MA Screenwriting at University of Manchester

Programme overview

Specialist vocational training designed to present a genuine gateway into the film and television industries. An intensive one-year MA that develops the writer's voice, embeds professional practice and enhances graduate employability across UK and global film and television industries. The only such course offered by an elite Russell Group university, MA Screenwriting is a small, highly selective course, taught in the manner of a creative conservatoire.

What you will study

A master’s degree is formed of 180 credits. On MA Screenwriting, these are spread across four mandatory course units: Story and the Journey of Change; Genre and Theme; The Calling Card Script and Television; and Industry and the Feature Film. Compulsory units include Industry and Feature Film, Story and the Journey of Change, The Calling Card Script and Television, Genre and Theme.

Career pathways

This course is designed to train graduates to work in the UK and global film and television industries. Some will work as professional screenwriters, while others may take up other media and writing positions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The school considers all applications holistically. Even if minimum academic entry criteria have not been met, exceptional candidates, or those presenting excellent portfolios and/or with relevant writing experience and potential, will be assessed. For recent graduates, we usually require an Upper Second class honours degree or its overseas equivalent in a humanities-based subject area. English language: IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in writing and no skill below 6.5 is required or 100+ in the TOEFL iBT with a minimum writing score of 25 and no skill below 22.

Intake: 2027 entry

Duration: 1 year

Apply through the official page: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/admissions/how-to-apply/

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