Course summary
Excel as a screenwriter. Gain the writing techniques, industry know-how, professional skills and experience of collaborative working to present your writing to the leading streamers, media companies and broadcasters. On this dynamic online master’s course, you will learn how to excel across different screen industries and create work that stands out from the crowd. Working with a global network of writers who share your drive, and taught by industry-practiced lecturers, you'll develop a portfolio across mediums and genres that interest you. Through responding to industry standard briefs, collaborative projects and connecting with industry leaders, you will master the art of screenwriting and gain the confidence to pitch your work to the people that matter. Why study this course at Falmouth?
- Learn about the fundamentals of storytelling as well as advanced structure theories and how these can be applied to your chosen screen medium – whether that’s writing for film, television or games
- Develop professional skills that will make an impression with agents, managers and commissioners
- Collaborate with a global community of screenwriters and make meaningful connections with industry leaders and agents
- Benefit from our industry links: previous guest speakers have included Academy Award winners Diana Ossana (Brokeback Mountain) and Terry George (Hotel Rwanda, In the Name of the Father), executive producer Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files) and David Hayter (X-Men, Watchmen), as well as executives from Sky, Netflix, Disney and Warner Bros.
Modules
The modules have been specifically designed to be studied in a non-linear order, with the order in which you’ll study the modules depending on when you begin the course. You will need to complete four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit project (180 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. Modules: Storytelling for Script & Screen (30 credits) In this module, you will examine, explore and practice the fundamental questions of storytelling and script writing: 'How do we tell stories for the screen and how do we experience stories as audiences?' You will learn specific screenwriting skills including script formatting, visual storytelling, character and structure, and the fundamentals of pitching. Individual Script Development Workshop (30 credits) In this module you will learn more complex elements of screenwriting related to deep structure, including genre, theme and audience studies in feature films, television series and games. Writer’s Room: Collaborative Script Development (30 credits) In this module you will have the choice of working collaboratively or alone on a professional brief. Students will have the chance to situate themselves in a hypothetical industry scenario where they work in groups to 'break' and write an episode of a television series. Students will also learn how to assemble professional readers reports where they can greenlight or pass on a project. Screen Industries: Professional Development (30 credits) In this module, you will learn strategies for promoting yourself as a freelance screenwriter. You will identify an area of special interest and research contemporary practice to produce a case study that evaluates current markets and opportunities. You will also develop an industry standard pitch deck for a long form film, series or game in line with the standards of Netflix, Amazon Studios and other leading streamers. Final Major Project (60 credits) In the final module, you will work on a major script development project for a platform/medium of your choice. You can either further develop work that you have produced on other modules, or you can develop a new concept. You will also develop a critical essay to reflect on your creative process and how it aligns with contemporary industry practices.
Assessment method
Assessment provides the course team with a means of offering tailored guidance alongside advice on how to progress knowledge and skills in key areas that relate to the course Learning Outcomes. The course team will identify your strengths and weaknesses as an individual and discuss them with you throughout your time on the course. You will be assessed via coursework at the end of each module in the form of visual, verbal and written assignments. You will also receive regular feedback via webinars, Q&As and workshops with your peers.
Entry requirements
An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable. However, candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply. For more information about entry requirements and Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), speak to an advisor. A piece of sample writing in the form of a screenplay, formatted to an industry standard. The screenplay can be as long as you wish but should be at least 5 pages. It can be an excerpt of a larger piece of writing. You can also submit other pieces of sample writing such as short stories, plays or radio dramas along with your screenplay, to support your application.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Falmouth University
Woodlane
Falmouth
TR11 4RH