Screen Studies

Course Overview

The M.Phil. in Screen Studies at Trinity offers the opportunity to focus on writing for different screens, studying historical and theoretical trends, or undertaking documentary filmmaking in a critically informed and creative context.
At every step of the way your progress will be informed by an emphasis on critical thinking and creative practice. In addition, the course aims to develop the key transferable skills required for postgraduate study. These include research preparation, time management and oral and written presentation skills.

The M.Phil. in Screen Studies allows students to develop the skills required to write successfully for a range of different screens in a critically informed and creative context, supported by the latest developments in gaming and digital content. It comprises 60 ECTS of taught modules and a 30-ECTS research component.

Is This Course For Me?
The objective of the programme is to prepare screenwriters who can adapt to an industry that recreates itself regularly around technological advances. Students will select their chosen platform(s) when preparing their portfolio, bring their writing to industry standard and complete their studies with a research project screenplay in their chosen area of interest: feature film, television, on-demand broadcast, documentary, or adaptation. In addition to the one-year full-time programme, the Screenwriting programme is offered part-time over two years.

Course Structure
All students take six taught modules and complete a Research Project. You put together a pathway that suites your interests. For instance, if you wanted to focus on writing for screens, you would undertake the following core screenwriting modules and select from elective modules to create the pathway that meets your interests and goals.

M.Phil. in Screen Studies (full-time pathway)

Screenwriting*
3 Core Writing Modules x 10 ECTS
Research Project 30 ECTS

FS7020 Screenwriting
FS7040 Writing for Small Screens
FS7041 Writing for the Big Screen

3 Elective Modules x10 ECTS
FS7015 Creative Documentary
FS7014 Introduction to Editing
FS7031 Digitial Storyworlds
FS7042 Writing for Computer Games 1
FS7044 Writing for Computer Games 2
FS7046 Transnational CInemas

* These module titles are for illustration purposes only; the School reserves the right to change modules.

The full-time programme consists of two elements:
1. 6 taught modules (10 ECTS each) delivered equally across two semesters (60 ECTS)
2. Research Project (30 ECTS)

The part-time programme consists of two elements:
1. Year 1 (40 ECTS) = 3 core modules (30 ECTS) + 1 elective module (10 ECTS)
2. Year 2 (50 ECTS) = 2 elective modules (20 ECTS) + Research Project (30 ECTS)

Research Projects
1. A research project screenplay
AND
2. A critical reflection of 3,500-4,000 words.

The exact nature and length of the research project screenplay will be agreed between the student and the course coordinator and can include a feature film, a series of short films, an adaptation, television screenplay, or on-demand series. It could also include a video essay if that was more in keeping with the pathway you chose.

Creative Writing Sample (short story, screenplay, extract from a novel)

Screen Studies (M.Phil.) - Full-Time 30/JUN/2024
Screen Studies (M.Phil.) - 2 Years - Part-Time 30/JUN/2024

Assessment is by a combination of coursework and dissertation:
- Each module will be assessed by a combination of written and/or practice based assignments as appropriate and class participation. Total ECTS: 60.

- Dissertation of approximately 12,000-15,000 words and Research Methodologies assessment. Total ECTS: 30.

One year Full Time/One year Part Time

Next Intake 1 September 2024

Career Opportunities
This course prepares students for a variety of careers in Screenwriting. Our graduates have also pursued careers in the film and television industry, digital media, advertising, marketing, arts administration, as well as further research.