Writing for Script & Screen MA (Online)

Program Overview

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Writing for Script & Screen MA (Online)

Course Overview

Gain the writing techniques, industry know-how, professional skills, and experience of collaborative working to present your writing to the leading streamers, media companies, and broadcasters.

On this dynamic online master’s course, you will learn how to excel across different screen industries and create work that stands out from the crowd.

Working with a global network of writers who share your drive, and taught by industry-practiced lecturers, you'll develop a portfolio across mediums and genres that interest you. Through responding to industry standard briefs, collaborative projects, and connecting with industry leaders, you will master the art of screenwriting and gain the confidence to pitch your work to the people that matter.

Why Study This Course at Falmouth?

• Learn about the fundamentals of storytelling as well as advanced structure theories and how these can be applied to your chosen screen medium – whether that’s writing for film, television, or games.
• Develop professional skills that will make an impression with agents, managers, and commissioners.
• Collaborate with a global community of screenwriters and make meaningful connections with industry leaders and agents.
• Benefit from our industry links: previous guest speakers have included Academy Award winners Diana Ossana (Brokeback Mountain) and Terry George (Hotel Rwanda, In the Name of the Father), executive producer Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files) and David Hayter (X-Men, Watchmen), as well as executives from Sky, Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros.

Course Details

Modules

The modules have been specifically designed to be studied in a non-linear order, with the order in which you’ll study the modules depending on when you begin the course.

• Storytelling for Script & Screen: Examine, explore, and practice the fundamental questions of storytelling and script writing: 'How do we tell stories for the screen and how do we experience stories as audiences?' (30 credits)
• Individual Script Development Workshop: Learn more complex elements of screenwriting related to deep structure, including genre, theme, and audience studies in feature films, television series, and games. (30 credits)
• Writer's Room: Collaborative Script Development: Work collaboratively or alone on a professional brief. Students will have the chance to situate themselves in a hypothetical industry scenario where they work in groups to 'break' and write an episode of a television series. (30 credits)
• Screen Industries: Professional Development: Learn strategies for promoting yourself as a freelance screenwriter. Identify an area of special interest and research contemporary practice to produce a case study that evaluates current markets and opportunities. (30 credits)
• Final Major Project (MA only): Work on a major script development project for a platform/medium of your choice. Develop a critical essay to reflect on your creative process and how it aligns with contemporary industry practices. (60 credits)

Learning and Support

• How Online Study Works: Learn through a blend of lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks, and discussion forums, which you'll access via our dedicated virtual learning environment.
• Assessment: Assessed via coursework at the end of each module in the form of visual, verbal, and written assignments.
• 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 Employability Service.

Meet the Team

• Dr. John Finnegan: Course Leader, MA Writing for Script & Screen
• Dr. Michela Cortese: Lecturer, Screenwriting
• Dr. Dejan Levi: Lecturer, Screenwriting

Careers

This MA is built to help students establish successful careers as writers in the script writing industries, irrespective of where they are in their professional journey.

Upon graduating from the course, you’ll be well-equipped to work professionally across a variety of mediums – including video games, cinema, television, or digital media. Our graduates have worked on productions with companies such as Netflix, Amazon Studios, and HBO.

How to Apply

• Qualifications: An honors degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification.
• Sample Writing: A piece of sample writing in the form of a screenplay, formatted to an industry standard.
• Language Requirements: 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.
• Early Bird Discount: An Early Bird discount is available for early applications.

Fees, Costs & Funding

• Tuition Fees: £12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part-time - MA/MSc course
• Typical Course Costs: In order to participate fully in the course, you will need to purchase screenwriting software.
• Postgraduate Funding: There are loans, awards, graduate discounts, and alternative funding sources for postgraduate studies.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objective:

The Writing for Script & Screen MA (Online) aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to excel as screenwriters in various industries, including film, television, and video games. The program emphasizes collaborative learning, industry connections, and the development of a diverse portfolio.

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Description:

This online master's degree program delves into the fundamental aspects of storytelling and screenwriting, providing students with a strong foundation in script development, character creation, and narrative structure. They will learn professional skills such as script formatting, pitching, and project development, along with the essential elements of industry collaboration and networking. By the end of the program, graduates will be equipped to confidently present their work to leading figures in the screenwriting industry.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Storytelling and Scriptwriting: Students delve into the fundamental principles of storytelling, scriptwriting, and screenwriting techniques for various mediums.
• Script Development: Focuses on advanced scriptwriting elements, including deep structure, genre, theme, and audience analysis.
• Writer's Room: Students collaborate in a simulated industry environment to develop an episode of a television series, learning collaborative writing practices and professional feedback processes.
• Professional Development: Students learn how to promote themselves as freelance screenwriters, identify areas of interest, research current industry trends, and develop an industry-standard pitch deck.
• Major Project (MA only): Students undertake a major script development project for their chosen medium, refining their skills and exploring their creative vision.

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Program Structure:

• The program is delivered online, allowing flexibility for students around the world.
• The program consists of four 30-credit modules and a 60-credit Major Project (MA only) or four 30-credit modules for the PGDip.
• The program is designed to be completed in two years part-time.
• Students can choose to begin the program in January, May, or September.

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Modules:

• Storytelling for Script & Screen: Explores the fundamentals of storytelling and screenwriting, including script formatting, visual storytelling, character development, and pitching.
• Individual Script Development Workshop: Focuses on advanced scriptwriting elements, including deep structure, genre, theme, and audience studies.
• Writer's Room: Collaborative Script Development: Provides students with the opportunity to collaborate on a professional brief, simulating a professional writer's room environment.
• Screen Industries: Professional Development: Equips students with the skills and knowledge to promote themselves as freelance screenwriters and navigate the industry.
• Final Major Project (MA only): Students develop a major script project for their chosen medium, showcasing their skills and creative vision.

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Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, including scripts, project proposals, and reflective essays.
• Regular feedback through online discussions, workshops, and individual consultations with tutors.
• The Major Project (MA only) is assessed through a final script and a critical essay reflecting on the creative process.

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Teaching:

• Delivered by experienced industry professionals and academic staff with expertise in screenwriting, storytelling, and the creative industries.
• Uses a blended learning approach, including lectures, webinars, guest talks, discussion forums, and individual feedback.
• Emphasizes collaborative learning through workshops, group projects, and online discussions.

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Careers:

• Graduates are prepared for careers in various screenwriting roles, including screenwriter, script editor, story editor, and script consultant.
• The program also provides skills and knowledge applicable to other creative industries, such as television production, film production, and video game development.

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Other:

• The program is designed to be flexible and accessible to students worldwide.
• Students have access to a dedicated virtual learning environment, online resources, and student support services.
• Falmouth University offers a range of employability services and support to help graduates find employment in the creative industries.
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