Master's Programme in Film and Television - Screenwriting

Study objectives

The aim of the Master's degree studies in Screenwriting for Film and Television is to strengthen the student's artistic skills, competence and ability to build their individual expression in film narration. The student learns to apply their skills in production-related process work and group work and is also capable of long-term, independent work. They are familiar with the entire process of film and television production, the many possible working roles and tasks of screenwriters and the practices and agreements of the field. The master’s degree student becomes familiar with the central theoretical questions of screenwriting for film and is able to conduct relevant research.

Education content

The Master's degree studies in Screenwriting for Film and Television consist of advanced studies in screenwriting, elective studies, and joint studies in the Master's Programme in Film and Television.

In the advanced studies of the major subject, the student learns screenwriting for different forms and genres of film and television. Reflecting professional practices, gradual progress and feedback is integrated in the work methods of screenwriting courses, which are implemented both as individual projects and as group work. Studies in the theory of screenwriting support writing work and provide broader perspectives into the tradition and future of the field.

The basic idea of the education is to enable the development of the student's individual expression and creative personality. The elective studies included in the student's personal curriculum are planned to support this goal. In addition to the student's major, elective studies can also be selected from other major subjects at Aalto University or from other universities. In the joint studies of Film and Television, the student familiarises themselves with entire field of film and television producing, its various job descriptions and practices from both an artistic and production perspective. Joint studies also include theoretical studies that encourage holistic artistic reflection and that are related to creator-oriented research.

As a master's thesis, the student prepares an artistically high-quality manuscript as an independent project or by working as a screenwriter in a joint thesis film created by a student group in the field of film and design. The thesis work also includes a research section in which the student covers a topic that is relevant personally to the student and to the professional field of screenwriting.

Further information about the contents of the programme can be found in the degree requirements for 2020–2022. 

About language of instruction

The language of instruction in the Master’s Programme in Film and Television, major in Screenwriting is Finnish. However, part of the courses are taught in English. The degree can be completed in English.

Career opportunities

Students who major in Screenwriting specialise and are employed in artistic work in films (screenwriters, screenwriter directors, screenwriter producers), artistic production work in television (TV scriptwriters, script and story editors, producers, assistant producers), as developers in the game industry, entrepreneurs and social actors (production companies, television channels, institutions in the field) and as teachers (universities and universities of applied science).

Programme-specific Admission Procedure and Evaluation Criteria

What we look for in an applicant?

We value the following skills and competences: an understanding of drama, visual storytelling ability, process work skills, group work skills, understanding details as well as the bigger picture, and a readiness to observe, recognise, and create special and important works in the field of screenwriting for film and television.

Evaluation criteria

Will be updated during autumn 2020.