Script Development at National Film and Television School - UCAS

Course summary

This is the only comprehensive vocational programme in script development in the UK. “The course was rigorous, challenging and stimulating, the standard of teaching was excellent.” Sasha Breslau, 2020 graduate, Head of Acquired Series - ITV This part-time, fortnightly online evening course takes place over 14 months and aims to give students all the skills and expertise they need to develop scripts for film and television. Students get access to new screenwriters and regular industry speakers, as well as working on a practical development project with a screenwriter. All NFTS students can attend Masterclasses. Recent guests include David Fincher (Fight Club), Greta Gerwig (Little Women), Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave), Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz), Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), Ben Wheatley (Free Fire), Rapman (Blue Story), Louis Theroux, Debra Granik (Winter’s Bone), Denis Villeneuve (Bladerunner 2049), Lynne Ramsay (You Were Never Really Here), Sam Mendes (1917), Asif Kapadia (Senna), Joanna Hogg (The Souvenir), Russell T Davies (Doctor Who) and Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire). Recent credits and successes

Modules

The Diploma offers the most comprehensive contemporary overview and on-going practical learning in an intensive professional environment. The programme combines lectures, seminars and workshops alongside talks and panel discussions with current industry practitioners, as well as supervised practical work with a screenwriter. There are continuous written assignments (some assessed, some not) throughout the taught section of the programme which are mostly practical and designed to be useful to a career in development, as well as other areas of the film industry. The programme consists fortnightly 2hr online sessions held on a Monday evening from 7pm - 9pm, plus 3 intensive weekend workshops running from September to April.. The Final Project element of the Diploma is a six-month supervised development project, which begins in April when students are paired with a screenwriter. The delivery of all assessed material for the Final Project is due in October.


Entry requirements

We are looking for people who: Already work in development and feel they may benefit from a structured course in story theory and working practice in order to build their confidence and resources Already work in the film industry and are keen to develop or hone their skills when working with scripts and writers, to get the best work from those writers Are producers keen to get an edge on finding and nurturing new writing talent Have experience in other creative industries and would like to explore script development and believe that they can bring new experience and ideas to the process of developing scripts and cultivating writers Have a passion for film, a love of storytelling, can demonstrate initiative, and have an enthusiasm for, and a commitment to, working collaboratively While many applicants will have a degree from a British or overseas university, we will consider applicants who do not have a degree if they have an impressive portfolio, a creative track record or an alternative qualification. If you are an EEA or International citizen, you must already be in possession of UK settled/pre-settled status or another visa which allows you to study for the duration of the course. If you do not already hold a UK status, unfortunately we cannot accept your application as we are currently unable to support a visa on our Diploma courses. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £6250 Whole course
Northern Ireland £6250 Whole course
Scotland £6250 Whole course
Wales £6250 Whole course

Additional fee information

These are the fees for September 2022 intake. Fees for 2023 will be confirmed soon.

Sponsorship information

NFTS Bursary available for UK Students.

Script Development at National Film and Television School - UCAS