Course summary
Our one-year MA Screenwriting degree is perfect for those, who are looking to pursue screenwriting training embedded in an industry setting, delivered at a postgraduate level. It is an ideal option for aspiring creative writers that not only wish to hone their screenwriting skills but also find a destination for their scripts on the big or small screen. This course provides you with the resources to prepare for a career in screenwriting with tailored, purposeful guidance and training which will develop your writing craft for film and television. In addition to lectures and seminars dedicated to genre, story, world-building, character, plot and dialogue, you will receive mentorship from scriptwriting professionals to develop feature and television projects. All our tutors and guest speakers are professional screenwriters, agents or producers, and you will be exposed to the realities of the industry, empowering you with a greater understanding of the pathways available to you. MA Screenwriting Key Features
- Intensive and in-depth practical training in the craft of screenwriting
- Development of a substantial writing portfolio - feature film script and television script and bible
- Training on the evolving landscape of storytelling platforms
- Workshopping your scripts with professional directors and actors
- Direct access to industry with an expenses-paid trip to a leading UK film festival
- Development of pitching technique and other important soft skills
- Training and mentoring by practising film & TV industry tutors and guest speakers
- Masterclasses and Q&As with prominent filmmakers
- Advanced critical thinking to inform your screenwriting practice
- Excellent tutor-to-student ratios
- Final Draft license or equivalent
- Focus on future screenwriting career and employability
Modules
Module One: Feature Film Development Students learn how to research and prepare for feature projects by writing treatments, synopses, beat sheets and scene-by-scene breakdowns. This material forms the foundation of the writing process, as well as a selling tool when pitching to film and TV industry companies after graduation. The development and individual feedback sessions integral to the module are overseen by a range of screenwriters working in the feature film industry. By the end of module one, participants will have completed a feature length script (80+ pages). Module Two: Writing for Television Students produce a TV Bible for an original series in addition to writing and developing an accompanying TV episode script. Industry led discussions from working writers, producers and directors will offer insight on a variety of television formats and genres. You will undertake detailed academic and industry-led workshops and research in order to help you realise and reflect on your own work in the context of the wider cultural and academic landscape. Pitching sessions serve as a rehearsal for the actual industry pitching panel that you will encounter in the later stages of the course. This panel consists of film and TV industry professionals and is followed by a one-to-one tutorial to discuss the merits and challenges of proposed ideas. Module Three: Research by Practice The final module has a professional focus with students' prioritising next steps and employability. It also enables students to contextualise their creations within the relevant critical framework and adhere to sound ethical principles. Students will design and undertake a personal research project (a negotiated dissertation), aligned to their professional ambitions. These dissertations include work placements and scripts as research. Additionally, students attend events, festivals and screenings as part of the module, providing an opportunity to gain tangible, practical experience in a nurturing industry environment and gain first-hand insight on the current industry trends and practices. This course will run hand in hand with MA Filmmaking, giving students the opportunity to collaborate, have their work realised through projects with filmmaking students, and build a lasting network of creative peers.
Entry requirements
To begin your application process for a place on this course please visit the course page on the LFA website using the apply button above or visiting www.londonfilmacademy.com/course/ma-screenwriting. As soon as we've received your application we’ll send you a confirmation email containing information on the next steps. Please check your ‘Junk Mail’ folder if you appear to have not received this email. Entry requirements: A good first degree or equivalent Not a graduate? We welcome applications from students with experience who can demonstrate an ability to study at postgraduate level. Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 5.5 (or equivalent). You are not required to submit proof of English language if you have completed an Undergraduate degree in the UK or in another majority-English speaking country. Entry materials: Completed online LFA application Example(s) of your dramatic writing: First 20 pages of a feature script or Feature film treatment of 10-15 pages or Two short film screenplays or If you have no screenplay material we will except an extract from other creative writing such as: a play, short story, novel poetry CV/Resume – some practical experience in film production is desirable Personal statement (up to 750 words) that outlines: Your motivations Your background and screenwriting ambitions Why this course, and LFA as an institution, is the right choice for you. Education certificates (degree-level qualifications only) Two references: academic or professional Scanned copy of your passport If you meet our entry requirements, we offer an interview where we discuss your writing and motivations - we are looking for creative screenwriting ability/potential as evidenced through written material. The interview will help you showcase your understanding and interest of storytelling, as well as your awareness of the key elements of the course and a clear idea as to how completing the course will help you achieve career ambitions.
English language requirements
To succeed at LFA, it is essential that you provide evidence of your proficiency if English is not your first language.The exceptions are if you've studied in a country where English is the first language (such as the UK, the USA, Canada or Australia) or you are an EU student who has previously studied and been examined in English and have qualifications completed in the last 2 years. For international students, we accept the IELTS ACADEMIC qualification (minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each band).
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £16500 | Year 1 |
| International | £16500 | Year 1 |
| England | £16500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £16500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £16500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £16500 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £16500 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Deposit: Successful applicants will then be issued with an offer letter. Upon acceptance of their place, applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £4,500. The balance of course fees will need to be paid in accordance to the LFA Terms and Conditions.
Application fee: £50
*subject to annual review
Provider information
London Film Academy
The Old Church
52a Walham Grove
London
SW6 1QR