Drama Writing

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally be expected to have an honours degree in a related subject area, and it is expected that all candidates will demonstrate some experience of dramatic writing. An example of drama writing (25 minutes of continuous script for the stage, either as a self-contained short play or excerpt from a longer play) will be required as part of the selection process.

Applicants should have a clear understanding of theatre and their individual creative ambitions. They should also demonstrate some knowledge of and / or practical engagement with the drama industries (stage, audio, screen) e.g. through extra-curricular work, non-degree training, workshops and talent development groups, self-producing, regular attendance / viewing of new work, engagement with industry news or undertaking professional non-writing industry roles.

For speakers of English as a second language an IELTS 7.0 (International English Language Testing System) is the minimum requirement with a minimum of 7.0 in each component of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This vocational course nurtures your unique creative approach towards writing original drama for stage, radio and screen, alongside developing a systematic understanding of dramatic writing as art, craft and business.

The course is taught through masterclasses, workshops and seminars with experienced industry professionals, and cross-course collaborative projects with actors and directors to help support the development of your distinct writing voice.

You’ll graduate as an adaptable, imaginative and flexible drama writer with a broad portfolio of industry-ready work, offering professional skills for creating scripts in a variety of producing contexts.

�� 1-to-1 feedback with industry dramaturgs, literary managers, producers and directors

�� Receive bespoke support and practitioner visits to develop your personal writing craft

�� Spend a year as a working writer, scripting multiple projects across a variety of media with different collaborative teams

�� Create a broadcast-quality 15-minute radio play in professional conditions

�� Find your future artistic partners with students from across creative disciplines at the School

�� Industry visits to regional and national producing venues, making professional connections now to build your professional network in the future

�� New Writing Festival – where your new full-length plays are presented as script-in-hand readings to an invited industry audience

Information for international students

We regret that we are unable to consider applications from students requiring a visa to study in the UK during the 2026–27 academic year. For further information, please see the dropdown “Students requiring a visa to study in the UK.”

Accommodation and living costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Further information about financial support from the government, and bursaries and scholarships that you may be eligible to apply for is available from our fees and funding page

Fees and funding

�� Domestic: £16,500

�� International: £27,010

We regret that we are unable to consider applications from students requiring a visa to study in the UK during the 2026–27 academic year. For further information, please see the dropdown “Students requiring a visa to study in the UK.”

Accommodation and living costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Further information about financial support from the government, and bursaries and scholarships that you may be eligible to apply for is available from our fees and funding page.