Module Information
Module Identifier
FM17320
Module Title
Writing Continuing TV Drama
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Written portfolio Half a full-length episode script and Scene by scene (15 min of drama). 3000 Words | 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Written portfolio Half a full-length episode script and Scene by scene (15 min of drama). 3000 Words | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. To conduct a close critical analysis of the extent and depth of writing long-form drama.
2. To understand the way stories develop and the need to keep the audience engaged.
3. To use personal experience to create and embellish dramatic form while simultaneously making good use of rigorous methods of investigation and analysis of other works.
4. To create a script which demonstrates an awareness of the requirements of long-form drama.
Brief description
The module introduces students to key concepts in scriptwriting, through using a form that they are likely to be familiar with, that of soap or long-form drama.
The module introduces not only the planning, researching, scripting, and reworking processes that are inherent to all scriptwriting, but also to the professional working environment by encouraging collaboration, and an awareness of the production environment.
The module introduces not only the planning, researching, scripting, and reworking processes that are inherent to all scriptwriting, but also to the professional working environment by encouraging collaboration, and an awareness of the production environment.
Content
Week 1: Introduction to soap and the importance of story.
Week 2: The storyline conference.
Week 3: Continuation of storyline and writing the story document.
Week 4: Research skills for writers.
Week 5: Writing a script structuring and scene by scene.
Week 6: Writing scenes from the storyline.
Week 7: Reworking the scenes.
Week 8: How to write an episode.
Week 9: Layout key things you need to know.
Week 10: How to get work out there, with guest if possible.
Week 2: The storyline conference.
Week 3: Continuation of storyline and writing the story document.
Week 4: Research skills for writers.
Week 5: Writing a script structuring and scene by scene.
Week 6: Writing scenes from the storyline.
Week 7: Reworking the scenes.
Week 8: How to write an episode.
Week 9: Layout key things you need to know.
Week 10: How to get work out there, with guest if possible.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | |
| Communication | Written communication skills are at the heart of all the work a student does. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Students are expected to drive their own learning and to develop their own unique creative approaches. |
| Information Technology | Students will be required to make full use of the library facilities and master internet research and computer-based script formats which are usual within the industry. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | This will be discussed over the course, with the final session focused on career planning. |
| Problem solving | This element is not assessed directly, however all scriptwriting involves problem solving: what type of character will best convey a particular theme? What plot devices will most effectively propel the story to the next plot point? The effectiveness with which the author has solved problems is evident in the quality of the finished product. |
| Research skills | The outline will reflect the student’s ability to read widely and to view long-form drama with a critical eye. They will have to apply this knowledge to make informed decisions about their own work. |
| Subject Specific Skills | An understanding of structure, dialogue, description, how to bring a story to life, and working in a three-dimensional form are all specific skills associated with scriptwriting. |
| Team work | Students will have the opportunity to access and give feedback on each other’s work, this is particularly relevant with the collaborative story-lining element of the module. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4