MBA Masters of Business Administration
The MBA in Leadership at Bath Spa University is structured to provide a comprehensive u...
MA Scriptwriting
Newton Park
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Scriptwriting program at Bath Spa University is typically a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, attracting individuals with a passion for storytelling and a desire to write professionally for performance. It is structured to provide a rigorous and supportive environment for developing writing skills through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one feedback. Students will engage in intensive writing exercises, script analysis, and the development of substantial original scripts. A key element involves understanding the collaborative nature of the industry and developing the ability to pitch and present their work effectively. The program culminates in the completion of a significant writing project, such as a feature film screenplay, a television pilot, or a full-length stage play, showcasing their developed skills and creative potential.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Scriptwriting program is designed to provide a thorough grounding in the craft of writing for performance. Core modules typically cover narrative theory, character development, dialogue writing, screenwriting structure, television writing conventions, playwriting techniques, and writing for new media. Students will learn to analyze successful scripts, understand industry formats, and develop their own unique writing style. The program emphasizes practical writing exercises and the development of a strong portfolio of original work. Students receive constructive feedback from experienced scriptwriters and industry professionals through workshops and individual tutorials. The curriculum also often includes modules on pitching and presenting scripts, understanding the business of screenwriting and playwriting, and navigating the industry landscape. Opportunities for collaboration with students from other performance-related programs within the university may also be available.
Research Focus: While the MA Scriptwriting program is primarily vocational and industry-oriented, it operates within the research-informed environment of Bath Spa University's School of Music and Performing Arts and the wider Faculty of Arts and Design. The academic staff often comprises experienced scriptwriters, playwrights, and academics who bring their professional expertise and scholarly insights into their teaching. The program encourages students to engage with current trends and critical perspectives within the field of screenwriting and playwriting. Students may undertake research-based projects that explore specific narrative techniques, genre conventions, or the work of influential writers. The university's broader research strengths in creative writing and performance studies provide a stimulating intellectual context for the program, encouraging a thoughtful and analytical approach to the craft.
Industry Engagement: A significant strength of the MA Scriptwriting program at Bath Spa University is its strong and proactive engagement with the professional screenwriting and playwriting industries. The program actively fosters connections with film and television production companies, theatre companies, literary agents, and script development executives through guest lectures, workshops, and potential networking events. Students often have opportunities to pitch their work and receive feedback from industry professionals. The program's curriculum is designed to align with industry standards and expectations, ensuring that graduates possess the practical skills and knowledge required to succeed in professional writing roles. The culmination of the program often involves opportunities to showcase their scripts to industry representatives, providing a crucial platform for launching their careers.
Global Perspective: The MA Scriptwriting program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by exploring diverse storytelling traditions, international film, television, and theatre trends, and the challenges and opportunities of writing for a global audience. The curriculum may include the study of screenwriting and playwriting from various cultural contexts and the impact of globalization on narrative and character. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a rich and intercultural learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different storytelling traditions and perspectives. The program may also feature guest speakers from the international film, television, and theatre industries, providing insights into global markets and co-production opportunities. This global outlook prepares graduates to be adaptable and informed writers in an increasingly interconnected entertainment world.
Location
Newton Park
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 18440
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- DET: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Bath Spa University understands that financing higher education can be a challenge for international students, and to make studying in the UK more accessible, the university offers a range of scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support international students and recognize their academic achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses.
International Scholarships: Bath Spa University offers a variety of international scholarships to help non-UK students cover part of their tuition fees. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the university community.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students are also eligible for a range of scholarships, which may vary based on the course of study. These scholarships help to support students at the beginning of their master’s degree programs and can be highly competitive. Scholarships are awarded based on previous academic achievements, research proposals, and the applicant's personal statement.
Alumni Scholarships: Bath Spa University values its alumni community, and in recognition of this, it offers scholarships for international students who are former students of the university or have attended a Bath Spa University partner institution. The Alumni Scholarship is designed to reward those who have previously been part of the university and are returning to continue their studies.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Bath Spa University also provides country-specific scholarships for international students from particular regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage students from specific countries to study at Bath Spa University and contribute to the diverse international student community. Students from certain countries may be eligible for specific funding opportunities based on their nationality. The university’s website provides up-to-date information on country-specific scholarship availability.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many of Bath Spa University's scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement or outstanding potential in their chosen field of study. Merit scholarships are typically awarded during the application process, and students do not need to apply separately for these awards.
External Scholarship Opportunities: In addition to the university’s internal scholarships, international students at Bath Spa University can also apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, or charitable foundations. Bath Spa University regularly updates a list of external scholarship opportunities that are available to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.
Graduates from the intensive and industry-focused MA Scriptwriting program at Bath Spa University develop a highly specialized and versatile skillset, positioning them for a wide range of creative and professional careers within the dynamic world of storytelling for performance. The program's comprehensive training equips graduates with the narrative skills, industry knowledge, and professional connections necessary to thrive as writers for various mediums.
Screenwriter (Film): Writing original screenplays for feature films, working on commission for production companies or independently developing projects for sale.
Television Writer: Writing episodes for existing television series or developing original television pilots and series concepts.
Playwright: Crafting original plays for the stage, working with theatre companies or independently seeking production opportunities.
Script Editor/Reader: Working for production companies, literary agencies, or theatres, evaluating scripts and providing constructive feedback to writers.
Story Editor/Producer (Television): Contributing to the overall narrative direction of a television series, working with writers and overseeing script development.
Writer for Games: Creating narratives, dialogue, and character backstories for video games, often working within interactive storytelling structures.
Writer for Interactive Media: Developing scripts and narrative content for virtual reality, augmented reality, and other interactive experiences.
Content Writer (Film/TV/Theatre Focus): Creating written content related to film, television, and theatre for websites, blogs, marketing materials, and educational resources.
Script Consultant/Doctor: Providing expert advice and rewriting services on existing scripts for film, television, or theatre.
Writer/Performer (Solo Shows/Devised Theatre): Creating and performing their own written material in solo performances or collaboratively devised theatre pieces.
