MA Writing for Screen and Stage at Birkbeck, University of London

Programme overview

Our MA Writing for Screen and Stage supports your development as a writer across a range of forms, genres and industry contexts, including for film, TV, narrative gaming, theatre and performance. It is ideal if you are keen to work across different media as a scriptwriter who can write for both screen and the stage.

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

You will learn how to develop scripts for screen and stage: from the conception of an idea, to the writing of a treatment, to the development of a complete script and its pitching. You will also gain an understanding of different forms, genres, histories and theories of scriptwriting and production in national and international contexts. Compulsory modules include Fast Track to Screenwriting, Introduction to Playwriting, Scriptwriting in Different Genres.

Career pathways

Numerous graduates from our MA courses in this subject area have gone on to work for screen and stage, as well as in other formats and genres. Graduates can pursue career paths in: writing for TV, writing for film, writing for theatre and performance, writing for gaming, script development, criticism and journalism, the creative arts and industries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in any related subject; other qualifications or experience will be considered. Applications are welcomed from those with or without prior experience in writing for screen and stage. As part of your application, you will need to submit 10-15 pages (double-spaced in Times New Roman, font size 12) of a play or script for a film or TV drama you have written. To submit your writing please do the following: submit application wait up to 48 hours submit 10-15 pages of your play or 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. 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

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