Master of Screenwriting

The Master of Screenwriting is an 18-month, practice based, course designed for those who have a desire to tell audience-driven stories via a visual medium. Students are introduced in Semester One of Year One to facets of screenwriting with a focus on feature and television writing. Storytelling workshops, script tutorials, the craft of writing, and a unique script development hothouse are major attributes of the course.

A substantial first draft feature screenplay, or a TV Bible plus a draft of a script, are the expected outcomes after Year One. Students in the final Semester are expected to implement the learnt skills for writing and re-writing as they head towards a third or final draft of the script. Students also learn about the screenwriting industries, concluding the course with the Business of Screenwriting.

Semester One subjects will be studied full time but students may elect to study part time for the Semester Two subject; Major Screenwriting Project, and for the final Semester subject Writing and Rewriting.

On completion of the course students will have:

• developed screenwriting skills for national and international screenwriting industries;
• become confident with writing and rewriting screenplays;
• demonstrated an ability to develop concepts and ideas into screenplays;
• qualified for employment in the film, television and allied industries;
• demonstrated developed skills in research methodology for writers;
• accomplished a high standard third or final draft of a feature length screenplay or television bible and script.

On completion of this course students will:

• demonstrate leadership excellence with strong global understandings;
• demonstrate an ability to overcome limitations both critically and creatively;
• understand and appreciate how screenwriting connects with a broader society and contributes to its social and economic development;
• demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional screenwriter in the 21st century;
• work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of environments;
• exhibit strong theoretical and practical knowledge of the film, television and/or allied industries, including relevant professional, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to these industries;
• demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation, and
• demonstrate advanced skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication.

First Semester

First and second year subject structure

First year subjects are:

FLTV70041

FLTV70042

FLTV70043

FLTV70046

FLTV70047

Second year semester 1 subjects are:

FLTV70044

FLTV70045

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• either
– an undergraduate degree with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) over the last 200 points of study or equivalent, or
– at least five years of documented relevant work experience related to film and television, with evidence of artistic ability and achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in relevant disciplines;
and
• a selection test which may include both visual and written elements; and
• a folio of past work.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and/or the work experience; and
• the selection test; and
• the folio.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Communication: Students must be able to participate in and produce performances and exhibitions as required; they will also need to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms. Communication with fellow students, professional and academic staff, and the wider public about their knowledge and application of practising Arts disciplines is essential.
Creative, Intellectual and Organisational Abilities: Students require the capacity for high-level creative performance or production. They are also expected to have the ability to develop problem-solving skills and to comprehend disciplinary and cross-disciplinary information. Students must have the ability to establish study plans and prioritise training objectives and outcomes.
Behavioural and Social Attributes: Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. They must take full responsibility for their own participation and learning. Students also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative environments and must therefore demonstrate a wide range of interpersonal skills which consider the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.
Disability: Students who have a disability which may prevent them from participating in tasks involving these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability; however, students will need to participate in the course in an independent manner.

After successful completion of the first year at an appropriate level students will be eligible to apply to apply for a research Masters degree.

http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/attributes.html