MA Screenwriting

About the course

The MA Screenwriting postgraduate degree provides an exciting opportunity to learn screenwriting in a highly productive culture of filmmaking, in tandem with students learning to produce, directing and filmmaking craft techniques. The course has been designed to offer students opportunities to initiate, develop and realise original and advanced level work in screenwriting – including story development, characters, dialogue and narratives. The structure of the programme is designed so that production is informed b the ideas of the writer, and writing is informed by the practicalities of production and post. The programme aims to:

• Enable students to initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work in the fields of film production and post-production
• Gain detailed knowledge and understanding of key production processes and professional practices relevant to the film industry
• Understand the structure and operation of the film industry, its global scope, regulatory frameworks, business practices, markets, and audiences.
• Develop a range of transferable and entrepreneurial skills which equip students to respond to the and future career challenges
• Gain an understanding of sustainability within the film industry, the impact of production on climate, and the ways in which the industry can impact positively in this area, through a BAFTA albert accredited series of lectures and workshops.

The MA Screenwriting postgraduate degree provides a practical and intensive study of screenwriting in an environment that encourages experimentation, professional development, and new ideas. The combination of creative, technical, practical and management skills – and shared tuition and collaboration with the Film Production pathway, in which filmmakers and screenwriters learn key skills – make this course unique.

Programme structure

The structure of the programme is designed so that production is informed by the ideas of the writer, and writing is informed by the practicalities of production and post. Modules in film practice feature lectures and seminars on a range of concepts, practices, genres, and theories, which students discuss and develop in practice-based workshops in a range of settings, and with regular access to actors. Students will create a portfolio of shorts, writing for the screen and see that work realised in the shoot and edit, as well as learn about the relationships between the script, the director, and actors, through weekly production and post-production activity.

Assessment

The programme is modular in structure and delivery and assessment is 100% coursework. This will be a mix of presentations, written work as well as the submission of group work and practice-based work.

Programme delivery

The programme starts in September and is offered in full time (1 year) mode only leading to the award of a MA Screenwriting. The programme is run over two days a week - Tuesdays and Wednesdays for 6 hours each day. The course is divided into a mix of lectures, practice-based workshops, seminars, tutorials, and independent study. Some work is delivered remotely or in a hybrid fashion, to allow students flexibility in delivery and contact arrangements.

Student support

All students have a named Personal Tutor. We also provide English Language Writing support is available within the school.