MA Screenwriting

at London Film Academy

Module One: Feature Film Development 
 

Students learn how to research and prepare for feature projects by writing treatments, synopses, beat sheets and scene-by-scene breakdowns. This material forms the foundation of the writing process, as well as a selling tool when pitching to film and TV industry companies after graduation. The development and individual feedback sessions integral to the module are overseen by a range of screenwriters working in the feature film industry.  By the end of module one, participants will have completed a feature length script (80+ pages).
 

Module Two: Writing for Television 
 

Students produce a TV Bible for an original series in addition to writing and developing an accompanying  TV episode script. Industry led discussions from working writers, producers and directors will offer insight on a variety of television formats and genres. You will undertake detailed academic and industry-led workshops and research in order to help you realise and reflect on your own work in the context of the wider cultural and academic landscape. Pitching sessions serve as a rehearsal for the actual industry pitching panel that you will encounter in the later stages of the course. This panel consists of film and TV industry professionals and is followed by a one-to-one tutorial to discuss the merits and challenges of proposed ideas.  
 

"Exactly what I needed to build the foundations of my screenwriting career. The lectures are very informative and small classes allow them to be very interactive"
 

Samy Souissi, Screenwriter and LFA Screenwriting Diploma Graduate
 

Module Three: Research by Practice
 

The final module has a professional focus with students' prioritising next steps and employability. It also enables students to contextualise their creations within the relevant critical framework and adhere to sound ethical principles. Students will design and undertake a personal research project (a negotiated dissertation), aligned to their professional ambitions. These dissertations include work placements and scripts as research.
 

Additionally, students attend events, festivals and screenings as part of the module, providing an opportunity to gain tangible, practical experience in a nurturing industry environment and gain first-hand insight on the current industry trends and practices. This course will run hand in hand with MA Filmmaking, giving students the opportunity to collaborate, have their work realised through projects with filmmaking students, and build a lasting network of creative peers.  

To begin your application process for a place on this course please apply via the APPLY + COURSE DATES & FEES section below.  As soon as we've received your application we’ll send you a confirmation email containing information on the next steps. Please check your ‘Junk Mail’ folder if you appear to have not received this email. 
 

Entry requirements:  
 

• A good first degree or equivalent 
• Not a graduate?  We welcome applications from students with experience who can demonstrate an ability to study at postgraduate level 
   

Entry materials:  
 

• Completed online LFA application  
• Example(s) of your dramatic writing:  
  • First 20 pages of a feature script or 
  • Feature film treatment of 10-15 pages or 
  • Two short film screenplays or 
  • If you have no screenplay material we will except an extract from other creative writing such as: a play, short story, novel poetry 
• CV/Resume – some practical experience in film production is desirable, 
• Personal statement (up to 750 words) that outlines 
  • Your motivations,  
  • Your background and screenwriting ambitions  
  • Why this course, and LFA as an institution, is the right choice for you 
• Education certificates (degree-level qualifications only) 
• Two references: academic or professional 
• Scanned copy of your passport 
   

If you meet our entry requirements, we offer an interview where we discuss your writing and motivations - we are looking for creative screenwriting ability/potential as evidenced through written material. The interview will help you showcase your understanding and interest of storytelling, as well as your awareness of the key elements of the course and a clear idea as to how completing the course will help you achieve career ambitions.
 

English-language requirements
 

To study at LFA, it is essential that you can communicate effectively in English. You will need to provide evidence of your proficiency if English is not your first language. For international students, we accept either the IELTS ACADEMIC qualification (minimum IELTS score of 6.0) or a document from UK NARIC confirming the comparability of your English language qualification.

The full MA Screenwriting fee for September 2022 intake is £14,000*.   For graduates progressing from the LFA BA (Hons) Filmmaking degree the fee is £13,000*.
 

Deposit: Successful applicants will then be issued with an offer letter. Upon acceptance of their place, applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £4,500. The balance of course fees will need to be paid in accordance to the LFA Terms and Conditions.