Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-22 | - |
Program Overview
MA Screenwriting
Overview
MA Screenwriting is designed to enable you to develop the skills and understanding needed to work as a writer in today’s screen industries. You will gain advanced insight into the work of a screenwriter – deep understanding of screen storytelling and professional scripts, working across a variety of screen platforms and industry contexts, writing short form and feature length scripts, the writer’s role as initiator and enabler, professional working practices and employment strategies.
Why Take the Course?
- Practical: Pitch your script to a panel of industry experts, see your script performed by actors, and receive script development support from leading UK film and television production companies.
- Comprehensive: Learn about writing for different platforms, including film, TV, web, and branded content.
- Industry-facing: Learn from leading industry tutors and guest speakers with extensive professional experience as writers, directors, showrunners, and script developers in the screen industries*.
- Real-life Experience: Write for an external client, and receive real-life screenwriting experience to improve your communication, teamworking, and pitching skills.
- Portfolio: Graduate with a portfolio of content, normally including a pilot screenplay, online video scripts, outline and pitches, and a feature-length script.
What You Will Study
Over three trimesters you will gain advanced insight into the craft of the screenwriter and the implications of creating and delivering screen content to a wide variety of audiences and contexts.
Trimester One focuses on the essence of screen storytelling and the role the writer plays in developing and crafting stories for a wide variety of forms and formats. Alongside this you will deliver a script (normally an extract from a planned feature) and explore your own qualities as you build a career profile that will develop as the course – and your understanding – increases.
In Trimester Two you will enrich your understanding through engaging with television scriptwriting and engagement on collaborative, client-facing assignments. In addition, you will develop the research and analytical skills expected in both your academic and professional practice.
In Trimester Three you will draw together your practical, theoretical and industry understanding into the creation and delivery of a long form script and refine your career plan as part of your progression into real world employment.
Module Overview
The overview below is not a complete list of MA Screenwriting modules.
Screenwriting Craft and Industry
The key roles and responsibilities of the contemporary screenwriter are explored from industrial, ethical, and craft perspectives. You will develop your communication skills by pitching an idea for a short form project, and you will work with other students for your first collaborative production exercise using a smartphone to make a statement.
Writing for Film
In this module you will study the craft of feature film screenwriting, analysing key screenwriting principles including concept, character, and structure. You will receive extensive support to outline a feature film narrative and deliver a scripted first act.
Professional Profile
You will develop authentic and detailed career paperwork and supporting materials including a CV and personal profile. As part of the module you will be offered Elective Upskilling sessions – opportunities to develop screen industry skills outside of your chosen discipline or as part of your multi-skilling profile.
Writing Digital Content
Using contemporary examples from a range of digital and traditional storytelling mediums, the module will offer a greater understanding of the practice of writing for different platforms and encourage both creativity and independent critical thinking. Additionally, you will work collaboratively with students from other disciplines to produce a video artefact for an external client.
Writing for Television
You will learn the particular skills required to succeed in long-form, serial storytelling and understand how a ‘series bible’ is developed, and then maintained, through seasons, with both single writers and multiple writers in a Writer’s Room.
Practice-based Research
Building on the work of previous and concurrent modules, you will gain a deeper insight into current theories, principles, and discussions relating to issues of diversity, sustainability and ethics within the screen industries.
Final Project and Career Plan
Your project is an opportunity to deliver work that is distinctive, industry-aware, based in research and reflects awareness of a diverse and inclusive world. You will also present your career plan, including evidence of new skills to be assessed by industry employers and refine your career plan in preparation for entering or re-entering the screen industries on graduation.
Teaching, Learning & Assessment
We include a diverse range of teaching methods which include:
- Productions
- Seminar-style Group Teaching
- Tutorials
- Practical Group Work
- Formative Feedback through Critiques, Pitches, Screenings, and Reflective Sessions
- Work-integrated Learning
- Authentic Assessment
We use a wide range of assessment which include portfolios, performances, research, presentations, and reflective work. Please download the Course Specification below for more information.
Entry Requirements
Standard Entry Requirements
- Age: All applicants must be 18 years or older at the time the programme begins.
