Our graduates progress to a wide range of interesting careers.
Many of our alumni work in the cultural administration, education or technology sectors. Others are in senior positions across a diverse range of industries including government, the media, NGOs and the Arts, whilst some continue on to PhD research.
Writing for Stage & Screen
MA (NFQ Level 9)
This course is available through the following application route(s)
- Duration:
- 1 Year
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Delivery:
- On Campus
- NFQ Level:
- 9 (90 credits)
- Level:
- Graduate Taught
- Award:
- Master of Arts
- Next Intake:
- September
- Country Specific Entry Requirements:
- Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
- Other School Leaving Requirements:
- See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.
- Duration:
- 2 Years
- Attendance:
- Part-Time
- Delivery:
- On Campus
- NFQ Level:
- 9 (90 credits)
- Level:
- Graduate Taught
- Award:
- Master of Arts
- Next Intake:
- September
- Country Specific Entry Requirements:
- Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
- Other School Leaving Requirements:
- See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.
The Writing for Stage and Screen MA offers you the opportunity to devote a considerable amount of time to write, evolve and reflect on your own creative practices. Today like never before, writers are moving between different media forms and this programme allows you to develop work across diverse platforms. As such, this MA seeks to equip writers with the tools and confidence to work between these forms. The School of English, Drama & Film offers unique insights to students through its deep involvement in the progress of Irish literary affairs.
All work will be supported by professionals in their individual fields. Professional contributors over the past number of years include Conor McPherson, Frank McGuinness, and more recently Mark O’Halloran, Rachel Feehily, Declan Hughes and Noelia Rui.
Graduates of the MA Writing for STage & Screen are equipped to work in theatre, media, cultural and education sessions, and to further their research into theatre and screen.
About This Course
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
DRAM40010 | About Performance: Thinking, Speaking, Writing | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
DRAM40370 | Writing for the Theatre | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
DRAM40520 | Writing for Screen | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
DRAM40030 | Issues and Perspectives in Drama and Performance | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
DRAM40530 | Adaptations | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
DRAM40540 | Pilot Project | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
DRAM40570 | Creative Project | Summer | 30 |
Macy Smolsky
MA 2018
I chose this program for the well-rounded and engaging faculty. Their combined warmth and expertise helped me to build both my theoretical and creative skills. Their planned courses employ the idea that good readers make good writers and I would recommend the programme to anyone who loves reading, loves writing, and actively wants to feel more fulfilled doing both. In addition to their guidance and compassion, I had the goodwill of the Dublin theatre scene. Because of Ireland’s smaller size and rich history, it is a wonderful country in which to navigate drama and literature.
Applicants should have a 2.1 (or international equivalent of UCD GPA 3.08 ) in a BA degree (NFQ Level 8) in a cognate area, or the equivalent in professional theatre practice/training.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS or equivalent with an average score of 7.0 over all components and with a minimum of 6.5 in each band of the ACADEMIC version.
An academic writing sample (essay/critical review) and personal statement is required, along with a sample of creative writing (max.10 minutes in duration). Please note that all applicants will be interviewed either in person or by telephone or Skype
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Writing for Stage & Screen:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | Z351 Writing for Stage & Screen Master of Arts Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | Z352 Writing for Stage & Screen Master of Arts Part-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |
* you can change options at the top of the page