Student satisfaction
This course scored 90% for overall satisfaction in the 2021 National Student Survey.
Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,415 per year
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Learn how to write scripts for film and television.
- Gain insights from real industry figures into how to sell your screenplays.
- Learn from a lecture team who include established screenwriters.
- Have the opportunity to work or study abroad with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.
- Benefit from excellent facilities for film study including a purpose-built theatre.
You'll focus on the practical and critical elements of screenwriting. Through practice-based learning and theoretical study, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to fulfil your potential in the world of film and TV.
Find out more about out screenwriting and film courses, facilities and student projects on the SHU Screen website.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
At every level of the course you’ll write scripts and work with other students to create content. You’ll also have the chance to work with industry professionals. Previous guests have included screenwriters, directors, agents and producers.
You learn through
- workshops
- lectures
- seminars
- group work
- industry visits and field trips
- independent study
- attending film festivals and special screening events
There are opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities – with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing scheme.
Course leaders and tutors
Jonathan Bridle
Senior LecturerJonathan teaches a range of modules at undergraduate level including Introduction to Screenwriting, Creative Careers and Screenwriting Project
Applied learning
Work placements
You’ll be able to work on a radio serial drama or short film production as part of your second year work placement module.
Field trips
We run regular field trips to the Bradford Widescreen Weekend film festival, Berlin International Film Festival, the BFI and BBC Media City. We also have a writers retreat residential trip as part of your third year of study.
Networking opportunities
We have a variety of networking opportunities with organisations such as the BBC, Warp Film, BFI Film Hub North and Sheffield Live. We also bring in a wide range of industry professionals to deliver masterclasses – and even offer one-to-one guidance in some cases. Previous visiting professionals have included screenwriters, agents, directors, producers, new talent co-ordinators and festival organisers.
Competitions
There are a range of competitions that recognise student achievement and outstanding contributions to university life. The Hallam Award, for example, recognises exceptional participation in university life, involvement in the Students’ Union, and representation of your peer-groups.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- TV and film screenwriting
- storylining
- script reading
- academic research
- teaching
- film programming
- festival/events planning
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for
- BFI
- Children's Media Festival
- The Showroom
- Doc/Fest
- ITV
- BBC
- Channel 4
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course you work with
- exclusive access to industry standard screenwriting software Final Draft
- specialist cinema equipped with state-of-the-art 4K digital projection, twin 35mm film projectors, DCP projector, large screen and surround sound
- an extensively stocked learning centre with 10000s of DVDs and film books/journals
- a unique collection of archival material on microfiche
- individual viewing facilities for private study with access to the BFI's SIFT database
- dedicated co-working space equipped with flexible desks, large screens, laptop library, comfy seating, and a shared kitchen where you can collaborate with other students in the Department of Humanities, to shape your next big idea
- our Performance Lab with two theatre studios, state-of-the-art lighting and audio rigs, and green room facilities.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 104
This must include at least two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:
- BCC at A Level.
- DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS Levels, EPQ and general studies.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
• Access - at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent.
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.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Cinema And Genre | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Film Analysis | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Film Consumption | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Reading Scripts | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Writing For The Screen | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Writing Visual Stories | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Developing The Premise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: Half Hour Script | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Ideas Into Action | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: British Cinema | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: On The Box | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Rights, Camera, Action | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Screen Storytelling | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Show Business | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
Year 3
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Placement Year | Credits: - |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Final Script | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Scratch Night | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Film Education | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Film Programming | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Games Narratives | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Making Comedy | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: Professional Film Writing | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,415 per year.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Acting, screenwriting and film courses (PDF, 207.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
