Scriptwriting for Beginners: Writing for Radio, Theatre, Film and TV

Do you have an idea for a film, television, radio or theatre script but don’t know how to begin? Have you written a script but need to redraft or reinvigorate it? Would you like to write better dialogue, more exciting plots, or bring your characters to life?

This is a beginners course that provides students with a practical and theoretical guide to scriptwriting. You will learn how to develop characters, story and plot, as well as how to structure your script and write dialogue.

In this course we will focus on writing the beginning of your script, covering the basics of scriptwriting to help you be able to write a full-length script. There will also be a Scriptwriting 2 course, later in the academic year, if you wanted to build and develop your scriptwriting skills.

This is a blended learning module so will involve both online and in-person teaching. The online section of the module is delivered via Blackboard, our online learning environment. You will complete a number of self-paced, units online before attending a day of in-person teaching at Aberystwyth University. You will then complete further activities online and submit your final assessment. Your tutor will provide online support for the duration of the course. The course will provide a safe, supportive space to share work.

This module can be studied as a stand-alone course, but it is also an optional module for the Certificate of Higher Education in Creative Writing at Aberystwyth University.   

Assessments
Script outline 250 words (20%)
Submit the first section of a script; 2500 words (80%)

Note

This module is at CQFW Level 4