Master's Degree Arts, Design & Architecture Full Time

Master of Screenwriting

at University of Melbourne · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

075501C

CRICOS provider code

00116K

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1.5 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$72,813 total

Per year

A$48,542/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Screenwriting at the University of Melbourne equips emerging writers with the practical skills and creative expertise to craft compelling film, television, and digital media scripts. Situated in Melbourne, Australia’s vibrant creative hub, this 1.5-year programme combines in-depth workshops with immersive industry engagement, guided by leading practitioners from the screen sector. Students collaborate on writing projects, analyse contemporary screenwriting trends, and refine their own voice across various formats including short films, feature length content, and serialised TV.

The programme typically consists of multiple units of study, each assigned a specific number of credit points contributing towards the total required for graduation. Students can expect to participate in intensive script development workshops, seminars exploring structure and narrative, and feedback sessions with industry professionals. A capstone project is often a feature, allowing students to complete a full screenplay or series bible, demonstrating their mastery of narrative craft and storytelling technique.

Through this degree, students develop advanced skills in story development, character creation, industry-standard script formatting, and collaborative writing. Opportunities for work-integrated learning or engagement with Melbourne’s dynamic film and television industries may be available, enhancing professional networks and employability. This programme is ideal for aspiring screenwriters, playwrights, content creators, and anyone passionate about storytelling for the screen, including those seeking to deepen their practice or pivot careers within the creative industries.

International students must meet English language proficiency requirements, typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent. The course appears on the CRICOS register (CRICOS course code: 075501C), supporting eligibility for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. International students also have work rights of 48 hours per fortnight while studying in Australia. As course structure or entry requirements may change, prospective applicants should check the official University of Melbourne page for the most current details.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Screenwriter for film and television
Script editor or development executive
Content creator for digital and online media
Story analyst or script reader
Writer for games and interactive media
Positions within Australia's creative industries, including production companies, streaming services, and broadcasters

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Screenwriting at University of Melbourne?

It typically takes 1.5 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$72,813 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Screenwriter for film and televisionScript editor or development executiveContent creator for digital and online mediaStory analyst or script readerWriter for games and interactive mediaPositions within Australia's creative industries, including production companies, streaming se...

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