Program Overview

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MA Screenwriting (Global Online)

Overview

This 2-year online MA is founded in cutting edge research into screenwriting technique specifically designed to create empowered, innovative, convention-challenging screenwriters with the will and the expertise to break boundaries and create screen stories of international quality.

Mode of Study:

Online learning

Duration:

2 years

Start date:

September

Course details

This programme aims to empower students to construct the mix of knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to become the kind of screenwriter they want to be, broadening not just their core writing skills but their knowledge of the rapidly changing markets and contexts in which screenwriting occurs.

• Writing & Screen Project Development (20 credits)
• Script Workshop 1 (20 credits)
• Unconventional Approaches (20 credits)
• Major Project Research (20 credits)
• The Business of Screen Project Development (20 credits)
• Script Workshop 2 (20 credits)
• From Script to Screen (20 credits)
• Major Project (40 credits)

How you’ll be taught

The course is rooted in student-centred active learning, meaning you’ll learn by doing: completing writing assignments, workshopping your coursemates’ work and completing individual and group learning activities. Asynchronous self-directed work that you complete in your own time will be balanced with synchronous online classes.

Assessments

You’ll complete a mixture of creative assessments and academic assignments like essays and case studies, building your critical thinking and research skills to MA level as well as your creative practice. You’ll build up from short film scripts to 30min scripts to a feature-length Major Project where you’ll put all the skills you’ve learned into action.

Entry requirements

• Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above
• Applicants will also be required to attend an interview and/or be asked to show evidence of an aptitude for the course, appropriate experience, and an indication of how they might benefit from the course
• Personal statement outlining why they want to write for the screen (maximum 300 words)
• Outline for a feature film or single television drama (maximum one page)
• Writing sample - this may be a short film script or an excerpt from a feature film script or television drama (maximum 10 pages)

English language

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test. The English Language requirements for this programme are IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 6.0 with no individual component score of less than 5.5.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

2024/25	2025/26
UK Students	£885	£945
Overseas Students	£905	£965

Careers

The course gives you the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a screenwriter, script editor or development professional.