This postgraduate course prepares you for work in recorded drama and related fields by bringing together the key artistic functions that go towards the making of filmed drama. MA Screen: Directing, Writing is delivered in close collaboration with MA Screen: Acting.

At the heart of MA Screen: Directing, Writing is the growth of individual creativity, achieved through constant opportunities for working on camera-based projects with colleagues from other pathways. MA Screen: Directing, Writing course components include acting skills and practice, the creation and production of video dramas (shot both in the studio and on location), live devised performances, and in-depth preparation for the profession (including interview and audition techniques).

Distinctive features of MA Screen: Directing, Writing are:

• A performance-led approach to recorded drama
• A company operating model
• The acquisition of a deep understanding of the processes leading to the creation and communication of recorded drama
• A quasi-professional learning model that prepares you for direct entry to the world of work
• The realisation of new writing or adaptations through performance-led models
• A focus on the technical aspects of production
• A mentoring scheme connecting students with experienced professionals.

MA Screen: Directing, Writing lasts 45 weeks over 12 months and is structured as units - class-based to begin with, but increasingly project-geared over time. This postgraduate course is intensive. You'll be expected to commit 40 hours per week to classes, rehearsals and shoots, and to your own independent preparation and learning.

Students who come to MA Screen: Directing, Writing expect a focused experience with a high level of autonomous learning. The MA course's practical elements contribute to the intensity of the experience, sharpening your professional ability to deliver on time, on budget and at an appropriate level.

MA Screen: Directing, Writing has a very small intake. It collaborates closely with MA Screen: Acting to give you a broader understanding of the profession. Because we believe empathy with acting and actors is an integral part of directing and writing, the early part of the MA course in particular engages with the discipline of acting.

There are two pathways to choose from: Directing OR Writing.

Traditionally, screen director training fails to address the challenges of working with performers. Our Directing Pathway confronts that challenge while developing your individual approach and creative voice. The pathway features a programme of acting skills, an extended programme of directing skills, two video drama projects, a devised project, and an extended programme of professional preparation.

If you feel your writing would benefit from interaction with fellow screen creatives, the Writing Pathway lets you discuss, workshop and test your writing in depth and detail with directors, actors and others before seeing at least one of your scripts realised. The pathway features a programme of acting skills, an extended programme of writing skills, two video drama projects, a programme of improvisation and devising skills, and an extended programme of professional preparation.

The MA course culminates in a series of short screen projects produced in collaboration with student (and sometimes professional) actors, directors and writers. Projects are screened for an invited industry audience that includes agents and casting directors.

Assessment

Assessment is practical, based on performance and class work. There is no formal written examination, though you will be expected to carry out and present extensive research, as well as deliver practice-informed reflective journal summaries.

Our training equips you to work in drama realised on film, television and radio. Some MA Screen: Directing, Writing graduates have gone on to work on the stage. An impressive list of performers and a number of world-famous directors have emerged from courses at the Drama Centre London.

Alumni include Paul Bettany, Pierce Brosnan, Simon Callow, Frances de la Tour, Paola Dionisotti, Colin Firth, Tara Fitzgerald, Anastasia Hille, Geraldine James, Helen McCrory, Jack Shepherd, John Simm, Colin Tierney, Lambert Wilson, Penelope Wilton and many more.

Adrian Noble (for ten years Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company); film writer and director David Leland; novelist Esther Freud, television director Jan Sargent and BAFTA winners Rungano Nyoni are among our graduates.

To read alumni profiles visit the former students page.

Industry links

Industry directly informs our training through lectures from professionals, either as full-time teachers or as visiting lecturers or directors. Towards the end of the MA course, representatives of film production companies, casting directors, producers and agents are invited to attend screenings. All students are linked through a mentoring scheme to experienced professionals who advise, support and guide them in the early stages of their careers. An Advisory Board that includes senior representatives of the profession actively assists Drama Centre London. Current board members include Declan Donnellan, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Adrian Noble and Max Stafford-Clark.

Minimum entry requirements

MA Screen: Directing, Writing entry requirements are: Degree or a Level 3 Diploma from a recognised professional drama or dance school (e.g. a member of The Conference of Drama Schools or The Council for Dance Education and Training); an Honours degree in a discipline outside performance plus demonstrable performance-related experience, either professionally or within an amateur or student context; or at least three years' professional experience as performer, director or writer.

English language requirement

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you send us an English language test score together with your application to prove your level of proficiency. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please clearly indicate this on your application form. When you have received your test score, please send it to us immediately. The standard English language requirement for entry is IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in any one paper, or equivalent. 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. 

International applicants

The International Office at Central Saint Martins is your first point of contact for any questions you may have regarding courses, programmes, admissions, or who to contact in other parts of the University of the Arts London. Feel free to contact us if you're in London - we offer a special service to advise you on your chosen course. To make an appointment, please email us at least two weeks before your visit.

International Office
Central Saint Martins
Granary Building
1 Granary Square
London N1C 4AA
tel: +44 (0)20 7514 7027
fax: +44 (0)20 7514 8013
email: international@csm.arts.ac.uk

UAL 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 language training from qualified and experienced teachers. The Pre-sessional Academic English Programme is available to international (non-EU) students. 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.

