Program Overview
MA Script Writing
Overview
The MA Script Writing programme at Goldsmiths, University of London, is an industry-accredited Masters that focuses on the creative, analytical, and professional aspects of script writing for film, television, and radio. The programme is designed to help students develop their own feature film, TV, or radio project in a workshop-based environment, with intensive engagement and industry exposure.
Why Study MA Script Writing at Goldsmiths
- Focus on further developing your own feature film, TV, or radio project in a workshop-based environment limited to twelve students, ensuring intensive engagement.
- Study on one of the few MA Scriptwriting programmes accredited by ScreenSkills.
- Gain industry exposure by pitching your project to high-level industry professionals and having your script read. Attend lectures given by industry professionals, and have your scripts read by professional actors at a Script Showcase, attended by agents and other industry professionals.
- Be supported in finding industry contacts who can encourage and support your development as a scriptwriter.
- Develop script editing and script development skills.
- Study within Goldsmiths’ Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies, and hone your craft in a critical, stimulating, and interdisciplinary creative environment.
- The Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies has been ranked second in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and 16th in the world (third in the UK) in the 2024 QS World Rankings for communication and media studies.
Industry Access
At Goldsmiths, our tutors are all experienced film and TV professionals, and we are able to offer exceptional industry access for our emerging writers. Over the last four years, we've welcomed a broad range of writers, television development executives, and film production executives, including:
- Internationally acclaimed movie directors Steve McQueen and Mike Newell
- Producer Allan Niblo (founder of Vertigo Pictures)
- James Bowsher and Catriona Renton (senior executives with Good Chaos Pictures)
- Matt Jarvis and Rachael Stephenson from Clerkenwell Films
- BAFTA-winning film producer Martin Gentles
- Acclaimed TV dramatist Jed Mercurio
- Oscar-nominated screenwriter Nick Hornby
- BBC Radio producer Sasha Yevtushenko
- Comedy writer and performer Jamie Demetriou
The Questions We Explore
The main question you have to ask yourself for this MA programme is: do I really need to be a writer more than anything else? That’s quite brutal, but script writing is a tough profession. You’re totally exposed as a creative person, it’s you and the page and the tradition in which you’re working, and that can be a liberating but also uncomfortable place to be.
The Processes We Use
The programme is not about learning how to be a writer; it’s about developing and pushing forward your own writing projects as far and as fast as you can in 12 months. You’ll be developing your own voice, learning how to critique the work of others, and getting to grips with marketing your projects. You’ll also be making industry contacts so you can pitch for employment in an extremely competitive industry.
You’ll cover every aspect of the writing process from getting ideas, maintaining productive writing practices, and developing characters and storylines, to presenting your work to an industry standard and pitching your ideas. Writing is a lonely business – that’s why the community of writers that the programme gives you is such a creative advantage.
Length
1 year full-time
Entry Requirements
You will be considered for this programme on the basis of your submitted creative work and your interview. If you are not a graduate, you may be asked to show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.
Fees
- Home - full-time: £11,250
- International - full-time: £24,350
Department
Media, Communications and Cultural Studies
This course is accredited by ScreenSkills.
What You'll Study
Every student takes two core modules:
- Scriptwriting (90 credits)
- Reflection Essay (15 credits)
Then choose between Long Form Script (30 credits) or Adaptation and Script Editing (30 credits).
You'll also take option modules worth 45 credits from a list provided annually by the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies.
Teaching
This is an MA that really focuses on you as the student. There are lectures, but most of the time you’ll be working one-to-one with a writing tutor or within small group workshops.
We keep the course small deliberately. In this way, we know your individual work and you know other students’ work through the weekly feedback process. We also believe you don’t know who you are until you’re relating to another person, and ultimately this is what scriptwriting is about: making that connection.
How You'll Be Assessed
You are assessed on your portfolio, which consists of your long-form treatment and second draft feature script or equivalent, your 4,000-word Reflection essay on this script, linked to issues in Media and Culture, and a radio script adapted from a source text.
In addition, depending on your options, your portfolio could also include a 10-12 page short script or script-editing proposal and coverage. Other modules are assessed by 5-6,000-word essays.
Entry Requirements
You will be considered for this programme on the basis of your submitted creative work and your interview. If you are not a graduate, you may be asked to show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.
International Qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 7.0 with a 7.0 in writing and no element lower than 6.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.
Portfolio
Please include evidence of your fiction writing abilities in the form of:
- Three one-paragraph ideas for short film projects that you might wish to develop further on the programme.
- Three one-page ideas (single spaced) for feature film and/or TV series projects you might wish to develop further on the programme.
- Plus one of the following:
- A short film script, in standard screenplay format, of 10-12 pages in length (please add a brief summary of the rest of the story if the script is longer than 12 pages).
- The opening 10 pages of a full-length script, in standard screenplay format, together with a summary of the rest of the story.
- A 10-page short story. (Please note you may be asked to demonstrate your ability to write scripts by submitting scenes to a brief defined by the course convenor if you don’t have a “calling card” script yet written).
Careers
MA Script Writing is all about the product. So when you complete this Masters, you leave with a whole portfolio of writing, a set of professional skills, a list of industry contacts, and a set of professional friendships through the Goldsmiths Screen School.
The programme gives you a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment to unpack your ideas, get constructive feedback, make mistakes, and find the story you want to tell. In the end though, it’s down to you as an individual to become the writer you want to be.
Funding Opportunities
20% MA Fee Waivers
The Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies will award a limited number of competitive 20% fee waivers for the academic session 2025 – 26 for students who demonstrate considerable academic potential and can demonstrate need on the basis of being first in their family to attend university, from a low-income family, or being care-experienced.
BAFTA Scholarships
UK students offered a place on this course are eligible for the BAFTA UK Scholarships Programme.
Explore the Goldsmiths scholarships finder to find out what other funding you may be eligible for.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
Paying Your Fees
Find out about how to make a payment.
If you are a UK student, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Visit the scholarships finder
Student Work
Film and Television
- Sian Astor-Lewis
- Karis Kelly
- Anil Kizilbuga
- Imogen Radwan and Franziska Endroes
- Emily Reader
Radio
As part of the course, our TV and film writers also explore the possibilities of the audio drama medium, in a very practical way (through collaborations with our Radio Drama team).
Goldsmiths, University of London
Overview:
Goldsmiths, University of London is a public research university located in South East London. It is known for its progressive teaching and world-leading research, particularly in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The university prides itself on fostering a space for self-discovery and offers a single-site campus experience.
Services Offered:
Student Support:
Goldsmiths provides a range of support services for students, including a library, IT support, and a dedicated Graduate School for postgraduate research students.Learning Resources:
The university offers access to the Learn.gold virtual learning environment (VLE) and the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC).Campus Life:
Goldsmiths offers a vibrant campus experience with accommodation options, campus tours, and opportunities to connect with students through the Unibuddy platform.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Goldsmiths offers a unique campus experience in the heart of South East London. Students can explore the campus through virtual tours and learn about the local area through area guides. The university also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Progressive Teaching:
Goldsmiths is known for its innovative and forward-thinking teaching methods.World-Leading Research:
The university boasts a strong research reputation, particularly in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.Vibrant Campus Community:
Goldsmiths fosters a diverse and inclusive campus community with a strong sense of belonging.Career Success:
A high percentage of Goldsmiths graduates move on to highly-skilled work after their studies.Academic Programs:
Goldsmiths offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including: