Best Universities for Screenwriting in UK

Did you know that Hollywood produces an exclusive list of the most-liked screenplays that can be produced and it’s called the Blacklist? Some of the greatest movies like Slumdog Millionaire, The King’s Speech, and The Descendents come out of this incredible list. Screenwriting is one of the most creative and challenging jobs in the world. Screenwriting courses are industry-focused courses of excellence for students who wish to improve their creative skills and pursue a career in media. If you want to study writing in the world’s literary land then here is a list of the best universities for screenwriting in the UK!

Course Name	MA Screenwriting MA in Scriptwriting MA in Television Fiction Writing
Duration	1-2 Years
Average Fee	£14,000 (₹14.5 Lacs)
Popular Universities	Arts University Bournemouth  Goldsmiths, University of London Leeds Beckett University London Film Academy London Film School MetFilm School National Film and Television School University of Edinburgh University of Westminster University of East Anglia
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements	Creative Writing English Media and Communications Film Studies Psychology Journalism History Philosophy

Academic Qualifications

While it is not a requirement to enter the industry, getting an education in scriptwriting is beneficial for a variety of reasons. Not only will the study pressure and routine coerce students to not laze around, some universities can also set up interactions with renowned scriptwriters.

An MA in Screenwriting is awarded to students who have completed their bachelor’s in humanities and fine arts subjects. Some of these are 

• Creative Writing
• English
• Media and Communications
• Film Studies
• Journalism
• Psychology
• History
• Philosophy

Eligibility Requirements

• In order to pursue an MA in Screenwriting, applicants should have a minimum of a second-class honours degree(i.e. 50-69%).
• If an applicant has equivalent experience or training, mainly within a work environment, it is also considered.
• An IELTS Score of 7.0, with a 7.0 in writing and no lower than 6.5 in others.

Screenwriting Courses in UK

• MA Screenwriting
• MA in Scriptwriting
• MA in Television Fiction Writing
• MA Screen Production – Screenwriting and Documentary
• MLIT Drama and Scriptwriting
• MA Creative Writing and Scripting

Universities for UK for Screenwriting

Here is a list of the best universities for screenwriting in the UK and their average fees:

• Arts University Bournemouth 
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• Leeds Beckett University
• London Film Academy
• London Film School
• MetFilm School
• National Film and Television School
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Westminster
• University of East Anglia

Arts University Bournemouth 

AUB is known to forge collaborations like no other. Bournemouth Film School productions are known not only for their production value, visual effects and animation students, but also for the costume and performance design, makeup, and a whole host of various other creative courses available on the campus,  providing a truly unique filmmaking experience. 

Current Fees: £14,250-£16,000 (₹14.7-₹16.5 Lacs)

Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths already has a great academic reputation as part of the wider University of London; but it’s Screen School has its own aspirations, challenging bigger film school rivals for the very best students. As a student, you’ll develop your specialist skill, and will also be provided a range of short optional modules in other production areas of your choosing, from web drama to online content and social activist filmmaking, alongside the traditional media such as camera and editing skill.

Current Fees: £19,660 (₹20.3 Lacs)

Leeds Beckett University

The School of Film, Music & Performing Arts fosters a culture of creation and participation. LBU contributes to the cultural life of Leeds— a city that is the original birthplace of film. The school nurtures the pioneers of the art of the future. Influencers who will not just reflect the outside world, but impact upon it.

Current Fees: £14,000 (₹14.5 Lacs)

London Film Academy

 London Film Academy is internationally recognised as an innovative film school that punches above its weight, producing multi-skilled, world-class filmmakers through training that is hands-on, industry-relevant, and of the highest standard. Their multi-disciplinary approach emulates the hard-working realities of the film and TV industries and allows you to develop into an informed and responsible filmmaker, honing your craft in small groups, within a collaborative and nurturing environment.

Current Fees:  £14,000 (₹14.5 Lacs)

London Film School

For over sixty years London Film School (LFS) has been the place for emerging creative talent to hone their craft, find their voice and engage directly with the vibrant UK screen industries. With a student cohort from every corner of the globe, LFS is considered a cultural hub where fresh voices, experiences and perspectives rub shoulders with tradition and history.

