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Literature and Creative Writing at UEA
Find out more about studying Literature and Creative Writing at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMA Creative Writing Scriptwriting (Part time)
Key details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course options
Other Start Dates
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101-150 QS Rank
Worldwide for English Language and Literature
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024Course Overview
Prepare for a career in writing for theatre, radio, film, or television with a part-time MA in Creative Writing Scriptwriting that allows you to create dramatic writing across all media.
You’ll study the theory and practice of dramatic writing, analysing scripts, and experimenting with a range of techniques in your original writing. You’ll develop your skills in constructive criticism and editing of your peers’ writing, creating a writing community in the process. Your skill as a writer, and your understanding of your chosen industry, will grow with the professional insight that is the hallmark of our scriptwriting teaching.
You’ll be based in UEA’s world-famous Creative Writing department, which is part of the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing (you can follow us on Instagram!). You’ll be taught by renowned practitioners and industry experts through seminars, presentations, screenings, workshops, readings, and performance visits. You’ll study the core conventions of drama and apply them to your own writing. You’ll write a short script for your choice of medium, building an idea from concept to realisation and exploring the modes of script development that are common practice for working writers. And you’ll write a long script as your final dissertation, under the expert supervision of a member of our faculty.
The Scriptwriting course has strong links to Norwich’s vibrant arts scene. Our students have worked with Norwich Theatre, Norwich Arts Centre, High Tide Theatre Company, Norwich Film Festival and film groups such as Norfolk Screen. Their work is regularly showcased at the Garage Theatre. They have also written for the Sainsbury Centre, for INK New Writing Festival and for a recent street theatre collaboration with the Common Lot theatre.(opens in a new window)
Graduates of the course have gone on to win BAFTAs, and become Oscar-nominated screenwriters. Our alumni include acclaimed playwrights for the stage, writers for film and TV, and others with successful careers in radio, teaching and script editing.
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Careers
Career Pathways
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Playwright, screenwriter or radio writer
- Script editor
- Theatre outreach officer
- Podcasters
- Arts administrator
- Film director
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
Graduates of the course have a variety of related careers. Some are acclaimed playwrights for the stage, such as EV Crowe and Bruntwood Prize winner Janice Okoh and nominees like Patrick Hughes and Martha Loader. Some are Oscar-nominated screenwriters such as Deborah Davis. Some are writer/performers who make films and sitcoms, such as James McDermott. Some, like Paul Farrell and Rob Kinsman, work on television series such as Waking the Dead or Doctors. And others, like Mags Chalcraft go on to take up a PhD. Our graduates have gone on to win BAFTAs, and work in radio, teaching and script editing – even running other MAs.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.1
Degree Subject
Any subject
- Additional Entry Requirements
Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of writing for assessment with their application - up to 30 pages of dramatic script/screenplay.
- Interviews
Promising candidates will be invited to one of our online interview days, which are scheduled across the academic year. Typically a candidate will be interviewed by two members of the Creative Writing faculty and we aim to inform candidates of the outcome within five working days. Unsuccessful candidates are welcome to re-apply, though not within the same academic year. Successful candidates will either be offered a place for the forthcoming academic year or a place for the following academic year (if it is felt that they need more time to develop as a writer). Once the forthcoming year is ‘full’ candidates will be offered a place on our reserve list with the option of a place for the following academic year if a place does not become available.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject
- Additional Entry Requirements
Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of writing for assessment with their application - up to 30 pages of dramatic script/screenplay.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 7 overall (minimum 7 in Writing, 6 in Speaking, Reading and Listening)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
- Interviews
Promising candidates will be invited to one of our online interview days, which are scheduled across the academic year. Typically a candidate will be interviewed by two members of the Creative Writing faculty and we aim to inform candidates of the outcome within five working days. Unsuccessful candidates are welcome to re-apply, though not within the same academic year. Successful candidates will either be offered a place for the forthcoming academic year or a place for the following academic year (if it is felt that they need more time to develop as a writer). Once the forthcoming year is ‘full’ candidates will be offered a place on our reserve list with the option of a place for the following academic year if a place does not become available.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
-
UK Students: £10,675
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International Students: £22,700
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.