamwork and leadership developed within the film crew.

    Receive an academic report after completing the programme.

    Receive a certificate of completion after full participation.

    The certificate is issued only when students complete the required work and participate fully.

    Where does Film Summer Programme take place?

    The programme is based at the University of St Andrews in the coastal town of St Andrews, Scotland. Students stay in St Salvator’s Hall and use campus facilities while joining organised trips to nearby cities and towns.

    Edinburgh Airport is the designated airport for published St Andrews transfers.

    Film Summer Programme FAQs

    Students work in small groups to plan, shoot and edit their own short film. The finished films are screened for the summer school at Creative Night.

    No. The programme welcomes all experience levels and provides an introduction to both the creative and technical sides of film production.

    Film classes are guided by working professionals from the film industry, with practical tuition in production techniques and film-set roles.

    The elective runs for three hours on four weekday afternoons, excluding Wednesdays, across the three-week programme.

    No. Every participant combines one academic option with one elective, such as Film.

    The programme covers story structure, scriptwriting, production planning, directing, cinematography, framing, shot composition and post-production editing.

    The package includes tuition, accommodation, full board, course materials, trips, activities, insurance, specified airport transfers, an academic report and a completion certificate.

    Alternatives to Film Summer Programme

    Compare these creative programmes if you want a different balance of visual arts, design or digital production.

    Alternatives to Film Summer Programme

    Two-week practical exploration of art and creativity

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    Best for

    Students choosing between filmmaking and broader studio-based creativity.

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    Creative practice combined with critical thinking

    Design
    Deadline: Not announced
    Cost not listed
    14-17
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    Best for

    Students more interested in art and design than collaborative filmmaking.

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    Game design programme in Los Angeles

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    Deadline: Not announced
    From £4295
    14-18
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    Students drawn to interactive media, design and technology.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • ISSOS - Summer School Application
    • UK T&Cs 2023
    • Procedures & Policies - ISSOS
    • Summer School Application Process - ISSOS
    • Arrival and Departure - ISSOS
    • St Andrews Summer School - ISSOS
    • Summer School Fees - ISSOS
    • Film Summer School - ISSOS

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 19 Aug 2026)

    • Programme details checked

    • Session dates verified

    • Fees cross-checked

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Accommodation details reviewed

    • Safeguarding policies checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.