Screenwriting MA

The MA in Screenwriting offers an integrated programme in the history, theory and practice of screenwriting. It will develop practical screenwriting skills and techniques, with students developing outlines, treatments and scripts towards a portfolio of original projects. Projects may be for film or television and the programme will encourage you to write in different genres, and expect you to rewrite draft scripts with feedback and tutor support.

One distinctive feature of the programme is the fast-track core module which will allow all students enrolling on the course, including graduates in other fields, to gain detailed knowledge of screenwriting theories, conventions and formats, and develop the ability to apply these to writing practice. Subsequent modules will deepen writing skills and knowledge of screenwriting with assignments of increasing length designed to meet industry requirements, such as feature film script and television series writing, and you will also study the discourse and practices of screenwriting.

Central to the programme is examining how the industry works, and to this end there are six autumn industry talks with guest speakers, and a four-day summer school, which focuses on the writer working in the industry, and includes pitching and storytelling workshops, as well as guest speakers.

TEACHING

Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Graduates go into careers in the creative industries, such as screenwriting, script editing and collaborating with readers/directors/producers/co-writers. Possible professions include screenwriter, creative writer, or higher education lecturer. This degree can also be useful in becoming a script writer, magazine or newspaper journalist, or English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher.

A second-class honours degree in any related subject; other qualifications will be considered. Applications are encouraged from those with or without prior screenwriting experience.