MA Writing for Screen and Stage in London United Kingdom | Birkbeck, University of London

Course Overview
Our MA in Writing for Screen and Stage helps you grow as a writer across various formats, styles, and professional settings, including film, television, gaming narratives, theater, and live performances. This program is perfect if you aspire to become a versatile scriptwriter capable of crafting stories for both visual and live audiences.

Why choose this program
Learn from accomplished, award-winning writers, script advisors, and editors specializing in screen and stage, such as Daragh Carville (known for The Bay, Middletown, and Being Human), David Eldridge (creator of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Beginning, Middle, End, The Scandalous Lady W, In Basildon), and Barbara Cox.

Birkbeck is renowned for excellence in creative writing, screenwriting, and theater education, with numerous alumni achieving success in these fields. Your learning experience will be enriched by strong industry connections to help advance your career after completing this Master’s degree.

What you’ll learn
Discover how to craft scripts for screen and stage—from initial concept to treatment, full script development, and pitching. You’ll explore diverse formats, genres, histories, and theories of scriptwriting and production in both national and global contexts.

You’ll develop skills in researching and executing writing projects, both independently and collaboratively. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into industry standards and networking opportunities, leveraging London’s vibrant creative scene to establish a successful career.

How you’ll learn
This program offers flexible full-time or part-time study options with evening classes, allowing you to manage your studies alongside work and personal commitments.

Teaching methods are dynamic, adaptable, and interactive, featuring small-group sessions and personalized tutorials focused on writing practice and script refinement. Your final project—an extended script—will be guided by one-on-one mentorship and constructive feedback.