Master of Arts Screen: Screenwriting

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FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER IN THE GLOBAL SCREEN INDUSTRY

In the Master of Arts Screen: Screenwriting, you will acquire craft skills to write in all formats, with a special focus on competence in long form (television series and feature film). You will gain a strong understanding of industry and market context for your work and how the role of screenwriter intersects with that of producer. You will learn how to turn a story idea into a viable narrative premise. You will also learn to recognise and develop your distinct creative voice and how to use ‘theme’ in your work to tell impactful stories that matter to you.

In an incubator-style program, you will have ongoing writing deadlines. Through this rigorous practice you will be strongly supported: by your talented peer group; in one-on-one mentorship with screenwriting teachers and through feedback and advice from acclaimed industry professionals. You will work collaboratively on the development and production of screen stories with peers in other disciplines and gain an understanding of the journey from script to screen.

In the final year, you will develop a portfolio of screenplays, and be trained in adjacent development skills including coverage, script editing, and notetaking. By the end of the course, you will have the ability to ideate and execute screenplays that are audience-focused and distinctive.

A range of scholarships are available to successful applicants of the Master of Arts Screen; you will be prompted to apply for them following your submission.

AFTRS scholarships

Go behind the scenes of AFTRS’ Master of Arts Screen: Screenwriting

Is the Master of Arts Screen: Screenwriting right for you?

WHY DO THIS COURSE

The Master of Arts Screen: Screenwriting will equip you with the knowledge you need to forge a sustainable career. Graduates of the AFTRS Screenwriting program are equipped to write long form fiction, as well as work in an array of story development roles including script editor, story consultant and note taker.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Through a combination of craft-based writing workshops and cross-disciplinary collaborations, you will learn the skill set demanded of screenwriters at the industry level.

To practice your craft, you will participate in peer feedback incubators that allow you to develop a major creative work (or set of screenplay documents). Industry practitioners will provide insights into their professional practice and essential feedback on your scripts.

During the course, there will be an opportunity for a professional placement, which aims to support your transition into the industry upon graduation. In the final year, you will have the opportunity to develop your screenwriting through the development of a portfolio of screen documents.

By the end of the course, you will have the ability to generate work that is audience-focussed and distinctive. You will graduate as a versatile storyteller, able to work across a rapidly evolving media landscape.

The course will allow you to consider who you are as a creative practitioner, learning to analyse your process through the development of a practice-based research project. You will understand how your practice is informed by contemporary screen culture and engages with emerging trends and technologies.

For more information download the Master of Arts Screen course guide.

Download MAS Course Guide

Career opportunities

Each year, Master of Arts Screen: Screenwriting alumni help shape a number Australian feature films, television and other screen media are testament to the impact of the AFTRS screenwriting program. Notable screenwriting alumni include Tony McNamara, BAFTA winner and Academy Award nominee for The Favourite (2018) and Golden Globe nominee for The Great (2020); Jacquelin Perske (Love My Way, 2004-2007; Seven Types of Ambiguity, 2017; The Cry, 2017); Julie Kalceff, Emmy, Rose d’Or, GLAAD, and MGFF My Queer Career winner for First Day (2020-2022) and LA, NY, Melbourne and Vancouver Web Fest winner for Starting From Now (2014-2016); and Tony Ayres, AWG nominee for The Home Song Stories (2007) and SPA Award winner for Stateless (2020).

Meet your Lecturers

Kate Stone

Kate is a writer, developer and producer who worked as Head of Development at The Steve Jaggi Company from the…

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Dr Peter Cox

Peter Cox is an award-winning television writer and creator who works across a broad range of genres. Peter’s first series…

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You will learn to

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of theory and practice as a professional screenwriter

Apply a deep understanding of cinematic storytelling to create audience-engaged work for the screen

Implement a creative practice that synthesises specialist knowledge and an understanding of personal process

Apply an adaptable skill set

Demonstrate an ability to collaborate across diverse projects

Get Answers

How to apply

Admission into the Master of Arts Screen is a competitive, merit-based process. All applicants must meet the Admission Requirements, and submit the required Application Tasks.

Submitting your application is an easy, online process. The Application Portal will guide you through each stage and allows you to save and come back to your application any time before the close date.

Applications for the 2025 intake have now closed.

We are committed to accessibility and providing reasonable adjustments through our admissions process. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments, please contact our Admissions Team.

For more information on how to apply, including admission requirements, evidence required, application tasks and what we’re looking for, review the Master of Arts Screen 2025 Application Guidance Notes.

Admission requirements

Admission into the Master of Arts Screen requires you to meet the following:

Prior Education
You are required to meet one of the following categories:

A relevant undergraduate degree at bachelor level or higher OR
Equivalent work experience and/or training

Citizenship/Residency
Admission into the Master of Arts Screen is available to domestic and international students.

You are considered a domestic student for application purposes if you are:

An Australian citizen
A New Zealand citizen
An Australian permanent resident
An Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder

If you do not meet one of these criteria, you will apply as an international student.

