MA Screenwriting

The MA Screenwriting course at Birkbeck University of London is a highly respected and competitive program that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the screenwriting industry. Taught by experienced industry professionals, the course covers all aspects of screenwriting, from developing compelling characters and narratives to writing for different formats and platforms. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and software, as well as opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase their work through regular pitching and feedback sessions. With a strong focus on practical application and industry exposure, this course is ideal for those looking to take their screenwriting career to the next level.

Additional Information

The MA Screenwriting course at Birkbeck University of London has a long history of producing successful alumni who have gone on to work in the film and television industries. The course is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career goals. Students will also have access to a range of extracurricular activities, including screenings, workshops, and masterclasses with industry professionals.

Unlock Your Potential as a Screenwriter at Birkbeck University of London

Birkbeck University of London is an excellent choice for aspiring screenwriters due to its reputation for academic excellence and industry connections. Located in the heart of London, the university provides students with access to a vibrant cultural scene and a wealth of opportunities for networking and collaboration. The university's strong focus on practical application and industry exposure also makes it an ideal choice for those looking to gain real-world experience and make valuable connections in the screenwriting industry.

Our postgraduate screenwriting course offers you an integrated program in the history, theory, and practice of screenwriting. It will develop your practical screenwriting skills and techniques, and you will be able to develop outlines, treatments, and scripts toward a portfolio of original projects. Projects may be for film or television and the course will encourage you to write in different genres, and expect you to rewrite draft scripts with feedback and tutor support.

One distinctive feature of the course is the fast-track core module which will allow all students enrolling in the course, including graduates in other fields, to gain detailed knowledge of screenwriting theories, conventions, and formats, and develop the ability to apply these to writing practice. Subsequent modules will deepen your writing skills and knowledge of screenwriting with assignments of increasing length designed to meet industry requirements, such as feature film script and television series writing. You will also study the discourse and practices of screenwriting.

If you progress to the Master's degree, central to that course is examining how the industry works, and to this end, there are six autumn industry talks with guest speakers, and a four-day summer school, which focuses on the writer working in the industry, and includes pitching and storytelling workshops.

Graduates can pursue career paths in the creative industries, such as screenwriting, script editing, and collaborating with readers/directors/producers/co-writers. Possible professions include:

screenwriter

scriptwriter

creative writer

magazine or newspaper journalist

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher

higher education lecturer.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

A second-class honors degree (2:2) or above in any related subject; other qualifications will be considered.

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.