Screenwriting for Film & Television

This Master of Arts gives writers the opportunity to explore, experiment and learn the craft of screenwriting, in conjunction with the development and writing of a full-length screenplay.



About the MA in Screenwriting for Film and Television

The MA in Screenwriting for Film and Television is the longest running and was the first MA of its kind in the country. It employs the very best screenwriting tutors in Ireland and each year we offer our students advice and input from the very best writers/producers and directors who visit our programme as panelists and guest speakers.



Each year we invite established directors to workshop scenes from our Master Student’s screenplays with a group of actors – in previous years Lenny Abrahamson, Neil Jordan, Juanita Wilson, Jim Sheridan, Paddy Breathnach, Kirsten Sheridan, Ed Guiney, Neasa Hardiman and many other accomplished directors have dedicated their time and energy to these workshops.



As the year comes to an end we offer our students a chance to meet a number of Irish producers and production companies.



What will I be doing?

Our course aims to inspire you to develop the art and craft of screenwriting and related ancillary skills to a high level. You will have already demonstrated an aptitude for writing (through your undergraduate studies or your portfolio work), and by the end of the course, you will have written a full-length feature script or a pilot episode of a television drama.



You will also acquire an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the craft of screenwriting, and will have gained a clear understanding of the stages of writing from idea to final draft. You will quickly appreciate the opportunities that exist in the film and television industries, as well as matters relating to copyright and contracts.

What modules will I study?

• The Craft of Screenwriting,

• Film Theory and History,

• Dramatic and Literary Traditions,

• Writing Television Drama,

• Main Project.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Honours Degree level.

• Applicants may be considered provided they can demonstrate Honours Degree equivalence, which can be verified through our RPL (recognition of prior learning) process.

• Two references must also support your application.

• Portfolio submission, as part of your application.



What should my portfolio include?

• Substantial relevant written material such as scripts, screenplays, work published or produced for screen or radio, poetry, stories, etc.

• At least two script ideas in your portfolio application. These can be in the form of a synopsis, treatment or first draft.



RPL applicants may be considered. Applicants in this category will be required to present a qualifying essay of a standard that demonstrates their ability to undertake work at MA level.



All applications, including the portfolio, are screened and shortlisted.



Applicants will be required to attend an interview.

IADT operates a rolling admissions policy for graduate taught courses, with decisions issued in 4 weeks after a submitted and complete application is received. An application is incomplete until you provide all required items on the checklist (including the application fee, if applicable).



Generally, courses will remain open to applications until all places are filled.

18 months for 2024/25 with attendance on 2 full days per week, Monday + Tuesday and individual tutorials on Wednesdays.

EU Fees: €6,000

International Fees: €16,000

Start date: October 2024

Future careers

Careers may be found in the film/television industry as screenwriters, script editors and/or in teaching.