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Screenwriting (Certificate)

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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.

Applications and Selections

Applications are now closed for 2017. Online applications will reopen in April 2018.

 

 

 

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Overall assessment is made on the basis of continuous assessment during each module.  Students will be given weekly course work and a module assignment on which continuous feedback will be provided.

Basic computer skills will be an advantage. E-mail, internet and NUI Galway's online learning environment are in use throughout the course.

All applicants whose first language is not English, or who have not been educated through the medium of the English language during their two most recent years of study, must present one of the following qualifications in the English language: IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL (IBT): 92. Please see this webpage for further information: https://www.nuigalway.ie/international-students/english.html

Candidates who are 21 years or over on or before January 1st of year of entry may gain entry to the programme on the basis of mature years. Candidates under 21 years should meet the minimum matriculation requirements as outlined in the Frequently Asked Questions section.

 

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

The Certificate programme is open to anyone with an interest in film and screenwriting who wish to explore their ideas and writing skills.

Candidates who are 21 years or over on or before January 1st of year of entry may gain entry to the programme on the basis of mature years. Candidates under 21 years should meet the minimum matriculation requirements as outlined in the Frequently Asked Questions section.


Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, part-time

Next start date

14th September 2017

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

Unlimited

Closing Date

18 September 2017

Next start date

14th September 2017

NFQ level

7

Mode of study

Classroom-based, Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:30pm

ECTS weighting

15

Award

CAO

PAC code

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)

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

The Certificate in Screenwriting should primarily facilitate and enable the expression of talent and ideas in screenplay form.  Graduates may also find opportunities in the areas of film development, script editing and arts policy.

 

Who’s Suited to This Course

 The Certificate course is open to anyone with an interest in film and screenwriting.

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€970 p.a.

Fees: Tuition

€

Fees: Student levy

€

Fees: Non EU

€1,470 p.a.


A fees scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment.  Students must be registered as unemployed and in receipt of one of the following: 

  • Job-seekers Benefit
  • Job-seekers Allowance
  • One-parent family allowance
  • Disability allowance
  • Community Employment Scheme
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Signing for social insurance contribution credits

Please download the 2017_18 Fees Scholarship Form for more information.

Find out More

 Ms Jenny Roche 

Huston School of Film & Digital Media
NUI Galway
Tel: 091 494182
Email: jenny.roche@nuigalway.ie

Access the Student Launchpad for course outlines, timetables etc 

What Our Students Say

Jamie

Jamie Sweeney |   Past Student

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.

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