Why I chose to study Writing for Script & Screen MA (Online)

11 August 2026

A Falmouth University student looking through a Postgraduate study guide
Compass student support postgraduate funding
Type: Text
Category: Online Study

This article was written by Writing for Script & Screen MA (Online) student, Paula. 

I chose the MA Writing for Script & Screen (Online) for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was the reputation of Falmouth University. I researched screenwriting Master's degrees before I applied, and Falmouth caught my attention for its stance on creativity. 

I could tell that creativity is a way of life at Falmouth rather than just the end product. Being a creatively aligned person in everything I do, this matched my goals in life (not just in learning!), and it felt like a natural decision to apply for the course. 

Secondly, before I applied, I had plenty of opportunities to get acquainted with the feel of the course. I joined a virtual masterclass taught by Senior Lecturer, Dr John Finnegan, where other prospective students were present too. It was very informative! I felt like I was part of things, and I could see for myself what the virtual learning environment looked like. 

I also had a few telephone conversations with Senior Course Advisor, Ella, who I found incredibly helpful. She answered all of my questions and was very friendly. Once I had attended the masterclass, my mind was made up, and I submitted my application. Ella guided me through the process, and even wrote to congratulate me once I was accepted onto the course! 

My experience of the course has truly gone above and beyond my expectations. The course is delivered online, but it feels just like a live classroom; I have always found that lectures are delivered at convenient times, and there are plenty of opportunities to speak with staff and fellow students each week. I feel as though I can always find an answer to any questions I may have (and you can ask my tutors, I have a lot!). 

The library has also been an incredibly useful resource, and I attended their webinars on topics such as citations and referencing (vital for brushing up on my skills after I had a gap between my BA and Master's) and research for creative practice (an invaluable webinar on how to capture and channel creativity into practice whenever it strikes). 

Collaborating with the other students has been very enjoyable. At the moment, a group of six of us are working together to develop our own television episodes in preparation for a professional writers' room environment. I have enjoyed this immensely, as we have progressed and grown together. 

The lovely thing about taking this Master's is meeting like-minded people: people who adore and are excited by writing film and television scripts. It's wonderful to develop such solid friendship groups that we can take forward as we 'hatch' into the industry! 

This course has also been completely life-changing for me. Drawing on the teaching and feedback I received from my tutors, a short script I wrote during my first module, Durning Road, has gone on to win 26 top-tier awards to date at international film festivals. These honours include winning or being nominated at BAFTA, BIFA, and Canadian Screen Award qualifiers, as well as a Special Jury Remi Award; a distinction previously shared by cinematic legends like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, Ridley Scott, and David Lynch. 

I feel that the teaching I receive at Falmouth is the gold standard, and our tutors are incredibly knowledgeable. Every day I am encouraged to be the absolute best screenwriter I can be, and this fills me with the confidence needed to get out there onto the world stage and apply the skills I learnt at Falmouth. 

Plus, in my opinion, there's nothing cooler than getting to watch as many films and television series as you like for your homework! 

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