Screenwriting and Film with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Sheffield Hallam University

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Learn how to write scripts for film and television.
• Gain insights from real industry figures into how to sell your screenplays.
• Learn from a team of established screenwriters.
• Benefit from excellent facilities for film study including a purpose-built cinema
• Join at the foundation year and develop your personal skills, awareness of resources and commitment to the subject

This course focuses on the practical and critical elements of screenwriting. Through practice-based learning and theoretical study, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to fulfil your potential in the world of film and TV.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

During the foundation year, you will develop a good base of knowledge, but also the personal skills and awareness of resources that will help you manage your studies effectively and be self-motivated.

You will attend writing workshops, lectures and screenings. You will gain a knowledge and understanding of the subject, but also hone your writing skills. At every level of this course you will have the opportunity to write scripts and work with other students to create content.

You will also have the chance to work with industry professionals. Previous guests have included screenwriters, directors, agents and producers.

You learn through:

• workshops
• lectures
• seminars
• group work
• industry visits and field trips
• independent study
• attending film festivals and special screening events

Applied learning

Work placements

You’ll collaborate with a wide network of industry, charity, and community partners — showcasing your knowledge and skills.

In the foundation year, you will undertake a series of projects that respond to real world debates. In your second year you’ll have the opportunity to work on a radio serial drama or short film production as part of your second year work placement module.

Field trips

We run regular field trips to the Bradford Widescreen Weekend film festival, Berlin International Film Festival, the BFI and BBC Media City, and we also have a writers' retreat residential trip as part of the third year of study. Trips start from the beginning of the foundation year and continue throughout your studies

Networking opportunities

We have a variety of networking opportunities with organisations such as the BBC, Warp Film, BFI Film Hub North and Sheffield Live. We also bring in a wide range of industry professionals to deliver masterclasses and offer one-to-one guidance in some cases.

Previous visiting professionals have included: screenwriters, agents, directors, producers, new talent co-ordinators and festival organisers.

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

TV and film screenwriting

storylining

script reading

academic research

teaching

film programming

festival/events planning

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:

BFI

Children's Media Festival

The Showroom

Doc/Fest

ITV

BBC

Channel 4

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.