Comedy Writing MA (Online)

Course Overview

Gain the skills, tools, and industry insights to push your projects to the top of the commissioning editor's pile and get your comedy script green-lit. Who knows, you could be on the way to the BAFTAs or Emmys, writing the next Ghosts, Motherland, Fleabag or Succession.

Why Study This Course at Falmouth?

• Study the work of renowned comedy writers, reflect on professional trends, and learn how to seize market opportunities
• Learn how to write sketches, sitcoms, and comedy dramas, developing a body of work for multiple platforms including television, audio, and online
• Develop a portfolio of scripts, treatments, and responses to professional briefs, which can be used to gain agent representation and producer interest
• Understand the role of a commissioner and what it takes to create a sellable project

Course Details

• Location: Online
• Course duration: 2 years
• Attendance: Part-time

Modules

• Comic Storytelling for Screen and Audio (30 credits)
• Screen Industries: Professional Development in Comedy (30 credits)
• Individual Comedy Script Development (30 credits)
• Comedy Writers' Room: Collaborative Script Development (30 credits)
• Final Major Project (MA only) (60 credits)

Module Details

Comic Storytelling for Screen and Audio

You'll begin your studies by exploring fundamental questions such as, what is comedy? Why do we tell funny stories? How do we tell funny stories? You'll then develop your sketch and long-form comedy writing skills and tackle a set of writing briefs, which will become part of your final portfolio of work.

Screen Industries: Professional Development in Comedy

In this module, you'll gain a range of technical writing and project development skills as you work to produce industry-standard comedy writing with real commercial and creative potential. You'll undertake research into a comedic area of interest and produce a case study that evaluates current comedy industry markets and opportunities.

Individual Comedy Script Development

Here, you'll hone your ability to generate comedy script ideas. You'll explore the art of combining comedy with drama and sustaining a comic narrative and theme in a feature film, television, or online/audio comedy series.

Comedy Writers' Room: Collaborative Script Development

This module is divided into two parts, giving students the unique opportunity to work collaboratively on a professional TV comedy brief within a commercial setting.

Final Major Project (MA only)

This Comedy Writing course culminates in a major script development project for a platform/medium of your choosing. You'll have the option to further develop work that you've produced on other modules or work on a completely new concept.

Learning and Support

• How online study works: You'll learn through a blend of lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks, and discussion forums, which you'll access via our dedicated virtual learning environment.
• You'll be supported academically by Online Tutors, who will also deliver weekly webinars and facilitate the online forums.
• If you need assistance with anything that isn't directly related to course material, a dedicated Student Advisor team will be on hand to help.

Assessment Methods

Assessments are 100% coursework, submitted in an electronic format to the virtual learning environment, and designed to reflect professional practice. Assessment methods could include visual, verbal, and written works, tailored specifically to each module.

Resources and Support

• Dedicated easy-to-use virtual learning environment (VLE)
• Accessible online audio/visual content
• A Student Advisor to support you throughout your studies and access to our Student Support Services
• Access to our Employability Service
• 24/7 access to Falmouth's extensive online library of contextual books, journals, and resources
• Access to online software tutorials at LinkedIn Learning
• Students' Union community
• Optional in-person events
• Invitation to attend alumni events

Meet the Team

You'll be taught by prolific and award-winning industry professionals who are passionate about nurturing new talent. You'll also have opportunities to access their extensive network and benefit from their experience producing high-profile comedy shows.

Careers

Graduates of the Comedy Writing MA will be well-positioned to work professionally as comedy writers across a range of different arenas, including writing for television, film, theatre, online, and audio; TV and audio production; script editing; and advertising and publishing.

How to Apply

• An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable. However, candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply.
• You'll need to submit up to five pages of a script for either radio, TV, or film. It's your choice, but it must be a comedy script, not any other genre, that best shows off your comedy writing.
• Please also submit a 300-word piece of writing considering an old sitcom, which is no longer running. The piece of writing should clearly tell us why you've picked this show for reinvention now. Please describe how you'll modernise and reinvent the show to be a relevant must-watch for today's audience.

Entry Requirements

• An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable.
• If English is not your first language, you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.5 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, and Listening, and a minimum of 6.0 in speaking.

Deadlines

• This course has three intakes per year: January, May, and September.
• Application deadlines are as follows:
  • Academic start date: 22 September 2025, Application deadline: 1 September 2025
  • Academic start date: 19 January 2026, Application deadline: 9 January 2026
  • Academic start date: 26 May 2026, Application deadline: 6 May 2026

Early Bird Discount

• An Early Bird discount is available for early applications. Currently, the scheme offers up to £600 off MA tuition fees: £300 if you apply by the Early Bird discount submission deadline, and a further £300 off your tuition fees if you receive an offer and within two weeks you accept the place and pay the acceptance fee.

Fees, Costs & Funding

• Tuition fees for September 2024, January 2025, and May 2025 entry: £12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part-time - MA/MSc course
• Tuition fees for September 2025, January 2026, and May 2026 entry: £12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part-time - MA/MSc course
• Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy.

Postgraduate Funding

• There are loans, awards, graduate discounts, and alternative funding sources for postgraduate studies. Read about them on our Postgraduate Funding page.

