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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 2027
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
Why MA Creative Writing Scriptwriting (part-time) at UEA?
Develop your craft as a writer, whether you want to create a bold new TV show or write for the theatre. On this two-year part-time course, you’ll sharpen your voice, unleash your imagination, and build valuable industry connections.
Why choose UEA
- Explore different media: Hone your writing across film, television, theatre, radio, podcasting or digital media
- Taught by experts: Learn from experienced writers offering a dynamic blend of craft insight and professional know-how
- Creative network: Join a vibrant regional, national and international writing community
What is MA Creative Writing Scriptwriting (part-time)?
Prepare for a career in writing for theatre, radio, film, or television with our part-time MA in Creative Writing Scriptwriting, which blends applied writing craft with critical study and deep industry insight. Weekly seminars and workshops will help you refine your dramatic writing, while our ScriptXtra events series will allow you to network with visiting writers and producers.
You’ll be based in UEA’s world-famous Creative Writing department(opens in a new window), which is part of the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing and home to an exceptional writing community. You'll be taught by practitioners and industry experts, learning hands-on how to develop scripts from concept to realisation across a range of performance media.
You’ll benefit from our strong links to Norwich’s vibrant arts scene, giving you opportunities to take your writing out into the world. Our MA students have worked with a range of leading venues and theatre companies – including Norwich Theatre(opens in a new window), the Garage Theatre(opens in a new window), Norwich Arts Centre(opens in a new window) and High Tide Theatre Company(opens in a new window) – as well as film organisations and production companies like Norfolk Screen(opens in a new window), Eye Film(opens in a new window) and Norwich Film Festival(opens in a new window).
Careers
Career Pathways
With our MA Creative Writing Scriptwriting Part-Time degree, you could launch a career as a:
- Playwright: Write plays for stage performance, working with theatre companies and venues to bring them to life
- Screenwriter: Write screenplays for TV and film, developing original stories or adapting existing material
- Script editor: Collaborate with writers and producers to refine scripts and ready them for production
- Dramaturg: Work with writers and directors to shape and develop new projects
- Podcaster: Develop, write or present engaging storytelling in one of the most sought-after media of our time
Career Support
Scriptwriting at UEA is designed to ready you for the world of professional performance writing. The course will prepare you to navigate scriptwriting as both an artform and an industry. Our regular ScriptXtra sessions and other events bring leading writers and producers to campus, giving you opportunities to network and gain industry insight. Recent guest speakers have included novelist and screenwriter Nick Hornby, playwright Inua Ellams, playwright and screenwriter Lucy Kirkwood, and director and filmmaker Joe Russo. The course culminates with your work being shared with industry guests, helping you pave the way for your next steps. UEA’s Career Central is also available to support you with CV writing, applications, and interview preparation.
After the Course
Graduates of our course include acclaimed playwrights, such as EV Crowe, Bruntwood Prize winner Janice Okoh (writer of BBC’s hit show Just Act Normal), and Martha Loader, recent winner of the George Devine Award for her play The Town (which is she developed for her MA dissertation). Others are accomplished screenwriters, like Deborah Davis – who worked on her Oscar-nominated screenplay The Favourite during her time on the MA – or have made a name for themselves as successful TV writers, like James McDermott or Molly Naylor.
Study and Modules
Structure
Our Scriptwriting Master’s gets you writing from day one, ensuring you to engage with the work of your peers and study some of the most exciting plays, films and TV programmes in the repertoire. You'll study four taught modules (two in each year of study: one in the autumn semester, one in the spring) and write a feature-length script through the summer of your second year, with one-to-one tutorial supervision.
In the autumn semester of year one, you’ll study dramaturgy, gaining a thorough grounding in dramatic conventions across media through screenings, discussions, and practical exercises which will sharpen your tools of analysis.
In the spring semester, you’ll choose a module from a range of options, allowing you to dive into adaptation, performance writing, literature or creative criticism. These choices enable you to tailor your course of study and extend the breadth of your ideas.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
Your creative writing workshops take place in the autumn of your second year, enabling an intensive development of your dramatic writing and voice.
In the spring semester, you’ll explore how the industry works across dramatic media, advancing your capacity to develop and present a dramatic idea with commercial appeal.
Towards the end of the spring semester, you’ll embark on your dissertation, supported by one-to-one supervision and advice as you create a full-length drama for your chosen medium. You leave with an original script for stage, screen (TV or feature film), or radio. With expert supervision you’ll take your story from initial idea, through a series of drafts, to a fully realised script. Along the way, you’ll have an extract from it workshopped and presented by performers to an invited audience of industry professionals. You’ll also publish a short piece of your choice in our professionally produced MA anthology.
Throughout the year, you’ll benefit from one-to-one tutorials, whilst also working closely with your peers who’ll read your work and offer supportive feedback. In addition, you’ll enhance your studies by attending screenings, theatre productions, and talks by visiting writers or producers.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
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Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You’ll work with a distinguished and experienced team of tutors, all of whom are working writers celebrated in their chosen media (stage, screen, radio and/or podcasts). Your learning will be hands-on, combining writing practice, critical study and industry insight. In writing workshops, you’ll deeply focus on aspects of craft and on developing your own (and your peers’) dramatic writing through thoughtful and supportive feedback. In seminars, you’ll study and discuss examples of dramatic writing, honing your analytical skills and developing an understanding of key conventions and techniques. You’ll also learn how industry contexts shape the creative process of script development, taking that insight into your own practice, from research and pitch to development and creative execution.
Assessment
You'll be independently assessed for each of your modules in a diversity of forms – analytical essays, original creative writing, and work-in-process portfolios. Your dissertation will be a feature-length script in your chosen form, which will be supported through one-to-one supervision and which might become your future industry calling card.
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. 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, our UEA International Study Centre offers 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. 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 2027/28 are:
- UK Students: £11,200
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International Students: £23,850
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.