Scriptwriting

Entry requirements

Degree: 2:2 Honours degree in related subject or equivalent qualification.

A detailed admissions procedure will be forwarded on application.

Candidates without the above qualifications will be considered providing that there is firm evidence of experience and commitment to at least one of the main areas of practical study: film or video making, Film and TV Screenwriting or digital imaging work.

Demonstrable proof of writing skill or ability or potential.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MA Scriptwriting course will develop your skills in writing for television, film, radio and the theatre. You’ll get expert advice from experienced writers and performers and be encouraged to produce your own original work.

We’ll help you to develop the skills and confidence to produce fresh and original writing in a range of genres. You’ll benefit from working in our state-of-the-art Media Factory, a hub for the creative industries equipped with theatre spaces, a digital television studio, film and photographic studio, video editing rooms and industry-standard computer software.

We focus on helping you to develop your skills to a professional level, so you’ll get hands-on experience of using the very latest industry-standard equipment and techniques from day one. You’ll continually hone your writing skills and get the opportunity to participate in the writing of a full-length feature film.

You’ll develop a specialist knowledge of scriptwriting skills, including story structure, scene development, characterisation and dialogue, enabling you to transform your stories into industry-standard scripts.

• You’ll be based in our Media Factory, a creative hub equipped with industry-standard facilities including television studios, recording studios, theatres and editing suites.
• You’ll learn from the experts – you course tutors are experienced writers for the stage and screen. And you’ll attend guest lectures and masterclasses featuring renowned industry professionals.
• Opportunities to enhance your studies with visits to film festivals, theatre productions and external workshops.

• We’ll encourage you to produce your own original work in a range of genres – from radio plays to dramas for children.
• You’ll have the chance to compete for the Matt Greenhalgh Award for writing – named after the BAFTA award-winning screenwriter.
• You can get involved in our unique cJAM employability event, which shakes up the traditional career fair format by giving you the chance to pitch your ides to up to 30 industry professionals and win valuable work placement opportunities.

The skills modules on this course are all freshly written and completely up-to-date. The main themes of the curriculum are employability, practice-based learning, entrepreneurial skills, and developing industry contacts.

Key modules include:

Radio

This module offers you the opportunity to leave the course with a broadcast radio credit.

Writing for stage

As well as writing, you’ll be encouraged to produce their own work.

Writing for children

A unique module, the first of its kind which specialises in scriptwriting for children.

The course will also offer core modules in Writing for Film and Writing for Television.

Throughout the course you’ll attend lectures, seminars and group workshops as well as getting involved in guest lectures, fieldwork and industry visits.

Assessment for each module will typically involve submitting two scripts (varying in length), a presentation and/or a reflective essay. Towards the end of the course you’ll undertake a dissertation – a major piece of in-depth work which will showcase your research and scriptwriting skills.

You’ll also benefit from the University’s industry links with the BBC, ITV, MediaCityUK and other media organisations across the North West and beyond, along with the thriving live theatre scene. Your course tutors include professional writers with extensive experience of writing for the stage and screen.