Screenwriting MA

Buckinghamshire New University

Our MA Screenwriting course is for anyone who wants to develop their writing voice and might already have an undergraduate degree in a related field or someone with writing experience who wants to break into this challenging industry. You will spend your time studying at our Pinewood Studios base, putting you right at the heart of one of the UK’s most important creative communities.

The MA Screenwriting is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and experience to work in this sector either in the UK or internationally. The programme combines a core set of skills in the area of screenwriting for film and high-end TV with direct experience working alongside industry professionals, learning some of the detailed skills required to develop a commercially viable and original feature film script or series bible, as well as practical insights into personal entrepreneurial skills to foster a successful career.

This MA Screenwriting course has been specifically designed by and is led by industry employers, whose credits include: Saving Private Ryan, Apocalypto, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Game of Thrones, Darkest Hour, Mad Max: Fury Road, to name a few. The MA will be entirely based at the world famous Pinewood Studios, home of Bond and Star Wars and is made up of three distinct elements:

• During the first term, which runs from September to December, you will learning core principles of screenwriting and key roles in the film industry, and how these apply to enhance the potential and general production values of each individual project.

• During the second term, which runs from January to May, you will work with industry experts to develop more focused skills on the practical duties involved in the development of a complete, one-of- a-kind feature film script or series bible. You will also develop personal entrepreneurial skills to understand about the different working options for screenwriters and how to utilise them in a professional environment. You will also learn how to effectively submit the material to industry professionals including producers, directors and sources of finance, and what is expected from you at a professional level.

• In the third and final term, which runs from May until September, you will work both personally and collaboratively to produce the final draft for the feature film or series bible presented in previous terms, or a dissertation on a chosen subject.

The MA is entirely industry led; you will meet and learn from some of the most recognised and actively working screen writers, script doctors and producers. This will enable you to focus on both building contacts and learning cutting-edge techniques. This MA will provide you with a practical understanding of the production of industry-approved skills, as well as creating pathways into the industry.