In response to the Climate Emergency, UAL has embedded responsible practices within the curriculum. We shaped our courses around principles of social and racial justice, and environmental sustainability that ensure learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip you with the understanding, skills, and values for ethical practice and empower you to work towards an equitable future.
In common with all postgraduate courses at University of the Arts London, this course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits and the maximum is 60 credits. The MA course structure involves 5 units, totalling 180 credits. All of the units on MA Screenwriting are compulsory.
Autumn, term 1
Short Screenplay (40 credits)
You’ll be introduced to the theoretical framework for the course, the course ethos and current industrial practice. You’ll focus on acquiring screenwriting knowledge and skills, leading to the production of a short screenplay.
Major Project (60 credits)
This unit concentrates on the creation of a Major Project. You’ll focus on the framework required and the various writing stages involved in the development of a feature film screenplay or a pilot episode(s) for an original series/serial together with the relevant development documents.
Spring, term 2
Working with Existing Formats (40 credits)
You’ll explore advanced scriptwriting theory through the creation of a half-hour script: either an episode of an established television series or serial, or an adaptation of a short story for film, television or radio.
Collaborative Unit (20 credits)
You’ll identify, form and develop collaborative working relationships with a range of potential partners, such as undergraduate or postgraduate students at the University or external parties (e.g. companies, cultural organisations, community-based groups, NGOs or charities).
Major Project (Continued)
Summer, term 3
Working with Existing Formats (Continued)
Major Project (Continued)
Industry Interaction (20 credits)
You’ll focus on the current industry and your future career ambitions. You’ll gain detailed knowledge of industry roles and personnel as you engage with professional writers, directors, script editors, producers, commissioning editors, programme/schedule controllers and agents.
Autumn, term 4
Major Project (Continued)
Industry Interaction (Continued)
If you are unable to continue or decide to exit the course, there are two possible exit awards. A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded on successful completion of the first 120 credits.