MA/Postgraduate (Screenwriting)

College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies

Key facts

Entry requirements

NQAI Level 8 degree or equivalent H2.2. GPA 3.2 or international qualification. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent if applicable. Students who do not meet the honours degree requirement but have a level 8 degree may be admitted to the PDip course with the possibility of progressing to the MA if they receive a minimum of 60% in their coursework during the year, subject to qualifying examination and appropriate arrangements.

Duration: 1 year, full-time

Next start date: September 2012

ECTS weighting: MA—90, PG Dip—60

Average intake: 15

Closing date: You are advised to apply early, which may result in an early offer; see the offer round dates

Mode of study: Taught

Course overview

This programme offers training in screenplay writing, integrated with courses in film theory and analysis, supported by regular film screenings and workshops. The ethos of the programme is ‘reflective practice’— that is, understanding screenwriting as a process informed by narrative analysis, cinematic traditions and creative discussion. The programme offers thorough discussion of narrative theory and structure. There will also be the opportunity to review draft scripts with individual students.

Film criticism and theory will make up at least half of the course and, in addition to thorough discussion of narrative theory and structure, there will be the opportunity to review draft scripts with individual students. The year is divided into two teaching semesters.  During the first semester, you will develop your story idea to treatment stage. During this time, you will also study American film history. These classes involve regular screenings, discussion and analysis.  The second semester focuses on the writing of your first draft and the study of European film history.  The summer period is given over to writing the final draft of your feature length screenplay.

Course outline

The year is divided into two teaching semesters. During the first semester, you will develop your story idea to treatment stage. During this time, you will also study American film history. These classes involve regular screenings, discussion and analysis. The second semester focuses on the writing of your first draft and a choice of optional film theory related modules including Film History since 1945, Screening Irish America, Gender Sexuality and Cinema, and Imagined Irelands. The summer period is given over to writing the final draft of your feature length screenplay.

The course is a full-time programme taken over a twelve-month period (September 2012 to August 2013). The year is divided into two teaching semesters (September to December and January to April). The summer period will be used to complete a final script.

Applications and selections

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code(s) above.

Who teaches this course?

Dr. Seán Crosson, M.Phil, PhD

Dr. Niamh Doheny, M.A., PhD

Dr. Mary Watson Seoighe, PhD

Jenny Roche, M.A

Tony Tracy, M.A

Requirements and assessment

Students will be assessed on the various modules by essay and exam. Students will also be required to complete a feature length script as their final assessment, to be submitted in early August.

Find out more

Jenny Roche | Dr Seán Crosson
T: 353 91 494 182 | +353 91 495 687
E: jenny.roche@nuigalway.ie | sean.crosson@nuigalway.ie 
filmschool.ie/courses.php?id=2

PAC code

GYA38

Fees for this course

EU (Total): €6,015 (MA); €5,965 (PDip)
 - Student levy: €224
Non-EU (Total): €13,250

Fees for courses

Current students

Clea Mallinson

"The MA in Screenwriting course attracted me because it's the inaugural course of the Huston Film School, and there's a strong program of guest lecturers who have hands on experience in the industry.   Coming to Ireland was an easy choice: a land of story-tellers akin to my home country South Africa. To be able to study at NUIG means being exposed to a myriad of cultural experiences offered to local and international students alike. Everyone said Galway is one the best student towns in the world—and so far they've being proved correct."

Downloads

Get the prospectus

Postgraduate taught prospectus image
Postgraduate prospectus

Past students



William Collins

William Collins graduated from the Huston School of Film & Digital Media with an MA. in Screenwriting in 2006. In 2007 he won the Stella Artois Pitching Award at the Galway Film Fleadh for his feature film script  'My Brothers' , currently in post-production; directed by Paul Fraser (A Room for Romeo Brass, Heartlands, Somerstown) and produced by Treasure Entertainment (I Went Down, The Eclipse). William is also currently working on 'Song of the Sea' an animated feature film for Cartoon Saloon (The Secret of Kells) and various other projects.


"For me, the Huston is a place where passion for the medium of film and storytelling is nurtured and encouraged in a warm intimate environment.  Without it, I know I would not be working as a screenwriter today.  There, I was handed to tools which help create a screenplay and my cinematic horizon was broadened. It also serves a more important role, it creates a community of like-minded people. They are the people sitting next to you who share your love and encourage you long after the term has ended.  The Huston School is a wonderful place to study".

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