Dramatic writing seeks to engage an audience in character-driven, narrative storytelling.

The roles of scriptwriter, screenwriter and playwright are key to performance and production in drama across theatre, movies, television and radio. The value of a good script, and therefore the value of a talented, skilled and resourceful writer, is on the ascendant.

Focusing on the writer as a crucial part of a culture of production and making, MA Dramatic Writing fosters an on-going engagement with, and debate between, their voice, intelligence, craft and practice as a working writer.

The Course:

• recognises that in the contemporary ‘scriptwriting industry’, writers are increasingly required to, and aspire to, work across various media and forms, often concurrently;
• explores the universal similarities and key differences across the contrasting terrains of dramatic storytelling – for stage, screen, audio and digital platforms
• engages with both traditional forms and innovation in the practice of dramatic writing and storytelling across contemporary theatre, radio, television, film and digital media;
• examines and debates the core territories of scriptwriting, script development and script production;

and

• promotes a critical exploration of convention and origination in dramatic form.

Central to the Course ethos is an active engagement with industry and practice across media and forms: the Course is positioned firmly within the context of the contemporary UK industry, and will be informed and inspired by an international context. The course has been designed by a team of industry advisors, and students will experience on-going teaching, mentoring and guidance from professional practitioners working at the forefront of the industry from across all media.

From the outset, the course asks and expects students to think, act and work like practising professionals – like working writers. Students practice alongside and collaborate with peers in related courses in the Centre for Performance in order that they can develop their writing with the directors, actors, designers, animators and producers at the College.

We prepare students to thrive as professional practitioners by combining broad study across dramatic media/forms with the ethos of performance, production and innovation that defines the Centre for Performance at Central Saint Martins. Scriptwriting courses tend to focus on the ‘how to’ of scripts; this programme, however, not only explores writing skills and craft, but centres on how the writer puts their voice and vision into practice.

The course promotes:

• Collaboration in ethos and practice, and the testing and realisation of work
• Professional approach to and presentation of the work
• Breadth of understanding combined with individual specialisation
• Investment in the central importance of the writer’s voice and vision
• Personal and Professional Development as on-going practice
• Mentoring of students and a community of peer support
• Cross-programme and inter-disciplinary collaboration at CSM, including with: MA Collaborative Performance; MA Acting; MA Screen: Acting; MA Screen: Directing; MA Performance Design and Practice; MA Character Animation
• Proactive engagement with the cultures and networks of performance and production at the College, the wider UAL, and across London as a world renowned hub of drama production and the wider creative industries.

The Course is of 60 weeks in duration, arranged across two academic years that consist of 6 terms of 10 weeks.

MADW is credit rated at 180 credits and is comprised of two Units: Unit 1 (60 credits) for the first 20 weeks of the Course followed by Unit 2 (120 credits) that runs for the remaining 40 weeks.

Both units must be passed in order to achieve the MA, but the classification of the award of MA derives from your mark for Unit 2 only.

Unit 1: Writing Skills

This unit engages with the core skillset and debates surrounding the theory and practice of dramatic scriptwriting, exploring both what media/disciplines share and where they differ, including:

• Examining media, form and format – understanding the dramatic writing landscape
• Analysing scriptwriting as production, performance and ‘output’
• Writing as creation – forging, crafting and testing ideas, concepts and worlds
• Writing character – bringing them to life through action and empathy
• Writing story – purpose and effect in character and action
• Writing as preparation - experimentation and collaboration in development
• Effective story structures – from traditional to non-linear and post-dramatic
• Writing  the scripted format – mastering the transition from page to production
• Writing in earnest - preparing the story and planning the script
• Rewriting in development – utilising process to make progress
• The art, practice and business of ‘pitching’ - getting your story and voice across

Unit 2: The Writer’s Voice and Vision

This unit establishes and progresses the writer’s personal project and portfolio pathway through the main part of the MA. The focus will be developed and agreed in consultation with lecturers and professional mentoring. Students will develop their personal portfolio alongside continuing team and group collaboration in which work can be tried, tested, explored and reworked. Alongside, and integral to both will remain the on-going exploration and conversation surrounding the principles of story, voice and craft, engendering an appreciation of creativity, practicality and resilience, towards the goal of fostering dramatic writers who are unique in their approach, successful in their practice, and confident of their aims and intentions.

Each MA cohort will contribute to a Dramatic Writer’s ‘handbook’, which will evolve over time and be available to previous and future students as an organic record and ‘toolkit’ of the individual and collected thoughts, ideas, inspirations, concerns and difficulties experienced by dramatic writers at a crucial and formative stage in their development as an artist.

Units 1 and 2 will feature on-going opportunities to workshop, perform and produce work as writers progress on their journey through the MA, culminating in a season of showcased new work which contributes to the wider Central Saint Martins graduation show and experience.

Graduates from MA Dramatic Writing will be equipped to work with creativity and focus in diverse environments, and to design and explore their own ways of working, confident in building and maintaining working relationships, yet also aware of their unique role in being the ‘champions’ of the story.

The aspiration for graduates is that they are prepared to embark on professional practice as dramatic writers and storytellers with:

• a knowledge of dramatic media and forms, an understanding of the landscape and practice of dramatic writing, and an insight into what constitutes successful writing and writers
• a range of technical facilities and capabilities, such as script formatting, project planning, dramatic structure, re-writing
• a body of practice-based projects, experience, and finished scripted works
• an appreciation of their developing voice as an artist, with the imagination and confidence that such self-reflection can afford

Entry to MA Dramatic Writing requires you to have:

• an Honours degree;
  or
• evidence of experiential learning equivalent to an Honours degree;
  or
• 3 years relevant professional experience.