Current Fees: £14,826.00(₹15.3 Lacs) (includes £200 Visa Administration Fee)

MetFilm School

MetFilm School is a world-leading film, television and online media school which offers undergraduate, postgraduate and short courses in London and Berlin. The London campus is based at the famous Ealing Studios, known for the production such as The Ladykillers, Notting Hill, Downton Abbey and The Theory of Everything.  

Current Fees: £19,000(19.6 Lacs)

National Film and Television School

The National Film and Television School is one of the top film, television and new media schools in the world, as evidenced by the Observer newspaper describing the NFTS as the “The Best Film School in the World.” No other film school is known to offer so many individual specialist practical filmmaking courses (eighteen masters degrees, fourteen diplomas, four certificates and a wide range of short courses).

Current Fees: £24,900 (25.7 Lacs)

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the world’s leading universities, located in the heart of Scotland’s capital. Home to a renowned arts scene and the world’s longest continuously running film festival, The Edinburgh International Film Festival, the city offers excellent art house cinemas, galleries, theatres, vibrant film culture, and many job opportunities. The academic staff in Film Studies are published researchers with a focus on film theory, film-philosophy and national cinemas while Film, Exhibition, and Curation staff combine critical expertise with extensive experience in curating and making film.

Current Fees: £15,490 (₹16 Lacs)

University of Westminster

With purpose-built studios, a set construction workshop and professional film, video and sound facilities, the school’s film and TV courses offer an ideal environment to prepare for professional life.  Students have won many awards in recent years, including an Academy Award nomination and Royal Television Society Awards in entertainment, fiction, and factual.

Current Fees:  £17,000 (17.6 Lacs)

Explore What is Playwriting?

How to Apply to UK Universities for Screenwriting

International students applying to UK universities must follow a well-researched guide before starting their application process:

Step-1: Shortlist Courses and Universities

The primary step in the application process is to shortlist courses and universities according to your academic profile and preference. Students can shortlist courses and universities through AI-Course Finder and generate a list of universities where they are most likely to get through and plan their application process in advance.

Step-2: Know Your Deadlines

The next step is to know the exact deadlines of universities and colleges in the UK you are planning to apply to. International students have to take the application process well in advance (one year to 6 months before the actual deadline). This ensures that students can fulfill all the college requirements such as SOP, letters of recommendation, English proficiency tests, funding/scholarship options, and accommodation.

Step-3: Take Entrance Tests

The third step in the application process for UK universities requires students to take tests like IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. In some universities, students can be given to submit scores for SAT or ACT exams. A new addition to English proficiency tests is the Duolingo Test which allows students to appear for the exam from the comfort of their homes and is accepted across the world.

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Step-4:  Compile Your Documents

The next step is to compile all the required documents and test scores for the application process. This means students should start writing their SOPs, getting letters of recommendation from teachers and supervisors, and arranging their financial statements along with other documents like tests scorecards. With the COVID-19 pandemic, students must download their vaccine certificates and specify the administered vaccine for the application.

Step-5: Get Started with Your Application

Once you have all the documents in place, students can start the application process either directly or through UCAS. Students applying to UK universities that accept direct applications can start by applying through the official university website. They have to select the courses, pay the application fees and start the online application process. 

Documents Required 

Here is a checklist of important documents that UK universities will ask for while applying to a university:

• Academic Transcripts as proof of your academic achievements
• Proof of English Proficiency test scores
• Proof of Funds as evidence to pay for the tuition fees and monthly living cost for the first year
• CV/Resume
• Academic reference letters or LORs
• SOPs or Personal Statement 

Must Read: What are the Requirements to Study in UK?

Average Salary

The average salary of a screenwriter is £29,500(₹30.5 Lacs) – £39,000(₹40.4 Lacs) in the UK, while the highest salary of a screenwriter in India is  ₹67,742 per month.

Wondering About the Cost of Studying in UK? Calculate your Expenses Now

Interested in pursuing Screenwriting in the UK’s top universities? Connect with our experts at Leverage Edu and kickstart your study abroad journey. Call us at 1800 57 2000 to book your FREE counseling session today.