- Education: A 2:1 honours degree from a UK university or overseas equivalent.
- Applicants must also submit:
- A personal statement of at least 500 words. The MetFilm School online application form details the information that your personal statement must include.
Students Not Meeting Academic Requirements
Students without a degree, but who can demonstrate relevant industry experience or a degree below a 2:1 equivalent are still able to apply. They will need to submit the following:
- A professional industry reference.
- A professional CV.
- A 750 word statement of why you wish to enter the screen industries, indicating the ways in which you think they are changing.
Equipment Requirements
Students receive the Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud License for the duration of their course. For more information, please check Equipment in the Study with Us section for your chosen course, and the Location sections for the range of equipment and learning resources available on each of our campuses.
Application Information
For more information on MA Screenwriting entry requirements, language requirements, funding, and the application process please visit:
- Study with Us
Dates & Prices
The prices below cover the duration of the course. Please select the course location.
London
- £21,000 – UK Students
- £21,000** – EU/EEA Students
- £23,000** – International Students
Berlin
- €18,500 – EU/EEA Students
- €20,500** – International Students
Leeds
- £16,500 – UK Students
- £16,500** – EU/EEA Students
- £18,500** – International Students
EU/EEA students with settled status. International students or EU/EEA students without settled status.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
MA Screenwriting
is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career as a screenwriter in the modern screen industries. The program provides a deep understanding of screen storytelling, professional scriptwriting, and working across various screen platforms and industry settings. It encompasses writing for short films, feature-length scripts, the screenwriter's role as initiator and enabler, professional practices, and employment strategies. The program delves into topics ranging from storytelling and script formatting to pitching ideas and projects, working independently, collaboratively in writers' rooms, and selling ideas to producers, as well as collaborating with other creatives on script editing.
Objectives:
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a screenwriter across diverse screen platforms.
- Produce work of increasing ambition and quality, including experimentation with content and form.
- Initiate, develop, and deliver writing suitable for current and evolving screen industries and audiences.
- Develop the language and understanding to articulate the role screen storytelling plays in an increasingly globalized and inclusive world.
- Gain practical insight into the essential role of giving and receiving feedback in the process of screenwriting.
- Develop advanced techniques in working with collaborators to realize compelling and meaningful content.
- Gain the ability to understand the work of colleagues and articulate why screen practice requires true collaboration.
- Graduation with an enlightened and contemporary perspective as a screen industry professional.
Key Highlights:
- Practical experience through script pitching to industry experts, script performance by actors, and development support from leading UK film and television production companies.
- Comprehensive coverage of writing for film, TV, web, and branded content.
- Industry-facing learning with experienced tutors and guest speakers currently working as writers, directors, showrunners, and script developers in the screen industries.
- Real-life screenwriter experience through writing for an external client, improving communication, teamwork, and pitching skills.
Trimester One:
- Screenwriting Craft and Industry: Explores the key roles, responsibilities, and ethical aspects of being a contemporary screenwriter. In-depth analysis of the writer's role in developing and crafting stories across various formats. Development of a script (usually an excerpt from a planned feature) and exploration of personal qualities as you build a career profile.
- Writing for Film: Explores the craft of feature film screenwriting, analyzing key screenwriting principles like concept, character, and structure. Extensive support to outline a feature film narrative and deliver a scripted first act.
- Professional Profile: Develop authentic and detailed career paperwork, including CV and personal profile. Participation in Elective Upskilling sessions for the opportunity to develop screen industry skills outside your chosen discipline or as part of your multi-skilling profile.
Trimester Two:
- Writing Digital Content: Using contemporary examples from a range of digital and traditional storytelling mediums, the module aims to foster understanding of the practice of writing for different platforms while encouraging both creativity and independent critical thinking. Collaboration with students from other disciplines to produce a video artefact for an external client.
- Writing for Television: Acquiring the specific skills needed to succeed in long-form, serial storytelling. Understanding the development and maintenance of a "series bible" through seasons, with both single and multiple writers in a Writer's Room.
Trimester Three:
- Practice-based Research: Building on the work of previous and concurrent modules, you will gain a deeper insight into current theories, principles, and discussions relating to issues of diversity, sustainability, and ethics within the screen industries.
