Screenwriting

This 10-week course explores all the major elements of dramatic scriptwriting and will have you penning the next big thing for the silver screen in no time.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button 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.

What you need to know

When does it run?

You can study this course in either the autumn or spring term. Choose your preferred term when booking.

Autumn term 2023

Tuesday 3 October – 5 December 2023

Spring term 2024

Tuesday 16 January – 19 March 2024

How long is the course?

10 weeks

What time will your classes be?

18.00-21.00

Where does it take place?

Classes will take place on AUB's campus.

You'll be taught in AUB's industry-standard studios with access to professional resources.

Who's this course suitable for?

This course has been developed for creatives and aspiring scriptwriters aged 18+.

Perfect for anyone who has a passion to learn and develop their writing skills.

It's suitable if you're a beginner or if you've some previous experience and wish to develop your skills further.

Do you need previous experience or qualifications?

This is an introductory course, so no previous knowledge or experience is required.

This course primarily focuses on creativity rather than academia. However, a good level of English is required as all classes and writing projects will be conducted in English.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1202 363222.

How much does this course cost?

£339

What's included in this price?

All course materials and resources.

Are there additional costs?

No, all course materials and resources are included in your course fee.

What should you bring to class?

A notebook and pens/pencils for notes
A good imagination and an open mind

Why should you choose this course?

All course materials and resources included in your course fee – no hidden costs
Come away with enhanced knowledge, skills, and confidence to develop your ideas into written pieces
Expand your knowledge and understanding of the major elements and craft components of dramatic scriptwriting
Evolve your understanding of scriptwriting from beginner-style elements to embracing advanced techniques
Examine how to work to and tackle a brief, including treatment, synopses and adaptations
Improve your creative writing abilities
Explore and experiment with different genre conventions
Understand the realities of the industry: less ‘dare to dream’, more ‘focus and write’
Explore your original voice and discover where your screenwriting talents best lie
Receive expert support and guidance from your industry professional tutor at every turn
Leave with increased confidence and the skills to continue creating beyond the course
Study in an encouraging and friendly setting alongside 14 like-minded creatives

About this course

Taught by Emmy-nominated scriptwriter Mike Garley, this intensive 10-week course explores all the major elements and craft components of dramatic scriptwriting, from structure to characterisation, dialogue, professional formatting and more.

Before a producer, director or editor can start work on a project, the screenwriter must develop a creative and interesting concept. Blending the requirement for an engaging narrative with an idea work on screen, the art of screenwriting is a unique challenge that requires creativity and a thorough understanding of screenwriting and genre conventions.

During each session, you’ll explore a different area of skill using presentations and relevant examples. Individual ideas and projects are welcome to be shared for group feedback discussions.

You'll explore working to a brief: treatment, synopses, adaptations; receive practical advice on layouts and presentation of scripts, and carry out analysis of key sequences from a variety of films.

Similarly, you'll examine and understand the demands and expectations of the industry, which includes how to sell yourself and market your script. Each week you’ll undertake engaging homework assignments to highlight and illustrate the various demands of screenwriting craft.

Screenwriting and genre conventions
Major elements and craft components of dramatic scriptwriting, from structure to characterisation, dialogue, and professional formatting
Ways to work to and tackle a brief, including treatment, synopses and adaptations
Group discussions and feedback to develop ideas and concepts
Examine the demands and expectations of the industry, including how to sell yourself and market your script
Honest and practical guide (along with personal insights!) into making it in the industry once the course is finished

Possess improved writing skills and the tools to write compelling original scripts
Be knowledgable about the film and tv industry and have insight into how to break into it and the realities of what this takes
Be able to write in a variety of different styles and apply your knowledge to a range of genres
Understand all the major elements and craft components of dramatic scriptwriting, from structure to characterisation, dialogue, and professional formatting, and how to exercise these
Not be afraid to experiment and adapt your ideas as you go
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
Have boosted creativity, imagination and enjoyment of writing
Be encouraged to experiment and explore your ideas, remembering that there's no right or wrong way to be creative
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance. To request your certificate contact the short courses team: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or call 01202 363222.

After this course, you could:

Harness your creativity and develop your writing skills in different genres; explore our full range of Creative Writing short courses
Broaden your creative horizons and try your hand at a range of disciplines; explore our full range of evening and weekend courses
Continue to develop your skills at home as a hobby

You'll study at a leading specialist university – we know what we're doing when it comes to providing unparalleled courses
Our tutors are industry professionals, so you'll learn from the best
We cater for all abilities and have no formal entry requirements for this course, so there's nothing holding you back
You'll learn in a safe and encouraging environment where there's no right or wrong way to be creative
You'll learn 'by doing' and always feel fully included and supported
Benefit from our incredible campus and its industry-standard studios, and use state-of-the-art equipment and software to unleash your creativity