MA/Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
(Screenwriting)

Huston school of film & digital media

General

The MA in Screenwriting offers advanced training in screenplay writing integrated with courses in film history and analysis.

Programme description

The MA in Screenwriting was the inaugural programme of the Huston School of Film & Digital Media at NUI, Galway. The programme offers training in screenplay writing, integrated with courses in film history 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. 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 School seeks to make a virtue of the West of Ireland’s special position as a potential ’contact zone’ between the disparate traditions of American and European cinema, and its activities are intended to foster a critical awareness of both mainstream and alternative film traditions.

The programme is a full-time degree taken over a twelve-month period (September 2009 to August 2010). 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 draft screenplay. The programme comprises four compulsory courses (supplemented by occasional specialist workshops) and the submission of a final portfolio.

ECTS weighting

MA—90 ECTS
PDip—60 ECTS

Programme fee, academic year 2009–10

E.U. students: €6,540 MA, €5,960 PDip
Non-E.U. students: €12,500*

*Subject to ratification

Please note: fees are correct at the time of online publication, but are subject to change (E&EO); non-E.U. fees must be paid in full prior to registration.

Application

Applications to this programme are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code above right.

Minimum entry requirements

The number of places is limited. You should have an honours primary degree (at least Second Class Honours in one subject, or a U.S. GPA 3.2). We also welcome applicants with substantial and relevant professional experience to apply. Such cases may be considered for exemption from the honours degree requirement, subject to appropriate arrangements such as a qualifying examination. These students will be required to register initially for a Postgraduate Diploma.

To supplement your online application you should include:

• two story treatments (max. 1,000 words each).
• two short samples of writing for film (including dialogue scenes).
• two short critiques (200–400 words) of recent films or television programmes.

Selection criteria

Above all, applicants should be driven by a passion to share their stories in an audio visual medium. Potential participants may also be invited to attend for interview.

Examination arrangements

The course is assessed by a combination of exam, essay, and project work.

Visitors and guest seminars

The Huston School hosts an extensive range of special events and guest seminars during the year, which students are expected to attend. Visitors since 2003 have included: John Boorman, Roddy Doyle, Colin MacCabe, Laura Mulvey, Howard Rodman, Mike Figgis, Peter Sheridan, Liz Gill, Paddy Breathnach, Alan Gilsenan, Maryann DeLeo and others. Over the last three years the Huston School has also hosted a series of international conferences: Early Cinema, Women in the Picture, most recently New Perspectives on the Quiet Man and New Scottish Cinema in November 2005.

Career opportunities

Screenwriting and script editing in the film, television, and audiovisual industries.

Programme content (subject to change)

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