Screenwriting: Feature Film and Continuing Series MA
City Campus, United Kingdom
Screenwriting: Feature Film and Continuing Series MA
Leeds Beckett University
Screenwriting & Film Studies
Program Overview: MA Screenwriting at Leeds Beckett University
This innovative MA in Screenwriting: Feature Film and Continuing Series is a vocational course taught by practising screenwriters and based in the Northern Film School at Leeds Beckett University. The program enables you to develop your creative screenwriting practice through provocation, stimulation, and inspiration, building an extensive portfolio of work in preparation for a professional career.
You will work alongside production courses and be taught through lectures, seminars, tutorials, talks, discussions, and screenings. Masterclasses led by filmmakers provide opportunities to learn from and collaborate with experienced industry professionals, while practical exercises and short film shoots connect you to current film practice within the school.
Leeds sits at the heart of a boom in the northern film industry and is the birthplace of film as well as home to Channel 4's national headquarters. The Northern Film School and Leeds School of Arts maintain professional links with organisations including Leeds International Film Festival, ITV Yorkshire, Screen Yorkshire, Hyde Park Picture House, and Duck Soup Films.
Key Program Highlights
- Taught by practising screenwriters in the Northern Film School with access to professional, industry-standard filmmaking facilities and equipment
- Based in Leeds, the birthplace of film and home to Channel 4's national headquarters, at the heart of the northern film industry boom
- Industry masterclasses and professional networking events with organisations such as ITV Yorkshire, Screen Yorkshire, and Leeds International Film Festival
- Develop an extensive portfolio across film and television platforms, with opportunities to pitch ideas directly to industry professionals
Curriculum & Modules
The MA Screenwriting curriculum is structured around 180 credits at Level 7 of the UK Higher Education Credit Framework. The program takes you on a progressive journey from foundational storytelling principles through to advanced industry-focused writing, culminating in a substantial creative project that forms the centrepiece of your professional portfolio.
Storytelling
20 creditsExplore the fundamental principles and structures of storytelling for screen media. You will examine narrative theory, character development, and dramatic structure to build a strong foundation for all subsequent screenwriting practice.
Creative Screenwriting
20 creditsDevelop your creative screenwriting voice through guided exercises and self-directed projects. This module focuses on generating original ideas, crafting compelling dialogue, and translating concepts into professional screenplay format.
Genre
20 creditsGain a sophisticated understanding of genre conventions and their application in contemporary screenwriting. You will analyse how genre functions across different screen media and learn to work within and subvert established genre frameworks.
Feature Film
20 creditsFocus on the craft of writing a feature-length screenplay, developing your ability to sustain narrative across a full-length film. You will work through the stages of treatment, outline, and draft development for a feature film project.
The Writers Room
20 creditsExperience the collaborative environment of a professional television writers room. This module simulates industry practice for continuing series, developing your skills in collaborative storytelling, episode structure, and series narrative arcs.
Writing for an Industry Context
20 creditsLearn how to promote yourself as a freelance writer in the creative industries and practise operating in a professional context. You will contribute to the organisation and development of a conference event and develop pitching skills.
Elective & Enrichment Opportunities
Admission Requirements
The MA Screenwriting program welcomes applicants with a strong interest in screenwriting and storytelling for screen media. Admission is based on academic qualifications, relevant experience, and creative potential. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on your application and eligibility.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeAt least a second class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a recognised institution, or equivalent international qualification
- Equivalent ExperienceApplicants without a degree may be considered if they have equivalent professional experience or training, normally gained within the work environment
- Creative PortfolioEvidence of creative writing ability, which may include screenplays, scripts, short stories, or other relevant creative work
- Personal StatementA statement outlining your motivation for studying screenwriting, your creative interests, and your career aspirations
- ReferencesTypically two references, at least one academic or professional, supporting your suitability for postgraduate study
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.0 with no individual skill below 5.5
- TOEFL iBTTotal score of 79-89, with minimum scores in Reading (18), Listening (17), Speaking (20), and Writing (17)
- Equivalent QualificationsOther equivalent English language qualifications are accepted. Contact Uni4Edu for details on accepted alternatives.
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Leeds Beckett University offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for relevant funding to support your MA Screenwriting studies.
International Student Scholarship
GBP 3,000 tuition fee discount (postgraduate taught courses)Automatically awarded to eligible self-funded international students on postgraduate taught courses. No separate application is required — the discount is applied directly to your tuition fees if you meet the eligibility criteria.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
On completion of this MA, you will have an extensive individual portfolio of new work alongside the industry knowledge and creative expertise needed to build a career as a screenwriter. You will be expert in generating original ideas and confident pitching to industry professionals and responding to clients' needs. The program's strong industry connections in Leeds and the wider northern film sector provide a strong launchpad for your career.
Potential Career Roles
Potential Employers & Industry Partners
Rankings & Recognition
Leeds Beckett University is a well-established institution with a consistent presence in national and international university rankings. The university holds a QS Stars 5-star rating and is particularly recognised for its career-focused, industry-linked programs across the creative arts and beyond.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sports-Related Subjects | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 100 |
| Hospitality & Leisure Management | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 100 |
| Education Studies | THE World University Rankings by Subject | #301-400 |
| Business & Economics | THE World University Rankings by Subject | #401-500 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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