What we look for

We're looking for students ready to take on an extremely demanding profession, who are mature and self-confident, and who are willing to take criticism and turn it to their advantage while preserving a sense of humour. You'll need to be resourceful and committed to following a postgraduate programme of study that's screen-oriented, exploratory and geared to the needs of the profession. We interview all applicants.

MA Screen: Directing, Writing is aimed primarily at graduates and mature students who can apply a high degree of independence to their learning. Successful candidates bring to the course an understanding of drama in its various contexts plus an ability to work autonomously for sustained periods with the necessary focus and resilience. As MA Screen: Directing, Writing puts a strong emphasis on collaboration within an ensemble, you're expected to show openness, flexibility and generosity in the context of the creative group.

The vocational nature of MA Screen: Directing, Writing implies a high degree of proficiency at entry. We do, however, balance this against perceived potential, especially where we identify a clear understanding of the profession and a realistic view of career development and employment prospects.

Selection criteria and process - Directing Pathway

Your application, interview, film discussion and directing exercise will be assessed for:

Essential criteria:

• High level of intellectual engagement
• High interactive awareness and adaptability
• Confident, sensitive and flexible collaboration
• High awareness of and interest in screen
• Personal creative vision
• Basic technological awareness

Desirable criteria:

• Basic experience of screen

Admission to the Directing Pathway is by interview and presentation of prepared material.

Stage I

• An interview discussing aspects of a film and its screenplay for which the candidate has been asked to prepare
• An interview focusing on the candidate's understanding and knowledge of the profession

Stage II

Following the initial interview we use a recall system, normally on the same day. The second phase of the process includes:

• Preparation of a scene from a second film (indicated in advance)
• Work with two acting students and presentation of the prepared scene
• Discussion of the scene presented with the possibility of revisiting Stage I text in the light of Stage II experience

Some candidates may also be asked to act in simple improvisations and devising exercises alongside their peers or fellow candidates.

Selection criteria and process - Writing Pathway:

Your application, own dramatic writing and extended interview will be assessed for:

Essential criteria:

• High level of intellectual engagement
• High interactive awareness and adaptability
• Confident, sensitive and flexible collaboration
• High awareness of and interest in screen
• Basic understanding and execution of narrative structure
• Highly developed writing skills
• Personal creative vision

Desirable criteria:

• Basic experience of screen

Admission to the Writing Pathway is by submission of the candidate's own dramatic writing and extended interview.

Stage I

Candidates submit two short (1,500-3,000 words) samples of drama writing for screen, radio or stage. Our admissions panel reads your writing samples to assess your ability to create character, plot and narrative structure, and to use language appropriately. You'll also submit a brief statement (500-1,000 words) explaining your aspirations as a screenwriter in the context of your understanding of the profession.

Stage II

Following the assessment of written material, selected candidates only are invited for an extended interview comprising:

• Discussion of the candidate's material, with specific reference to the balance between theme and its realisation through character, relationships and action
• Discussion of the richness and appropriateness of the literary aspects of the script or scripts presented
• Discussion of a pre-advised text, with particular focus on the candidate's analytical abilities and sensitivity to the relationship between narrative structures on the one hand and character, action and language on the other

Some candidates may also be asked to act in simple improvisations and devising exercises alongside their peers or fellow candidates.

On interview days you'll be looked after by current students who will do their utmost to guide you around the Centre, answer your questions and help you relax so you can give the best account of your potential. Interviews normally involve at least one member of the profession.

Please note that interviews for both pathways sometimes finish around 7.30pm and you may need to make appropriate travel arrangements.

Interviews, auditions, application advice

Drama Centre London interviews or auditions all applicants. Once we've received your application form you'll be sent an audition/interview pack. You must complete the form contained in the pack and return it with the fee of £40. We recommend you choose as early an audition date as possible. From November onwards, updates on the availability of audition dates (between March and November) and application deadlines will be shown on our website.

Your personal statement should give us information about yourself and why you want to join the course. (Write between 300-500 words)

. What are you doing at the moment educationally, professionally, personally?
. Why do you wish to study on this course?
. Do you have any relevant experience?
. Why do you think you are a suitable candidate for acceptance?

Interviews for MA Screen: Directing, Writing are pathway specific. Candidates must state their chosen pathway on application. However, our admission process includes a discussion on the appropriateness of your pathway choice - if you want to change your pathway you can do so after interview. Once we've received your application we'll tell you which screenplays to prepare for interview.

Home/EU and International applicants

Download your MA Screen: Directing, Writing application pack:

• MA Screen: Directing, Writing application pack - home/EU and international [Word, 0.5mb]

Each form contains detailed information about the application process.

Your application must include:

• A completed application form
• Copies of your latest qualifications certificates
• A personal statement
• Two references, at least one should be an academic or professional reference

Please return your completed application to: Student Administration, MA Screen: Directing, 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

Applications can be submitted throughout the academic year. 

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.

Open days

View the latest information under news and events on Drama Centre London's website. 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.