Glasgow Caledonian University

Overview

The Master’s degree in Television Fiction Writing at Glasgow Caledonian University is designed for aspiring writers eager to develop original TV drama. This program merges scriptwriting techniques, industry-focused workshops, and a significant independent project to prepare students for a successful career in the television industry.

• Level: Master’s (MA)
• Duration: Typically 12 months full-time
• Credits: Master’s-level credit weighting
• Delivery: Full-time on-campus
• Focus: Writing TV drama for UK television
• Language of instruction: English
• Application: Requires a personal statement and writing samples; shortlisted applicants will attend an interview and a scripting test

What you'll study

The program encompasses a variety of modules aimed at honing your writing skills and understanding the television landscape:

• Story and Script Techniques: Learn narrative structure, scene construction, dialogue creation, and script formatting.
• Writing for Existing Long-Running TV Drama: Gain experience writing within established character worlds while adhering to continuity and format constraints.
• Creating Original TV Drama: Develop original series premises, characters, and story arcs.
• Researching TV Drama Markets: Understand the commissioning process, audience expectations, and how drama is packaged and marketed.
• Independent Script Project: Engage in a substantial writing project that culminates in polished scripts and professional feedback.

Assessment approach: Students will be assessed through a combination of written scripts, development work, and the independent project, with ongoing feedback throughout the program.

Portfolio outcome: Graduates will leave with two calling-card scripts designed to facilitate professional pitching and future career opportunities.

Entry requirements

Applicants should possess at least a Lower Second Class undergraduate degree or equivalent qualifications. Additionally, a strong personal statement and relevant writing samples are essential components of the application process.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Television Fiction Writing program can pursue a variety of career paths within the television industry, including roles as television scriptwriters, story editors, and producers. The skills acquired through this program provide a solid foundation for entering the competitive landscape of TV drama, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to storytelling in the medium.