- Final Project and Career Plan: Deliver a final project that is distinctive, industry-aware, based on research, and reflects awareness of a diverse and inclusive world. Presentation of your career plan, including evidence of new skills, to be assessed by industry employers, and refinement of your career plan in preparation for entering or re-entering the screen industries on graduation.
Assessment:
The MA Screenwriting program utilizes a diverse range of assessment methods that include:
- Portfolios
- Performances
- Research
- Presentations
- Reflective work
Teaching:
The teaching methods employed in the MA Screenwriting program include:
- Productions
- Seminar-style Group Teaching
- Tutorials
- Practical Group Work
- Formative Feedback through Critiques, Pitches, Screenings, and Reflective Sessions
- Work-integrated Learning
- Authentic Assessment The program boasts a diverse and experienced faculty consisting of industry professionals who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
Careers:
Graduates of the MA Screenwriting program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue various careers in the screen industries. These could include:
- Screenwriter
- Script Editor
- TV Scriptwriter
- Comedy Writer
- Story Editor
- Broadcast Journalist
- Script Reader
- Feature Film Director
- TV Drama Producer
- Broadcast Producer
- Script Developer The program's strong industry connections and focus on practical experience provide graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.
Other:
- The program is recognized by industry-leading bodies, including ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK's screen-based industries, and carries the ScreenSkills Select quality mark, indicating its suitability for preparing students for a career in the screen industries.
- The program is offered at campuses in London, Berlin, and Leeds, providing students with the opportunity to study in vibrant and culturally diverse environments.
- The program offers scholarships and bursaries to help students with the cost of tuition.
- The program welcomes applications from students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Met Film School
Overview:
Met Film School is a renowned film school with campuses in London, Berlin, and Leeds. It offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses in various film and screen-related disciplines. The school is known for its industry connections and practical approach to learning.
Services Offered:
Met Film School provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses:
A wide variety of degree programs in areas such as acting, filmmaking, screenwriting, producing, cinematography, and post-production.Short Courses:
Intensive workshops and courses covering various aspects of filmmaking, from acting and directing to cinematography and editing.Student Support and Wellbeing:
Dedicated support services for students' academic, personal, and professional needs.Career Support:
Guidance and resources to help students launch their careers in the film industry.Masterclasses:
Opportunities to learn from industry professionals and gain valuable insights.Screenings and Mixers:
Events that provide networking opportunities and exposure to industry trends.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Met Film School offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:
State-of-the-art facilities:
Access to professional-grade equipment and studios.Industry-standard learning environment:
Practical training and real-world experience.Strong sense of community:
Opportunities to connect with fellow students and industry professionals.Networking events:
Opportunities to build connections and gain valuable industry contacts.Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry connections:
Strong ties to the film industry, providing students with access to professionals and opportunities.Practical learning:
Emphasis on hands-on experience and real-world projects.Experienced faculty:
Industry professionals and educators who bring real-world expertise to the classroom.Global reach:
Campuses in London, Berlin, and Leeds, offering diverse perspectives and opportunities.Academic Programs:
Met Film School offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
BA (Hons) degrees in Acting for Screen, Content, Media and Film Production, Digital Film Practice (various specializations), Film and Screen Business, and Practical Filmmaking.Postgraduate:
MA degrees in Cinematography, Directing, Documentary and Factual, Film and Television Production, Post Production, Producing, Screen Acting, and Screenwriting.Other:
Standard Entry Requirements:
Age:
18 years or older at the time the program begins.
Education:
- UK applicants: a 2:1 honours degree from a UK university.
- Overseas applicants: an overseas equivalent.
Additional requirements:
- A personal statement of at least 500 words, which must include the information specified in the online application form. If you do not have a degree but have relevant industry experience or a degree below a 2:1 equivalent, you can still apply. You will need to submit:
- A professional industry reference.
- A professional CV. However, they do require all applicants to be proficient in English. This means that you should be able to understand and speak English to a level that enables you to follow lectures, complete assignments, and participate in group discussions. If English is not your first language, you may need to provide evidence of your proficiency, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.