Professional Screenwriting

The Bachelor of Arts (Professional Screenwriting) at RMIT University is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the dynamic and competitive field of screenwriting. This innovative degree combines practical writing techniques, industry insights, and theoretical understanding to prepare graduates for careers in film, television, digital media, and other storytelling platforms. Throughout the course, students engage in a wide range of writing exercises, script development projects, and collaborative workshops that foster creativity, storytelling ability, and technical proficiency. The program emphasizes the importance of original storytelling and helps students develop a unique voice while understanding the essentials of narrative structure, character development, and genre conventions. Students also gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and workflows used in professional screenwriting environments. In addition to writing skills, the program covers key aspects such as script editing, pitching ideas, understanding production processes, and working with directors and producers. The curriculum includes industry guest lectures, internship opportunities, and participation in national and international screenplay competitions, providing valuable industry exposure and networking platforms. Graduates will be prepared for a variety of roles, including screenwriter, script editor, story consultant, and content creator across various media. The degree fosters a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to develop original projects and pursue their artistic visions within the industry. With access to RMIT’s state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry partnerships, students are immersed in an environment that nurtures creative expression and professional development. Upon completion, graduates will have a portfolio of polished scripts and a thorough understanding of the screenwriting process, ready to make their mark in Australia’s vibrant film and television industry and beyond.

The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Screenwriting at RMIT University offers students a comprehensive and immersive education in the art and craft of crafting compelling stories for film, television, and new media. This program is designed to develop your skills as a storyteller, focusing on the fundamentals of screenplay structure, character development, dialogue, and genre conventions, while also encouraging innovative approaches to storytelling in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Throughout the course, students will engage with a variety of writing techniques, receive individual feedback, and participate in workshop environments that foster collaboration and critique.

The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the professional industry. Students will analyze a wide range of screenplays, study industry case studies, and work on original projects from conception to final draft. Emphasis is placed on understanding narrative architecture and developing unique voices, enabling students to craft stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Additionally, students will have opportunities to collaborate with students from related disciplines such as directing, production, and cinematography, gaining insights into the broader scope of screen production.

The curriculum includes modules in story development, screenplay formatting, adapting works for screen, and writing for different media platforms including television, online streaming, and emerging formats. The program also covers industry-standard software tools used in screenwriting and production processes. Students will participate in industry-related activities, including guest lectures from renowned screenwriters, internships, and opportunities to showcase their work at festivals and industry events.

By the end of the program, graduates will possess a professional portfolio of original scripts, a deep understanding of the screenplay industry, and the ability to adapt their writing to various formats and audiences. This prepares them for careers as screenwriters, script consultants, content creators, and writers in film, television, and digital media. The program aims to foster originality, technical skill, and industry readiness, equipping students to succeed in a competitive and dynamic creative industry.

Program requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting) at RMIT University typically include completion of foundational coursework in storytelling, script development, and film theory. Prospective students must demonstrate proficiency in English, often through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, with minimum scores specified by the university. Applicants are usually required to submit a portfolio or samples of writing to assess creativity and narrative skills. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, so students may need to complete projects, workshops, and collaborative assignments throughout the degree. Participation in industry placements or internships can be encouraged or mandated to provide real-world experience. To graduate, students must accumulate a specified number of credits from core, elective, and capstone courses, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of professional screenwriting practices. Additionally, students may be subject to ongoing assessment, including written assignments, presentations, and peer reviews. The program fosters development in pitching, script analysis, character development, and story structure, preparing graduates for careers in television, film, and digital media writing. Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including writing suites and editing labs, supports student learning. Entry requirements may include a short statement of purpose articulating interest and motivation in screenwriting. Certain courses may also involve group work and participation in creative workshops to enhance collaboration skills. Overall, the program aims to produce graduates capable of producing original, industry-ready scripts ready for submission to production companies or for self-publishing.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology offers a comprehensive financing plan for students enrolled in the Professional Screenwriting program. Tuition fees for domestic students are competitively set, with current rates outlined on the university's official website. International students are subject to different fee structures, which are also detailed online. RMIT provides various financial support options to assist students in managing their educational expenses. These include government-sponsored loans such as HECS-HELP for eligible domestic students, which allow for deferred payment of tuition fees until the student’s income reaches a certain threshold. Additionally, RMIT offers scholarships based on academic merit, equity, or specific criteria related to the student's background or country of origin. These scholarships can significantly offset the cost of studies and are highly competitive. Students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities, including industry grants, private sponsorships, and bursaries pertinent to creative arts disciplines. For international students, the university provides detailed guidance on available student visas, which often include work rights enabling students to gain part-time employment during the semester to support their living expenses and tuition payments. RMIT’s flexible payment options also facilitate installment plans, allowing students to spread the cost over multiple payments within the academic year. Cost of living in Melbourne is also a critical consideration, and students are advised to budget for accommodation, transportation, health insurance, books, and personal expenses. The university offers financial counseling services to help students plan their budgets effectively. Overall, the financing studies at RMIT aim to make education accessible and manageable for students pursuing professional screenwriting, ensuring they can focus on their creative development without undue financial stress.

The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Screenwriting at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a career in the dynamic and competitive field of screenwriting. This programme provides students with a solid foundation in storytelling, narrative structure, character development, and scriptwriting techniques across various media, including film, television, digital media, and emerging formats. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to develop their own unique voice and style while gaining industry-savvy insights into the production process.

Throughout the course, students engage in a variety of writing workshops, project-based exercises, and collaborative productions to refine their craft and learn the essentials of working within the industry. They have opportunities to study different genres, from drama and comedy to documentary and experimental media, fostering versatility and ingenuity. The program emphasizes creative problem-solving, critical evaluation, and storytelling for diverse audiences and platforms, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to adapt to the evolving media landscape.

Additionally, students benefit from RMIT’s strong industry connections through internships, guest lectures, and networking events, which facilitate real-world experience and professional development. The program encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, helping students to pitch ideas, understand market trends, and navigate the business aspects of screenwriting and media production. Graduates of this program often pursue careers as screenwriters, script consultants, story editors, and content creators for a variety of media outlets, or they may continue further studies in film, media arts, or related fields. With a focus on creativity, industry relevance, and practical application, the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Screenwriting at RMIT aims to foster the next generation of compelling storytellers in both local and global contexts.