English Language Proficiency
International applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency.

The minimum requirement is an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or the equivalent score in an equivalent approved test. English language proficiency test results must be valid within two years at the time of application submission.

For more information on Admission Requirements, and the evidence you’ll be required to submit, review the Master of Arts Screen 2025 Application Guidance Notes.

Application tasks

Admission into the Master of Arts Screen is a competitive, merit-based process. As well as meeting the Admission Requirements, you will need to submit the following application tasks.

Creative Statement
In no more than 3-minutes of audio and/or video, express your approach to audio visual storytelling.

Creative Work
Submit a curation of your work as a key creative with a total run time of up to 15 minutes and 20 pages. Your creative submission should demonstrate your best work in the discipline area you are applying for.

Personal Statement and CV
Submit up to 300 words outlining why you want to study at AFTRS in your chosen discipline, and an updated CV of up to 3 pages.

For more guidance on your Application Tasks, and what we’re looking for, review the Master of Arts Screen 2025 Application Guidance Notes.

Adjustment factors

To ensure AFTRS reflects Australian society, we support the best talent, from all backgrounds into our courses and careers in the screen and audio industries.

Admission into the Master of Arts Screen is based on the competitiveness of your final score, which is your assessment score plus any adjustment factors you may be eligible for.

Adjustment factors are applied automatically based on the information you submit in your application. AFTRS may request documentary evidence to verify your eligibility for Adjustment Factors.

A maximum of 10 adjustment factors applies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Persons Applicants who identify as being of Aboriginal descent, Torres Strait Islander descent or of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Descent.	10
Persons with Disability Applicants who identify as living with disability (as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992)	2
Remoteness Applicants whose residential address outside NSW and/or identified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as being in Inner Regional Australia, Outer Regional Australia, Regional Australia, Remote Australia or Very Remote Australia.	2
Socio-Economic Disadvantage Applicants whose residential address is identified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as being in the lowest 25% on the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage.	2

Fees and scholarships

Tuition Fees
The tuition fees shown above are the indicative course tuition fees, expressed as both a total course cost and per annum cost. They are reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

FEE-HELP
This course is FEE-HELP approved. Refer to the Study Assist website for details.

Scholarships
A range of scholarships are available to successful applicants of the Master of Arts Screen; you will be prompted to apply for them following your submission.

AFTRS scholarships

FEE-HELP and scholarships are available for eligible domestic students only.

International students

AFTRS welcomes international students to apply for this course. You must be aware of your English language proficiency, visa conditions, health insurance and financial obligations you are required to meet as an overseas student.

Please refer to the International Students section for further information.

Admission Requirements
International applicants must meet:

(a) the same academic admission requirements as domestic applicants, and
(b) a minimum English proficiency equivalent to an overall band score of 7.0 IELTS (exemption categories apply).

How to Apply
To apply as an international student, there are several steps you will need to go through:

1. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Ensure that you meet the admission requirements above.

2. GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
You must provide the required application documents when you submit your application. These documents include:

(a) all application tasks,
(b) resume,
as well as certified copies of your:
(c) highest educational qualification,
(d) passport, and
(e) English language proficiency test results.

Documents submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a complete English translation made by an accredited translator.

3. APPLY FOR THE COURSE
Click on Apply Now and set up your account. Once you have your AFTRS login, follow the below steps:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).
2. Upload supporting documentation.
3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the course for which you are applying.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.

If you require assistance, please contact applications@aftrs.edu.au.

4. WAIT FOR YOUR OFFER
Assessment of your application will take place once the closing date has passed. You will be notified if further documents or additional information is required. All international applicants who are considered for a place in the course will be required to attend an interview either in person (if already in Australia) or via online conference call (e.g. Skype).

5. RECEIVE AN OFFER
If your application is successful, you will receive an email with an Offer and Enrolment Guide comprising of:

1. Letter of Offer
2. How to accept your offer
3. How to pay your fees
4. How to obtain health cover
5. Enrolment information
6. Other related material

AFTRS also emails unsuccessful applicants.

6. ACCEPT YOUR OFFER
When you receive your Offer and Enrolment Guide, review your Letter of Offer and make sure all details are correct (including the exact spelling of your name). Accept your offer as per the instructions supplied.

7. PAY YOUR FEES AND OBTAIN HEALTH COVER
Make arrangements to pay your fees and apply for Overseas Health Insurance Cover (OSHC). Provide a copy of your OSHC to the Student Centre. You will then receive an email that confirms your enrolment, called a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

8. APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA
Apply for a student visa with the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide your OSHC & CoE as part of this application.

9. RECEIVE STUDENT VISA
Advise the Student Centre studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au once you have been successful in obtaining a student visa. We will then send you additional information regarding commencing your enrolment in your course.

If you require assistance with any of the above steps, please contact the Admissions team on 1300 223 877 or applications@aftrs.edu.au.