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FIL-20031 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

FIL-20031 - Screenwriting: Principles and Practices
Coordinator: Neil Archer Tel: +44 1782 7 33202
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None, though students wishing to undertake the Extended Screenwriting Project at level 6 will need to have passed this module

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module forms a gateway to the worlds of professional screenwriting and story development. You’ll explore key screenwriting concepts in practical, writing-based seminars, as well as analysing a range of film and TV industry texts. You’ll then produce a number of screenplay samples which respond to the theme of the seminars, receiving feedback in regular writing workshops. You’ll go on to develop your own creative project plan, which provides an invaluable basis for any project work in your final year.

Aims
This module aims to develop students' understanding of screenwriting practice, combining the analytical study of screenplay form with applied practical work. Students will study different approaches to screenwriting across a range of key case studies, and will develop their own skills alongside their screenwriting peers, and in consultation with the module tutor. Students will work towards the preparation of a fully developed screenplay outline and sample scenes. Students will regularly submit original work to the class for formative peer feedback.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Evaluate successful and innovative instances of screenwriting throughout film history: 1,2
Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical bases for screenplay construction and for composing dialogue: 1,2
Identify different approaches to screenplay form and structure across varied case studies: 1,2
Recognise professional-standard expectations for the production of screenwriting proposals: 2
Identify and reflect upon relevant changes in the contemporary filmmaking contexts, and how these impact on screenplay form and production: 1,2

Study hours

Workshop Seminars 12 x 2 hours = 24
Individual consultation with tutor = 1 hour
Independent study: film viewing and reading for seminar = 35 hours
Independent Preparation of first assessment: Case Study = 40 hours
Independent Preparation of second assessment: Portfolio = 50 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Review weighted 40%
Analysis of Screenwriting Practice
Students will prepare a 2000-word analysis of a screenplay of their choice. Their analysis will focus on the structural and formal properties of the screenplay, identifying how they see the film in relation to the existing theories of screenwriting practice studied on the course. Students will demonstrate awareness of this relevant screenwriting theory in support of their analyses, and show an understanding of their chosen text in the broader contexts and history of film screenwriting

2: Creative Brief weighted 60%
Screenplay Treatment
Students will individually prepare a Treatment (plan) for a proposed feature-length screenplay, plus samples of a short scene (2000 words total). They will also submit a commentary (1000 words) explaining their creative choices in relation to existing screenwriting theory. Students will have the opportunity to work on these and receive peer and tutor feedback during the module. The portfolio will be assessed on the quality and presentation of its work, and how it shows an informed and critical awareness of screenwriting practices.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026