MA Screenwriting at Birkbeck, University of London

Programme overview

This postgraduate screenwriting course offers aspiring writers the opportunity to develop their work to a professional standard. You will be guided by leading practitioners with years of industry experience, including the Programme Director Daragh Carville, co-creator and lead writer of hit ITV crime drama The Bay.

Faculty: School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication | Duration: :; One year full-time, on campus; Two years part-time, on campus | Study mode: full-time, part-time | Intake: October 2027 | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Working closely with tutors and fellow students in an interactive workshop setting, you will learn the essential skills of screenwriting, from the planning stages - writing outlines and treatments - through to the practicalities of formatting, polishing and presenting finished scripts, for both film and TV. You will gain a practical working knowledge of: story structure, including three-act, five-act and alternative structures scene design characterisation visual storytelling dialogue. Compulsory modules include Fast Track to Screenwriting.

Career pathways

Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions including in: screenwriting, script editing, film and TV developments, theatre and dramaturgy, journalism, gaming, teaching and lecturing.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in any related subject; other qualifications will be considered. Applications are encouraged from those with or without prior screenwriting experience. As part of your application, you will need to submit the opening ten pages of a script for a film or TV drama, or a complete short film script. To submit your writing please do the following: Submit application. Wait up to 48 hours. Submit the ten pages of your script in a single file (Word or PDF) by logging into your MyBirkbeck profile, then going to the ‘Manage my application’ link and attaching the document. After reviewing your application and entrance task, the admissions tutors may invite you to attend an interview. English language: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,180 a year (2027/28). Part-time home students; One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2027 Source

International applicants: GBP 10,890 a year (2027/28). Part-time international students; One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2027 Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: :; One year full-time, on campus; Two years part-time, on campus

Apply through the official page: https://www.bbk.ac.uk/student-services/admissions/postgraduate/applications

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities