Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)

Creative task requirements

Short Story:

Applicants are required to submit a written short story (maximum 800 words) in response to a provided prompt.

The short story assesses an applicant's ability to create an original and engaging story that would be suitable to develop into a screenplay for a five to ten-minute screen production. We are looking for stories that, although written in prose, are imagined with the screen in mind, and are therefore driven by action. Devise distinctive characters, settings, and action to engage an audience. The style of the story is up to you, be it comic, naturalistic, or dramatic. You may include dialogue, but bear in mind that film is a visual medium that benefits from action.

Please note that the creative prompts will be available in the supplementary application (SlideRoom) once applications have opened.

Interview requirements

The interview will run for approximately 25 minutes and will be conducted online via Zoom Web Conferencing. Due to time restrictions, the panel will not read scripts or writing samples during or after the interview.

Shortlisted applicants should prepare to discuss:

• two original screen ideas that may be developed during their studies.

The University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychological abilities. Should you be required to attend an interview, you will be asked if you have any accessibility requirements during the interview booking stage.

How will I be assessed?

Set Creative Task

Applicants’ set creative task will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Written storytelling ability
• Coherence of story

Interview (shortlisted applicants only)

Applicants' interview will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Potential to engage with feedback
• Interest in screen story and production
• Interest in reading and writing
• Clarity of communication

Please note that all applicants will be ranked based on the above criteria, up to the capacity of places within the course.

Conditions of Enrolment

Successful applicants will be required to hold a current  Working with Children Check, and this must remain valid for the duration of the course.

Terms and Conditions

As part of your supplementary application submission, you will be required to read and accept the Terms and Conditions on which the offer of a place is made.