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Screenwriting
- Ages: 18+
- Term: Autumn
- Length: 10 weeks
Overview
Every successful screen project begins with a strong script. This course focuses on how ideas are shaped, developed and prepared for screen, helping you build the skills and confidence needed to approach screenwriting with clarity and purpose.
To book your place today, simply click Book Now to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.
Course information
You’ll explore the essential craft elements of screenwriting – from story structure and character development to dialogue, genre conventions and professional formatting, while developing your own original work for the screen.
Led by Emmy-nominated scriptwriter Mike Garley, this 10-week course offers a clear, practical introduction to writing for TV, film and online platforms. Writing for screen is a unique creative challenge, requiring both imagination and a solid understanding of how stories function within industry and audience expectations.
Throughout the course, you’ll be encouraged to either develop a brand-new concept or refine an existing idea. Teaching is delivered through an engaging mix of tutor-led presentations, video examples, script analysis and group activities, creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
You’ll explore key development tools such as treatments, synopses and adaptation, alongside practical guidance on professional script layout and presentation. Through the analysis of selected scenes from films, television series and online narrative content, you’ll gain insight into how scripts translate to screen.
Alongside the creative process, the course also addresses the realities of the industry. You’ll discuss expectations, pathways and potential next steps, gaining an honest understanding of what it means to continue developing as a screenwriter beyond the classroom.
This course is ideal for complete beginners, as well as those with some prior knowledge who want to strengthen their understanding and take their writing further.
- An introduction to screenwriting and genre conventions
- Understanding the core craft elements of dramatic screenwriting, including structure, characterisation, dialogue and professional formatting
- Insight into writing with a production studio or client brief in mind
- Exploration of treatments, synopses and adaptation
- Group discussion and constructive feedback to develop ideas and concepts
- Weekly offline resources, including professional scripts, presentations and sample industry documents
- Creative homework tasks designed to highlight the demands of screenwriting craft
- An overview of industry expectations, including how to present yourself and your work
- Honest, practical guidance, and personal insights, into navigating the industry after the course
Timetable
- Week 1: Storytelling basics
- Week 2: Genre and tone
- Week 3: Opening sequences
- Week 4: Theme
- Week 5: Arena and scene
- Week 6: Characters
- Week 7: Dialogue
- Week 8: Editing and feedback
- Week 9: Alternative structures
- Week 10: Writer's Room
At the end of the course you'll:
- Have a clear overview of the industry, its expectations and how to progress within it, along with the necessary tools to write compelling original scripts.
You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.
Will I be assessed?
No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback, so you know how you're getting on.
You’ll be given assignments to carry out in your own time outside the sessions, so you continue to consolidate and progress your scriptwriting skills.
What you need to know
Autumn term 2026
Tuesday 6 October – 8 December 2026 (10 Tuesday evenings, 18.00–21.00)
Age
Suitable for adults aged 18+.
Level
Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.
Experience or qualifications required
None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.
If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.
£375
Any additional costs
There are no additional costs for this course.
Additional materials and resources will be provided by AUB and is included in your course fee.
- Notebook and pens/pencils to take notes
- A good imagination and an open mind
Suggested Suppliers
Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you
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Meet your tutor
Mike Garley
Mike Garley is an Emmy-nominated writer, who's written for Adventure Time, Wallace and Gromit and Image Comics’ 24 panels anthology.
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More information about evening and weekend courses
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We're a first-choice provider of art and design short courses for anyone wishing to engage in art and design subjects in their spare time.
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Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.
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