 English language requirement

All classes are conducted in English. The standard English language requirement for entry is IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in any one paper, or equivalent. If English is not your first language, you must send us your English language test score together with your application to prove your level of proficiency. We cannot consider your application unless or until you fulfil the English language requirement.

If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please indicate this clearly on your application form. When you have received your test score, please send it to us immediately. For further information visit the Language Centre website.
 
Applicants who will need a Tier 4 General Student Visa should check the External English Tests page, which provides important information about UK Border Agency (UKBA) requirements.

What we look for

MA Dramatic Writing welcomes discussion with potential applicants regarding the appropriateness of initial proposals, and encourages applicants to take every opportunity to make contact in advance of application. Do please contact us to come and look round and meet a member of the Centre for Performance Academic Administration (cfp.admin@csm.arts.ac.uk)

We are looking for applicants with a background or demonstrable interest in scriptwriting, development or production across theatre, film, television, radio and digital media. Although it particularly suits individuals interested in narrative art forms, it may also attract those involved in broader performance-related practices.

Appropriate related backgrounds include script development and dramaturgy, producing, directing, acting, creative writing.

Your application must include:

• Your application form, references and copies of your qualifications,
• Supporting material in the form of up to two dramatic scripts written for any medium (theatre, film, television, related, digital platform), one of which must be of at least 20 minutes in length.
• A statement (1,000-1500 words) explaining your aspirations as a writer in the context of your understanding of the course and the profession

Although we treat all work with the greatest care and respect, the college cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to the work or documents you submit. Please therefore do not send any original documents.

Selection criteria

Your application will be assessed on the basis of:

• The quality of your supporting material and statement
• Your critical abilities and awareness of the cultural and social context within which you practice
• Your communication skills and preparedness to participate collaboratively in debate and practice
• Evidence that you have the confidence and ability to benefit from and contribute to the learning environment at postgraduate level.
  

References help determine whether the personal and professional aspirations of the applicant are compatible with the aims and outcomes of the course. Selection is by two members of staff (normally the Course Leader and one other). Offers are normally made based on the assessment of the application against the selection criteria and consideration of the references. In a minority of instances to help clarify an application, the admissions team may invite the applicant to interview.

Interviews give the opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate an objective, critical and reflective relationship to their work. If possible, it is a good idea to bring examples of work produced since you made your application.

Home/EU and International applicants

Download your MA Dramatic Writing application pack: 

• MA Dramatic Writing application form - home/EU and international [Word, 0.1mb]

The application form contains detailed information on the application process.

Your application must include:

• A completed application form
• Copies of your qualification certificates, including your IELTS score if English is not your first language.
• a statement (1,000-1500 words) explaining your aspirations as a writer in the context of your understanding of the course and the profession.
• Two references - at least one should be an academic or professional reference
• Supporting material in the form of up to two dramatic scripts written for any medium (theatre, film, television, related, digital platform), one of which must be of at least 20 minutes in length

Please ensure you send all these items at the same time - we need all the information to consider your application. We recommend you send your application by recorded mail. Due to the large number of applications we get, we're unable to send confirmation that your application has been received. Although we treat all work with the greatest care and respect, we cannot accept any responsibility for loss of or damage to the work you submit.

Further information for Home / EU applicants

Our website includes all the information you need to successfully apply. However, if you still have unanswered questions about the admissions process, please contact us. Email: info@csm.arts.ac.uk

Please send your completed application to: Student Administration, MA Dramatic Writing, Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, University of the Arts London, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA.

Further information for International applicants

Our website includes all the information you need to successfully apply. However, if you still have unanswered questions about the admissions process, please contact us. Email: international@csm.arts.ac.uk

The University has a dedicated team to help prepare you for your studies. For help on visa requirements, housing, tuition fees and language requirements visit the University's International section.

The Language Centre offers international students quality language training from qualified and experienced teachers. The Pre-sessional Academic English Programme is available to all international (non-EU) students who have been offered a place on a full time course at the University of the Arts. For further information visit the Language Centre website.

We also offer a number of short courses that enable students to improve their portfolios and English skills before applying to their chosen course. For further information visit our Short Course section.

Please send your completed application to: International Office, MA Dramatic Writing, Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, University of the Arts London, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA.

When to apply

All applications should be submitted between 1 January and 30 June. Please be aware that as places are limited it is advisable to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.  AHRC deadline 1 March 2012.

You will be informed of the decision via either the School Office or the International Office.

Deferred entry

Entry can only be deferred in exceptional circumstances. Please contact us before submitting your application if you're considering applying for deferred entry.

What happens next?

We read and consider all application forms and personal references. Please note that particular attention is given to the statement, the supporting material and your references.

Subject to you meeting the entry requirements, preliminary selection is based on consideration of your application form, your Personal Statement, and supporting material (please see above).

You may be invited to attend an interview. If this is the case, you will be asked to bring a portfolio of your latest work.  For candidates applying for external funding, interviews will be scheduled prior to funding body deadlines.

Can't attend the interview?

If you are unable to attend for interview, the MA Dramatic Writing Course Leader would hope to discuss your application by telephone or Skype.

In the case of applicants unable to attend for interview and unable to discuss their application by telephone, a decision regarding the offer of a place on the course will be made on the basis of a second review of the application materials. We keep notes about decisions made following the initial application review and any interview process.

Open days

Open days are a great opportunity to meet staff and students and to find out at first hand about courses, teaching and student life. Visit the open day section for dates to book your session. Bookings can only be made online, not by phone or email.