Bournemouth University

What you'll study

The programme combines practical workshops, craft-focused modules and industry-facing development to take ideas through to production-ready scripts. You study narrative structure, character development, dialogue, pacing and genre for screen, alongside modules on adaptation, serial drama, comedy and writing for short and feature formats.

• Core workshops: tutor-led small-group workshops that focus on rewriting, peer feedback and script surgery.
• Format and industry practice: modules covering screenplay format, pitching, treatments, development notes and working with producers and commissioners.
• Genre and forms: specialist units on television drama, comedy, documentary scripting and writing for new/digital platforms.
• Collaborative production: opportunities to work with other media and production students to see scripts move toward screen, including development of shooting schedules and working with directors.
• Research and professional development: contextual and business modules exploring market trends, audience, rights and career management.
• Major project: a sustained, supervised final project — typically a feature screenplay, a short film script with production plan, or a multi-episode television pilot with a development portfolio.

The course emphasises iterative development, pitching and presentation skills, and offers regular masterclasses and guest sessions with practising writers, producers and commissioners.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a good honours degree in a relevant subject (for example film, media, creative writing, drama or related disciplines). Candidates with a lower honours degree or with significant professional or creative experience in scriptwriting, theatre or media may be considered.

Entry normally requires the submission of a portfolio of written work (for example a sample script, short film screenplay, television episode or extracts) together with a personal statement outlining creative aims. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview or asked to provide additional material. International applicants must demonstrate English language ability at a level suitable for postgraduate study and provide equivalent documentation as required.

Career prospects

Graduates go into a variety of roles across film, television and digital media. Typical career pathways include work as screenwriters for feature film and television, script editors, storyliners for serial drama, development executives, content creators for online platforms, and freelance writers producing original and commissioned work.

The programme also prepares students for related careers in dramaturgy, script consultancy, commissioning, and creative producing. Practical experience of pitching and collaboration with production students helps graduates move into short film production or secure attachments and development opportunities within the industry.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University has a strong practical focus in media education and established links with the film and television industry, offering access to production facilities and collaborative projects across media courses. The university’s approach blends craft training with industry engagement, providing regular guest talks, workshops and networking events designed to bridge academic study and professional life.

Students benefit from small-group teaching, personalised supervision for major projects, and opportunities to have work seen by industry professionals through screening events and development showcases. The programme is suited to writers who want a structured, practice-led environment to develop a professional body of work and the skills to navigate the creative industries.