Studying in the UK

You can check to see if you need a visa by visiting the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You can also check with the British Embassy or Consulate in your own country of residence or, if there is not one where you live, in a neighbouring country. 

What are the different visa types that enable you to study in the UK?

Standard Visitor Visa (courses less than 6 months): depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa from outside the UK. 

Student Visa (courses over 6 months in duration): The following courses at London Film Academy require you to obtain a Student Visa:

• BA (Hons) Filmmaking 

• MA Filmmaking 

• MA Screenwriting 

If you are unsure which visa you need, please check the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. 

NB: Do not travel to the UK if you wish to study without first obtaining the correct visa. If you enter the UK under an incorrect visa, you will not be able to switch this to the relevant visa without first returning to your home country. 

Visa applications can be a lengthy process and therefore it is advisable to apply well in advance of your course start date. 

 

Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Route)

If you are looking to stay in the UK to work after completing your studies, you may be interested in the Graduate Visa.

What is a Graduate Visa

A Graduate Visa allows eligible LFA graduates to remain in the UK for up to two years after completing their degree. It provides the opportunity to work, gain industry experience, or explore further career pathways without requiring sponsorship.

This route requires LFA to confirm your successful completion of your BA or MA programme and report it to the Home Office (UKVI) before you can make your visa application. The Graduate Visa is a pathway to other work routes, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, which can lead to settlement in the UK. You must be in the UK when you apply for a Graduate Visa.

How to apply for a Graduate Visa

When applying for a Graduate Visa while your existing Student  Visa is still valid or awaiting its outcome, your immigration permission is automatically extended under a principle called 3C leave, allowing you to remain in the UK legally. During this period, your Student  Visa's conditions, including work rights, generally continue until a decision on your  Graduate  Visa  application is made. More information can also be found on the UKCISA website  here.

You can apply for a Graduate  Visa provided all the following conditions are met:

• You are currently in the UK
• You hold a valid Student  Visa 
• You have completed a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree for the required duration under your Student  Visa 
• LFA has notified UKVI (Home Office) of your successful course completion

To apply for the Graduate  Visa, you will need to provide LFA with a PDF copy of your University of Derby (UoD) transcript, specifically including your grade classification (e.g., Distinction, Merit, First Class, 2:1). All students should be able to download their award outcome via the UDo portal within 3-5 working days of the final assessment board.

Please note, while LFA can guide you to relevant resources, we cannot provide specific advice on completing visa applications.

Graduate Visa application costs

When applying for a Graduate  Visa, you’ll need to:  

• Pay the  application fee
• Pay the healthcare surcharge

For full guidance and associated costs, visit the  Graduate  Visa application page.

How long it takes to get an outcome on a Graduate Visa application

The Home Office website has  a guide to current processing times for all types of application. It states:

"You should usually get a decision on your  Graduate application within 8 weeks once you’ve applied online and either attended your appointment at a visa service centre or submitted your documents using the ID Check app.”

Working before and with your Graduate Visa

Before the Graduate Visa:

Whilst a student, you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Once you’ve officially completed your BA or MA programme, you can work full-time with no restriction on your working hours.

With a Graduate Visa

Once approved, you can:

• Work in most jobs or be self-employed
• Do voluntary work or travel abroad

However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson.

For more details, refer to the Immigration Rules: Appendix Graduate.

Eligibility for the Graduate Visa

Your eligibility for a Graduate Visa after completing your programme will depend on your individual circumstances. Following the final UoD exam board, and once you have been formally awarded your degree and provided the required documentation, LFA will inform UKVI of your successful completion. You will then receive an email from Admissions confirming that this report has been made, along with your CAS number and further details on how to apply.

Referrals and Graduate Visa Applications

The Graduate Visa is only available to students who have successfully completed their programme and who hold valid Student Visa permission when applying. You must have been formally awarded your degree before applying.

If you need to complete a failed module or referral, your current visa may not allow enough time for this and for a Graduate Visa application. In this case, you may need a visa extension. The Student Support and Admissions teams will advise if this applies to you.

Your eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances.