Screenwriting for Narrative Film
Learn how to craft compelling stories for the screen. This practical, online course explores the fundamentals of screenwriting, from concept to formatted script, giving you the tools to develop original ideas, build engaging characters, and master the visual language of film.
This course provides a step-by-step guide to the screenwriting process, ideal for beginners and intermediate writers alike.
Through structured lectures and creative exercises, you’ll explore story structure, character arcs, theme, dialogue, and industry-standard formatting.
Students will be introduced to the foundations of story construction, character development, theme, genre, and the critical components of the three-act structure.
Key topics include concept development, loglines and synopses, the beat sheet, visual storytelling, writing subtext and dialogue, formatting standards, and rewriting strategies.
By the end, you’ll have written a 10-page screenplay and gained practical insight into professional screenwriting practices used across film and television.
Designed to support both beginners and intermediates, the course aims to foster confident storytellers with a practical understanding of how to bring cinematic stories to life on the page.
RGU Upskilling
Undertaking a RGU online short course can help you to develop or change your career or support your business to grow.
We're proud to offer a range of online short courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals in Scotland. If you are domiciled in Scotland, you will be eligible for a fee-waiver place, meaning you can study for free. Identified and created in collaboration with industry, these 15-credit online courses are designed to enhance employability for individuals and organisations looking to upskill their workforce.
Find out more about the range of courses on offer and the benefits of studying online with RGU:
Learning Methods
This module is delivered entirely online, using the University’s virtual learning environment, Moodle, this course blends lectures with guided independent study to provide students with the core principles of screenwriting.
Through weekly webinars, students will engage in script discussions, peer feedback, and reflective analysis of narrative design. By the end of the course, each student will have developed a 10-page original short screenplay, aligned to industry expectations and ready for further development or submission.
Activity Summary
- Webinar - 25 students per group, 2 hours per week
Independent Study
Students are expected to independently develop their scripts through weekly writing tasks, directed exercises, and reflective discussions. Outside of sessions, this includes script development, redrafting, and research. Time is also dedicated to reviewing film content, engaging with peer feedback, and applying core concepts to their ongoing projects.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed via a written assignment, consisting of a 10-15 page Screenplay (+/- 10%).
Staff delivering on this course
This course is led by an award-winning filmmaker and Branch Member of BAFTA Scotland, with extensive experience in screenwriting and producing. Having lived and worked in Los Angeles, the tutor brings first-hand industry insight from both UK and international markets. Their academic delivery is informed by ongoing creative practice, live projects, and a deep understanding of industry expectations. With a background in teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the tutor is recognised for creating engaging, real-world learning environments and has been nominated for RGU’s STAR awards, reflecting a strong rapport with students and a commitment to teaching excellence.
This course provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to begin or explore a career in screenwriting and narrative filmmaking. By the end of the course, learners will have developed a greater understanding of the screenwriting process and completed a polished short script - an ideal first step toward building a professional portfolio.
It is particularly valuable for those looking to move into the screen industries, with skills that align with roles such as junior writer, script assistant, or creative development support. For those considering further education, the course can act as a launchpad toward undergraduate or postgraduate study in film, media, or writing-based disciplines.
Whether learners aspire to write for film, television, digital content or independent projects, this course builds the creative confidence and craft knowledge needed to move forward in the field. With a focus on real-world application and storytelling fundamentals, it opens the door to future opportunities while grounding participants in the essential principles of writing for the screen.
Find out moreRGUflex
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Academic Year 2024/2025
Fee-waiver places
If you are domiciled in Scotland, you may be eligible for a fee-waiver place, meaning you can study for free.
To meet the requirements to be allocated a funded place, applicants must meet the criteria to be assessed as "Home" for the purposes of fees. Find out more about the Fee Status and the Scottish Government regulations that we use to make our assessment:
Eligibility is assessed on application and further evidence may be required.
All other applicants
Applicants who are not eligible for a fee-waiver place can pay to study the course - £500 for the entire course
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any Questions?
Get in touch with the team and we'll do our best to help.