MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
MA Screenwriting
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The MA Screenwriting program at the University of Manchester is designed to provide students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and creative tools to excel in the competitive world of screenwriting. This postgraduate degree focuses on the art and craft of writing for film, television, and digital media. Students will engage with both the theoretical and practical aspects of screenwriting, learning how to create compelling narratives, develop characters, and understand the structure of stories across various media formats. The program aims to produce versatile and innovative screenwriters who are equipped to work across genres, formats, and platforms, while also addressing the evolving demands of the industry.
Curriculum: The MA Screenwriting curriculum is built around a combination of core modules, electives, and practical projects, providing students with a well-rounded education in screenwriting. Key modules include storytelling techniques, script development, dialogue writing, and genre exploration. Students also participate in workshops where they can receive feedback on their work and collaborate with fellow writers. The program encourages the development of a personal writing style while challenging students to explore new forms of storytelling. Along with writing, students will also gain an understanding of the business aspects of screenwriting, including pitching scripts, understanding copyright laws, and navigating the film and television industry.
Research Focus: The MA Screenwriting program has a strong research component that allows students to engage with academic and practical aspects of screenwriting. Students will explore narrative theory, character development, and the cultural and historical contexts of storytelling. The program encourages students to critically analyze screenplays from different cultures and periods, identifying key techniques and innovations. Additionally, students are encouraged to undertake research on contemporary trends in screenwriting, such as the rise of streaming platforms and the influence of digital media on traditional formats. The research focus helps students develop a deeper understanding of the art form and improve their scriptwriting skills through informed practice.
Industry Engagement: The University of Manchester's MA Screenwriting program places a strong emphasis on industry engagement, ensuring students gain real-world experience and valuable connections in the screenwriting and film industries. The program features guest lectures, workshops, and networking events with industry professionals, including successful screenwriters, producers, and directors. Students are encouraged to attend industry festivals, pitch their scripts, and gain insight into the production process. The University’s strong links with the UK’s vibrant media industry offer students the opportunity to gain internships and placements with film and television production companies, further enhancing their professional development.
Global Perspective: The MA Screenwriting program offers a global perspective on storytelling, with an emphasis on the international nature of the screenwriting profession. Students are exposed to global trends in film and television, including the influence of international cinema on Western narratives, the rise of non-English language films, and the challenges of writing for a global audience. The program encourages students to develop scripts that appeal to diverse cultural contexts while maintaining universal themes and characters. This global perspective ensures that graduates are prepared to work in the international media market and to understand the complex dynamics of storytelling in a globalized world.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 28500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application fee: £60
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.
Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.
Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.
Graduates of the MA Screenwriting program from the University of Manchester are equipped with a range of creative and practical skills that open up numerous career opportunities in the dynamic world of screenwriting and media production. The program provides a comprehensive education that combines storytelling mastery with an understanding of industry trends, making graduates competitive candidates for a wide array of professional roles.
Screenwriter for Film and Television: Many graduates pursue careers as screenwriters, writing original scripts for feature films, TV shows, and streaming platforms. They can write for a range of genres, from drama and comedy to thriller and science fiction, creating engaging stories for audiences worldwide.
Television Writer/Producer: Graduates may enter the television industry as scriptwriters, contributing to both long-form serial dramas and episodic content. Additionally, they may also work as producers, overseeing the development of screenplays and working with directors and production teams to bring scripts to life on the screen.
Script Consultant or Script Doctor: Graduates may work as script consultants or script doctors, where they provide feedback on drafts of screenplays, offering suggestions for improvements or revisions. These roles can be in high demand in the film and television industries, particularly for writers looking for guidance and expertise.
Producer/Development Executive: Those with an interest in the broader aspects of media production can transition into roles as producers or development executives, working to bring screenplays from concept to production. These positions often involve scouting new talent, managing projects, and working with writers to develop scripts that are marketable and ready for production.
Film/TV Director: Some graduates may go on to become directors, where they will use their screenwriting knowledge to guide the visual storytelling process. Directors translate the script to the screen, working closely with actors, the production team, and editors to realize the script’s potential.
Content Creator for Digital Media: With the increasing demand for online content, graduates can work in new media as content creators, writing and developing short-form content for digital platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or podcasts. These platforms often require scriptwriters who understand the need for engaging and concise storytelling.
Game Writer/Interactive Storyteller: Graduates may also explore the growing field of interactive media, where they can write narratives for video games and other interactive platforms. These roles require creativity in developing branching storylines and characters that respond to user choices, making it an exciting area for screenwriters to explore.
Academia or Teaching: For those interested in furthering their academic careers, graduates can pursue teaching roles in screenwriting and media studies at universities, colleges, or creative writing schools. Some may also choose to conduct research in areas such as narrative theory, film studies, or media production.
Freelance Writer: Freelance opportunities are also abundant for MA Screenwriting graduates, as many work as independent writers taking on a variety of projects, including writing scripts for independent films, web series, corporate videos, and other creative content. Freelancers have the flexibility to choose their projects and build their client base within the industry.
Literary Agent or Manager: Some graduates may take on roles as literary agents or managers, working on behalf of screenwriters to negotiate contracts, find opportunities for their scripts, and help manage their careers. These roles involve networking with industry professionals and staying updated on emerging trends in film and television.
