This programme focuses on the creative, analytical and professional aspects of script writing, in the context of the contemporary film, television and radio industries.

The MA Script Writing is accredited by Skillset (further to the Department's accreditation as a Skillset Media Academy) and currently receives funding to support some student bursaries (for more information visit the Skillset website).

The programme is aimed at those who already have some writing experience, but who want to develop professional skills and expertise as screen or radio script writers. It is geared towards developing each student's own writing and distinctive voice, to enable you to pitch for employment and production funding in a highly competitive industry. You complete the programme with a feature film or equivalent television or radio script. You also gain knowledge of the film, television or radio industries and some of the contacts necessary to market your projects.

What you study

The core course is designed to give you the skills and understanding required to develop your Treatment for a feature film or equivalent television or radio script. The course is taught mostly with workshops, in which you present and discuss your own work with other students in a supportive environment. There are also class exercises, lectures, screenings, master classes, seminars and individual tutorials.

Starting in the Spring Term, the course then develops your Treatment into a second draft feature script (or its equivalent). Option courses include Short Fiction, Script Editing and Media a Landscape of Opportunity (from ICCE).

The MA Script Writing is accredited by Skillset (further to the Department's accreditation as a Skillset Media Academy) and is likely to receive funding to support student bursaries. For more information visit the Skillset website.

Skills

You'll develop:

• high level practical skills
• critical reflection skills
• an awareness of the theoretical, cultural and industrial contexts of your work
• analytical skills

Careers

Our students go on to pursue a variety of careers ranging across the media and cultural industries. A number also pursue further studies and occupy academic posts throughout the world.

Assessment

Feature fiction script; feature treatment; short fiction script; examples of script reader’s reports on other material; other courses are assessed by essay. 

Examples of MA Scriptwriting scripts:

Oh Baby, extract, written by Maggie Innes (class of 2003/4), produced by MA
Film Making (class of 2008).

Shoes, extract from rehearsed television studio reading with actors,
written by Andrew Burrell (class of 2008/9), produced by MA Television
Journalism (class of 2008/9).

Register your interest

If you register your interest in this programme we will keep you informed about open days and send you relevant further information. If you subsequently decide to apply for this programme you will be able to use the same login details to apply.