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Master of Arts - Scriptwriting (Theatre and Digital Media)

University of Essex

Colchester Campus — Colchester, East of England, United Kingdom

Study Level
Postgraduate · Master's Degree
Duration
To be confirmed
Study Mode
To be confirmed
Next Intake
October 2026
Tuition Fee
GBP 23,875
Application Fee
None listed
Scholarships Available
None listed
Post-Study Work Information
Graduate Route: Verify before applying
Application Status
Open — confirm with Eagle Link (Not confirmed)

Program information is subject to institution confirmation. Fees, deadlines, intakes and entry requirements may change.

Overview

Develop as a scriptwriter by learning with professional and award-winning dramatists. In the University of Essex MA Scriptwriting (Theatre and Digital Media) students produce a varied portfolio of dramatic works, culminating in a full-length original play, which will enable them to hone and develop their own unique voice. At Essex, they believe that the joint engagement of practice and theory produces a deep understanding of how drama works. They combine critical study of dramatic texts with practical workshops, so that students nurture their understanding of the playwright’s craft in order to produce their own new work. This course focuses on the range of possibilities that exist for contemporary drama, with an emphasis on British and Irish drama, and students also explore topics including: the principles of dramatic structure and scene construction, the origins and possibilities of poetic theatre and verse drama, options for poetic practice or novel-writing, and writing screenplays. The dissertation gives students the chance to write a full-length play with one-to-one supervision from an award-winning playwright tutor. Essex is ranked first in the UK for drama in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and top 5 for dance, drama and cinematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020. This course will be of interest to those who wish to pursue a career in many areas of the arts, creative writing and media. Essex also invites professional playwrights and other theatre practitioners to provide students with specialist master classes. Recent class leaders have included David Eldridge, Paul Sirett, Lisa Goldman, David Thacker, Mike Attenborough, Annie Castledine, Bobby Baker, Robert Holman, Tony Casement, Steve Waters and Gari Jones. A number of Essex's Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies graduates have gone on to undertake successful careers as scholars, university lecturers, teachers, publishers, publishers’ editors, journalists, arts administrators, theatre artistic directors, drama advisers, and translators.
Faculty / school
—
Field of study
—
Credential
Master's Degree
Relationship
Available Through Eagle Link

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

English-language requirements

English-language requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

Fees & Costs

Tuition fee
GBP 23,875
Application fee
None listed
Deposit required
Not listed
Estimated other compulsory fees
Not listed — confirm with Eagle Link.

Institution fees are paid according to the institution's instructions. Any Eagle Link service fee is shown on an Eagle Link invoice before payment. See our Payments Policy.

Scholarships

No scholarship is currently listed for this program. Explore scholarships and funding.

Scholarships are competitive and may change, close or be withdrawn. Eagle Link does not guarantee that any student will receive a scholarship.

Intakes & Deadlines

Upcoming intakes
October 2026, October 2027, October 2028
Application deadline
Confirm with Eagle Link
Application status
Confirm with Eagle Link
Intake availability
Not confirmed

Campus & Location

Colchester Campus

Colchester, East of England, United Kingdom

Wivenhoe Park

Colchester Campus campus, photo 1 Colchester Campus campus, photo 2 Colchester Campus campus, photo 3 Colchester Campus campus, photo 4

Post-Study Work / Immigration Information

Please confirm current eligibility with Eagle Link before applying.

Graduate Route
Verify before applying

The Graduate Route applies after successful completion of an eligible course with a licensed student sponsor that has a track record of compliance. It is not guaranteed by attending a particular institution.

Official source

Eagle Link does not guarantee visa approval and does not make immigration decisions.

About the Institution

The University of Essex is a school where curiosity prevails, and where exploring new ways of thinking and pushing boundaries, isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. The University of Essex was named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2018 for their determination to do things differently and put student success at the centre of everything they do. Essex boasts a massive 350-mile coastline, the 2nd longest of any county in England. There’s plenty to explore across the county, from countryside walks to award-winning beaches. Students can even try a plate of freshly caught...

View University of Essex

Program information last verified 8 October 2026.