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Degree Overview:

The program focuses on both practical and theoretical elements, including script analysis, writing workshops, industry guest lectures, and more.

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Key objectives of the program include:

• Enabling students to hone their comedic writing skills, voice, and style.
• Equipping students with the knowledge and understanding of comedy scriptwriting for film, television, and audio platforms.
• Guiding students in developing strong industry connections for future career advancement.
• Cultivating a community of aspiring comedy writers through collaborative learning opportunities.

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Students can expect to:

• Receive guidance from established comedy writers and industry professionals.

• Develop a portfolio of industry-standard comedy scripts across various formats.

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the comedy scriptwriting market and trends.

• Become well-positioned for pursuing a rewarding career in comedy writing.

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Outline:

• Screen Industries: Professional Development in Comedy: This module focuses on developing professional skills through industry-related projects, proposal writing, and market analysis, preparing students for navigating the professional comedy scriptwriting landscape.
• Individual Comedy Script Development: Students delve deeper into crafting compelling characters and narratives for long-form comedy projects, be it a feature film, television series, or online/audio series.
• Comedy Writers' Room: Collaborative Script Development: This unique module provides hands-on experience in a simulated professional environment.
Students collaborate in script development teams, tackling industry briefs and "green-lighting" projects.
• Final Major Project (MA only): The culmination of the program where students independently develop an industry-ready, polished script for the platform of their choice.
This may involve further developing existing work or crafting an entirely new concept.

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Please note:

The module order may vary depending on the start date chosen by the student.

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Assessment:

• Visual, verbal, and written creative works: The assessment format is tailored to each module's specific learning outcomes.
• Critical analysis of existing comedy material: Students engage in analyzing existing work to refine their own writing and gain deeper understanding of industry standards.
• Industry-focused projects and proposals: Assessments may involve developing industry-style proposals, pitch documents, and market analysis projects to emulate real-world professional scenarios.

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Teaching:

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Additional notes:

• Online tutorials provide individualized support and feedback throughout the modules.
• Optional in-person events are held throughout the year to foster a sense of community and networking amongst students in the online format.

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Careers:

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The program aims to prepare graduates for successful careers in a wide range of comedy writing fields, including:

• Television comedy: Scriptwriting for sitcoms, sketch shows, comedy dramas, and more.
• Radio comedy: Creating content for radio comedies, panel shows, and podcasts.
• Online content: Writing comedy sketches, web series, and other online formats.
• Video game writing: Scripting comedic dialogue and content for video games.

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Graduates are well-equipped to navigate industry avenues and find opportunities in various areas:

• Seeking representation from literary agents.

• Pitching directly to production companies and broadcasters.

• Developing their own independent comedy projects.

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Other:

• Virtual Welcome Week prior to start dates helps students acclimate to online learning and connect with classmates.

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£12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course £12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course Tuition fees for September 2025 will be confirmed in summer 2024. Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

Falmouth University

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Overview:

Falmouth University is a public university located in Cornwall, England, renowned for its creative arts and design programs. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as online study options. The university is known for its strong industry connections, professional-grade facilities, and inspiring location.

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Services Offered:

Falmouth University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, offering modern and well-equipped spaces.

Student Support:

The university offers a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Employability Service:

Falmouth University has a dedicated Employability Service that helps students develop their career skills and find employment opportunities.

Student Voice:

The university encourages student feedback and participation through its Student Voice program.

Study Abroad Exchanges:

Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner institutions around the world.

Virtual Experience:

Falmouth University offers a virtual experience platform for prospective students to explore the campus and learn more about the university.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Falmouth University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with:

Accommodation:

Modern and well-equipped accommodation options on and off-campus.

Open Days:

Open Days are held regularly, allowing prospective students to experience campus life and meet staff and current students.

Freshers' Week:

A dedicated week of events and activities designed to help new students settle in and make friends.

Student Clubs and Societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for students to connect with like-minded individuals.

Location:

Falmouth is situated in a beautiful and inspiring location, with easy access to the coast and surrounding countryside.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Industry Connections:

Falmouth University has strong industry connections, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Professional-Grade Facilities:

The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and labs, designed to support creative learning and practice.

Inspiring Location:

Falmouth's location in Cornwall offers a unique and inspiring environment for creative study, with access to stunning beaches, coastal landscapes, and a vibrant arts scene.

Focus on Employability:

Falmouth University is committed to preparing students for successful careers, with a dedicated Employability Service and a strong focus on practical skills development.

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Academic Programs:

Falmouth University offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in:

Art & Design:

The university is renowned for its art and design programs, including animation, film, photography, graphic design, fashion, and textiles.

Games:

Falmouth University has a dedicated Games Academy, offering programs in game design, development, and production.

Business & Marketing:

The university offers programs in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on creativity and innovation.

Computing:

Falmouth University offers programs in computing, including data science, robotics, and software development.

English, Journalism & Writing:

The university offers programs in English, journalism, and creative writing, with a focus on practical skills and industry connections.

Performance, Theatre & Music:

Falmouth University offers programs in performance, theatre, and music, with a focus on practical training and professional development.