Graduate Coursework

Master of Screenwriting

  • Course code: MC-SCWR
Clock
Duration
1.5 years full time
Location
Mode (Location)
On campus (Southbank)
Calendar-month
Intake
February
Key dates
Dollar
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
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Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
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Admission criteria

To be considered for entry, applicants must have completed either:

  • A bachelor degree or equivalent in a cognate area;
  • A bachelor honours degree or equivalent in a non-cognate area;
  • A three-year undergraduate qualification and at least 50 credit points, or equivalent, of graduate study in a non-cognate area;
  • A three-year undergraduate qualification in a non-cognate area and at least two years of documented, relevant work experience; or
  • A minimum of six years of documented relevant work experience related to film and television, with evidence of artistic ability and achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in relevant disciplines.

You must also submit a supplementary application:

  • a selection test that may include both visual and written elements; and
  • a folio of past work.

Shortlisted applicants must also attend an interview.

Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

  • English language test score requirementsChevron-down
  • If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

    IELTS

    6.5


    with writing 6.0; speaking 6.0; reading 6.0; listening 6.0

    TOEFL

    81


    with writing 19; speaking 19; reading 16; listening 16

    PEARSON

    64


    with writing 60; speaking 60; reading 60; listening 60

    CAMBRIDGE

    169


    with writing 170; speaking 179; reading 163; listening 163

    LANGUAGECERT ACADEMIC

    67


    with writing 64; speaking 70; reading 60; listening 57

    MET

    58


    with writing 57; speaking 48; reading 55; listening 56
    *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE); LanguageCert Academic; Michigan English Test. If a test displays N/A, it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider: 

  • Prior academic performance

The Selection Committee will also consider your selection task, portfolio, and if relevant to your application, your professional work history.

The selection task comprises:

  • samples of your creative writing,
  • a curriculum vitae (CV), and
  • pitches for two screen-based projects.

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Additional information

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)

We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.

GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.

Advanced Standing

Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).

For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.
Need more information on the University’s general entry requirements?