Certificate in Screenwriting
College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies
Course overview
The Certificate in Screenwriting offers a basic introduction to the theory and practice of screenwriting. The core objective of the programme is twofold: to verse students in the craft of screenwriting, and help them explore and express their own ideas in an encouraging, supportive and fun environment.
Who is this course intended for?
The Certificate programme is open to anyone with an interest in film and screenwriting
Key facts
Entry requirements
The Certificate programme is open to anyone with an interest in film and screen writing who wish to explore their ideas and writing skills. Candidates will be required to submit a creative writing sample as part of this application to demonstrate their writing ability.
Additional requirements
None
Duration:
1 year, part-time
Next start date: September 2013
ECTS weighting: 15
Average intake: Unlimited
Closing date: Friday, 12th July 2013
NFQ level: 7
Course outline
The course will comprise of 3 core modules:
1. Introduction to Screenwriting: Writing a Short Film
Aims & Objectives
To introduce students to the idea and reality of cinematic writing.
To help students explore and develop their own ideas and writing style.
Assessment: Short Film Script (5 ECTS)
2. Screenwriting Theory & Practice: Developing a Feature Film Idea
Aims & Objectives
To advance understanding of the fundamentals of screenwriting and the craft of story structure
To develop student’s writing practice; to ’pitch’ ideas and write synopses and treatments.
To analyse their own and classmate’s work.
Assessment: Feature Film Synopsis and Treatment. (5 ECTS)
3. New Screen Stories: Writing for TV and Digital Narrative
Aims & Objectives
To expose students to the various outlets for screen narrative.
To develop ideas and writing style appropriate for different outlets.
To explore emerging opportunities for screen story; e.g animation & gaming.
Assessment: TV Drama or Web Drama Proposal and Outline (5 ECTS)
Applications and selections
Apply here
Requirements and assessment
Find out more
Ms Jenny Roche
Huston School of Film & Digital Media
NUI Galway
Tel: 091 494182
Email: jenny.roche@nuigalway.ie
Fees for this course
EU (Total): €970 per year
Non-EU (Total): €1,470 per year
A number of scholarships will be available for applicants who have become unemployed (since January 2008), and wish to update their skills and knowledge. Scholarships will constitute a 50% contribution to programme fees. A separate application process will be required.
Past students
Jamie Sweeney
I cannot recommend this course highly enough. It gave me a much clearer understanding of how to write a script as well as recognising the fundamental principles that make a story “work”. The modules focused on the core values of screenwriting and were brilliantly taught by experienced writers and film-makers with a love and passion for the craft. Along with the fantastic teaching staff I met a group of like-minded, talented people who all gained a great deal from the classes and projects. Through this course I managed to develop two short scripts which are currently under option with a production company. Anyone with a genuine interest in screenwriting should do this course.