Graduate pathways

Upon completion of the program, graduates can select to undertake further study in one of our research master degrees.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates will have:

• developed screenwriting skills for national and international screenwriting industries
• become confident with writing and rewriting screenplays
• demonstrated an ability to develop concepts and ideas into screenplays
• qualified for employment in the film, television and allied industries
• demonstrated developed skills in research methodology for writers
• accomplished a high standard third or final draft of a feature length screenplay or television bible and script.

Meet our alum

The screenwriter may not be the first name to roll in the credits – but more often than not they're the backbone of any film and television project. We spoke to some writers who have graduated from the Master of Screenwriting program at the VCA to see what they've been up to.

Meegan May

A decorated ex-soldier and veteran of the Afghanistan conflict Meegan May brings her five years of military intelligence training to her writing practice, which has seen her win many accolades. Having just completed a year with Seven Studios in Scripted Development, Meegan and her writing partner, fellow Master of Screenwriting alum Lauren Anderson are working on their first full-length play.

"An arts career always has its challenges and for those of us in film and TV we have definitely seen those challenges this year. But I think it’s the urge to tell stories that keep us in the industry – and I find hearing different people’s perspectives and stories very inspiring, particularly as making television is so collaborative. I hope that our industry opens its doors to more diverse storytelling and fresh voices that help make it richer and benefit audiences and practitioners alike."

Tim Williams

Tim Williams graduated in 2014 and is currently freelancing following a three-year stint at Matchbox Pictures. "After finishing my masters in Screenwriting, I started approaching production companies in Melbourne looking for experience. My first opportunity came when I was a note-taker in the writers’ room for the second season of The Family Law for Matchbox Pictures ... and I stayed." After spending several years as a part-time scripted development assistant for Matchbox Pictures, he got his chance on the second season of the ABC’s The Heights, produced by Matchbox and For Pete’s Sake Productions’ Peta Astbury-Bulsara (Inside Film 2019).

Meet more graduates from the Master of Screenwriting