BA (Honours) Film and Screenwriting
UCAS code
W8P3Attendance
Full-time
Three years full-timeAt a glance
Develop the creative skills and knowledge of film needed to write screenplays that get commissioned. You are given insights into how to write and sell your scripts by a lecture team that includes established screenwriters. You also benefit from excellent facilities including a purpose-built theatre.
Key points
Learn how to write scripts for film and television.
Gain industry insights into how to sell your screenplays.
Learn from a lecture team who include established screenwriters.
Benefit from excellent facilities for film study including a purpose-built theatre.
What is film and screenwriting?
Film and screenwriting combines practical screenwriting with the academic study of film. Screenwriting is now a multi-million pound industry and seen as the foundation of all film and television production.
About this course
Develop your screenwriting skills for film and television alongside a detailed understanding of how to sell your screenplays.
As well as developing your creative skills you also cover the history of screenwriting, film history, film criticism and film theory. This gives you the skills and critical vocabulary you need to analyse films in detail, and a range of transferable skills important to other roles within the wider film industry and other sectors.
In your final year, as part of the course you write a feature film screenplay or a television pilot. Our teaching team includes published writers and established screenwriters who help you to develop your interest and creative skills in writing. They also offer practical advice and information about being a professional writer.
Your film studies are centred around our purpose-built film theatre, the Void. It combines new technology, including Blu-ray DVD through an HD digital projector, with older technology, including 40-year-old Westrex 7000 35mm projectors. These projectors can show both recent and rare, culturally valuable films in their original cinema format, including silent films at the correct speed. We are one of the few universities in the country that has these capabilities. The Dolby 5.1 surround-sound system enhances your viewing experience.
We continue to enjoy a close working relationship with the British Film Institute (BFI) and have privileged access to the BFI national archive, which contains more than 50,000 fiction films and over 100,000 non-fiction titles, most of which are not available on VHS or DVD.
You have access to our learning centre which has
thousands of films on DVD, Blu-ray and videotape
a large collection of books and journals
individual viewing facilities with access to the BFI's SIFT database
Sheffield is a thriving creative hub and home to a wide range of production companies (including the world famous Warp Films), theatres and film festivals. There are many opportunities for students to gain valuable experience with our external partners.
Key areas of study
Key areas include
film form, narrative and style
different types of film including documentary and alternative cinemas
a variety of film genres, film makers and film movements
a range of films from around the world including America, Britain, East Asia and Europe
Associated careers
You can find a career as a professional screenwriter script-reader story-liner filmmaker, in the film and television industries.
You can also find careers in areas including the arts and entertainment industries the teaching profession community development the cultural industries sector management and administration events management journalism professional writing librarianship marketing programme scheduling.
Course content
Year one core modules
silent cinema introduction to film analysis studying stage and screen introduction to screenwriting film narrative
Year one options
introduction to British cinema performance and the big screen
Year two core modules
writing and selling screenplays the screenwriter in film history
Year two options
Four from concepts in film criticism 1 concepts in film criticism 2 introduction to film adaptation European cinemas Hollywood cinema alternative cinemas contemporary British TV comedy and drama
Year three core modules
final screenwriting project contemporary British cinema and television screenwriting and professional practice
Year three options
Two from music and film stars of stage and screen documentary film and television writing for film and television contemporary East Asian cinema page to screen epics, spectacles and blockbusters contemporary American horror cinema page, stage and screen
Modules offered vary from year to year. Other topics may be added in the future.
Assessment
coursework examinations independent project work
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
GCSE English language at grade C or above. We do not accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following
260 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications, including at least 80 points in film or a relevant subject such as English, journalism or history. We accept AS levels and general studies, and consider Key Skills.
Access at least 45 credits at level 3 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS average score of at least 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in all skills.
We also consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience will also be considered. We welcome applications from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.
Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these will also be considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.
2013 entry requirements
GCSE English language at grade C or above. We do not accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following
260 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications, including at least 80 points in film or a relevant subject such as English, journalism or history. We accept AS levels and general studies, and consider Key Skills.
Fees
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk