About

Why study Screenwriting: Feature Film and Continuing Series at Leeds Beckett University?

Develop your own creative portfolio of work while studying alongside production courses at the Northern Film School, which creates more than 200 films a year, was rated one of the top five international film schools in the world to watch by the Hollywood Reporter
Our close links to the film industry and the creative sector will steer your development so you’re ready for working in industry
Learn from expert tutors and visiting industry guests with extensive and current experience of screenwriting or practice-based research
Leeds is at the heart of a boom in the northern film industry, as well as being the birthplace of film and home to Channel 4’s new national headquarters
Access professional, industry-standard filmmaking facilities, equipment and teaching spaces that will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, your creative talent, and knowledge sharing

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.

All applicants will be required to submit a portfolio to evidence an aptitude for the subject. Your portfolio should be of creative work that demonstrates creative ability and understanding of story, preferably including examples of writing for the screen. Your portfolio may include your final year degree projects in detail and can also include edited work from the rest of your education where you think there is something relevant. We are keen to see how creatively you have spent your career to date so please also include any professional work and clearly explain your role and the project. The portfolio needs to be in chronological order. Please make sure that your work is clearly described and referenced. Do not put in everything you have ever done, edit with a critical eye.

All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to attend an interview. Candidates based overseas will be supported to undertake this electronically and/or by telephone.

All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.

All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.

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MA

Screenwriting: Feature Film and Continuing Series

Entry requirements

Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.

All applicants will be required to submit a portfolio to evidence an aptitude for the subject. Your portfolio should be of creative work that demonstrates creative ability and understanding of story, preferably including examples of writing for the screen. Your portfolio may include your final year degree projects in detail and can also include edited work from the rest of your education where you think there is something relevant. We are keen to see how creatively you have spent your career to date so please also include any professional work and clearly explain your role and the project. The portfolio needs to be in chronological order. Please make sure that your work is clearly described and referenced. Do not put in everything you have ever done, edit with a critical eye.

All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to attend an interview. Candidates based overseas will be supported to undertake this electronically and/or by telephone.

All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.

All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.

Interview Required

We conduct interviews as part of the admissions process and suitable applicants will be invited to an interview.

Portfolio Required

All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of creative work. Your portfolio should be of creative work that demonstrates creative ability and understanding of story, preferably including examples of writing for the screen. Your portfolio may include your final year degree projects in detail and can also include edited work from the rest of your education where you think there is something relevant. We are keen to see how creatively you have spent your career to date so please also include any professional work and clearly explain your role and the project. The portfolio needs to be in chronological order. Please make sure that your work is clearly described and referenced. Do not put in everything you have ever done, edit with a critical eye.

IELTS

IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.

English Requirements

PTEMin 54
IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 89

Career

Career prospects

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.

Career Prospects

On completion of this course, you'll have an extensive individual portfolio of a variety of new work. Your portfolio coupled with your industry knowledge and creative expertise will mean you're primed to build a career in screenwriting or a related role such as script editing, storylining or development.

You'll be expert in generating original and innovative ideas and confident pitching to industry professionals and responding to clients’ needs. The Writing for an Industry Context module will help you think about how to promote yourself as a freelance writer in the creative industries. You'll practise operating in this context by contributing to the organisation and development of a conference event.

You'll have the expertise and experience to work as a:

Screenwriter
Script reader
Script editor

The Northern Film School has a great international reputation. Its links with industry have always been strong and creative technology has never been more exciting. Opportunities in Yorkshire are really gaining momentum and I’m excited that this course and its graduates can be part of that.

Dr Laura Taylor Course Director

Dr Laura Taylor

Course Director / Leeds School of Arts

Dr Laura Taylor is an accomplished filmmaker specialising in sound and documentary; with credits for the BBC, ITV, and Channel Five. Her research focuses on co-production in filmmaking, immersive film production and sound design's role in storytelling.

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Leeds School of Arts Laura Taylor | Colleague Spotlight

Cathianne Hall

Lecturer / Leeds School of Arts

Part-time lecturer in Screenwriting. The Northern Film School, Leeds School of Arts, Leeds Beckett University. Specialising in Children's and YA TV, developing film and TV work with new writers and in professional practice creating solo pieces from women's hidden history.

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Beckett Careers Team

Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.

Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.

Visit Beckett Careers

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

24,503 / year

Screenwriting: Feature Film and Continuing Series,MA