Master of Screenwriting

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

University Rank:#13

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Duration18 month(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 42,976 / Year

Master of Screenwriting

About

Overview

Online information session: Meet your future Academics (Thursday 26 June)
Join us for our online information session to gain further insight into the post-graduate programs available in your area of interest. You will have the chance to meet, interact and ask questions with our academics and immerse yourself in the world of the VCA.

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Develop industry ready writing skills to tell audience-driven stories through visual media.

Taught by industry professionals, the Master of Screenwriting trains you in the craft of professional screenwriting aligned with your personal vision, leading to compelling and exciting stories that are ready for a feature film or television markets.

Take part in ‘Storytelling Workshops’ which analyse the universal essentials of storytelling. You will attend lectures, classes and screenings dedicated to the craft of screenwriting and undertake intensive modules focusing on feature film and television writing.

The course features one-on-one mentorships with professional screenwriters, who will guide you from development to completion of your script, a unique script development hothouse and regular ‘insiders’ Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers. You will pitch your final project to industry producers and TV commissioners, often leading to direct professional placements or project development schemes.

Who is this course for?

The Master of Screenwriting is designed for graduates and/or professionals in the film and television industry, who have a desire to tell audience-driven stories via a visual medium.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission criteria

To be considered for entry, applicants must have completed either:

A bachelor degree or equivalent in a cognate area;
A bachelor honours degree or equivalent in a non-cognate area;
A three-year undergraduate qualification and at least 50 credit points, or equivalent, of graduate study in a non-cognate area;
A three-year undergraduate qualification in a non-cognate area and at least two years of documented, relevant work experience; or
A minimum of six years of documented relevant work experience related to film and television, with evidence of artistic ability and achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in relevant disciplines.

You must also submit a supplementary application:

a selection test that may include both visual and written elements; and
a folio of past work.

Shortlisted applicants must also attend an interview.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

The Selection Committee will also consider your selection task, portfolio, and if relevant to your application, your professional work history.

The selection task comprises:

samples of your creative writing,
a curriculum vitae (CV), and
pitches for two screen-based projects.

English Program Requirements

English language test score requirements

If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0

TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60

CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169

*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

Career

Graduate pathways

Upon completion of the program, graduates can select to undertake further study in one of our research master degrees.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates will have:

developed screenwriting skills for national and international screenwriting industries
become confident with writing and rewriting screenplays
demonstrated an ability to develop concepts and ideas into screenplays
qualified for employment in the film, television and allied industries
demonstrated developed skills in research methodology for writers
accomplished a high standard third or final draft of a feature length screenplay or television bible and script.

Meet our alum

The screenwriter may not be the first name to roll in the credits – but more often than not they're the backbone of any film and television project. We spoke to some writers who have graduated from the Master of Screenwriting program at the VCA to see what they've been up to.

Meegan May

A decorated ex-soldier and veteran of the Afghanistan conflict Meegan May brings her five years of military intelligence training to her writing practice, which has seen her win many accolades. Having just completed a year with Seven Studios in Scripted Development, Meegan and her writing partner, fellow Master of Screenwriting alum Lauren Anderson are working on their first full-length play.

"An arts career always has its challenges and for those of us in film and TV we have definitely seen those challenges this year. But I think it’s the urge to tell stories that keep us in the industry – and I find hearing different people’s perspectives and stories very inspiring, particularly as making television is so collaborative. I hope that our industry opens its doors to more diverse storytelling and fresh voices that help make it richer and benefit audiences and practitioners alike."

Tim Williams

Tim Williams is currently freelancing following a three-year stint at Matchbox Pictures. "After finishing my masters in Screenwriting, I started approaching production companies in Melbourne looking for experience. My first opportunity came when I was a note-taker in the writers’ room for the second season of The Family Law for Matchbox Pictures ... and I stayed." After spending several years as a part-time scripted development assistant for Matchbox Pictures, he got his chance on the second season of the ABC’s The Heights, produced by Matchbox and For Pete’s Sake Productions’ Peta Astbury-Bulsara (Inside Film).

Meet more graduates from the Master of Screenwriting

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Fee Information

Application Fee 154

Master of Screenwriting

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

Go to Official Website