Screenwriting
Develop your writing for film and television
This mid-career Master’s degree requires 2 years (24 months) of work experience after Bachelor’s.
The studies cover all the phases of creative screenwriting process. The programme is hands-on and workshop oriented. Classes are based on students’ own material as a work-in-progress. Reflective and critical approach is practised throughout the programme.
You will be supported to work alongside studies by using an online environment and distance education practices. Links to the global film and TV industry provide opportunities to network with key people and to have feedback on your work.
Besides writing for the film or television industry, you may build a career in other satellite professions, such as producer, script editor, storyliner and script consultant.
Read Marjo's story: "I have become a Story Professional"
Read Miia's story: "Studying screenwriting has been a tide-turning experience for me"
Read Hanna's story: "Great films make life so much better"
Interested in applying?
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Type
Degree earned
Planned duration
Extent of studies
City
Form of learning
Tuition fee for non-EU/EEA citizens
Link to scholarship programme
This degree programme is for students who have a devotion to writing for film and television. It covers all the phases of screenwriting process. The programme is hands-on and workshop oriented. Classes are based on student’s own material as a work-in-progress. Reflective and critical approach is practiced throughout the programme. Understanding audience psychology in relation to the film viewing experience is emphasised. Professional mentors supervise periods of independent work and you will complete one feature length film script or a concept for tv-series and a script of at least two episodes during your studies.
The language of the degree programme is English.
You will be supported to work alongside your studies by using an online environment and distance learning practices. A virtual learning environment is used, where supplementary material will be provided.
There are no tuition fees for those students who
- have started their studies before 1st August 2017
- are citizens of EU/EEA/Switzerland
- have an EU Blue Card
- have a continuous residence permit card in Finland, Type A permit
- have a permanent residence permit card in Finland, Type P permit
- have an EU residence permit for third-country citizens with long-term residence permit card in Finland (Type P-EU)
- have an EU Family Member's Residence Card in Finland
If you are unsure about whether you'd be subject to tuition fees, check the 'Am I required to pay tuition fees?' section on the Studyinfo.fi application site.
The degree carries a tuition fee of EUR 10 800 / academic year for non-EU/EEA students. Applicants must submit relevant documentation together with their application.
Scholarships
EARLY BIRD -scholarship: If the first academic year is paid in full before 31 May, the amount is reduced by -1 500 eur (total to be paid 9 300 eur)
Academic excellence -scholarship: At the time of graduation, students may be eligible for significant Academic Excellence scholarships. These scholarships are governed by the TAMK's R&D Fund. They can be based on final thesis quality, excellence in project work, exceptional practical training success or other grounds set by the Fund.
The studies can be completed within one year alongside work as blended learning. The extent of the programme is 60 ETCS credits, consisting of professional studies (30 credits) and Master's thesis (30 credits).
For the professional studies, there are two modules: 1. Forms and Genres 2. Storytelling and the Moving Image. The first module gives a hands-on introduction to storytelling tradition. It covers ideating, conceptualising, pitching, outlining and step-outlining story as well as developing character arch and making use of turning points, understanding screenplay structure composed of acts, sequences and scenes and using film and screenplay analysis as screenwriter's tool.
In the module Storytelling and the Moving Image, you will complete one feature length film script or a concept for tv-series and a script of at least two episodes. Writing memorable scenes with strong characters, describing essential action and writing dialogue as action of character, making use of subtext and understanding the deep structure of theme and metaphor as well as the use of visual arena and telling details are the key elements in this module.
The MA Script Project involves structured and supervised development of a full-length film script text (the minimum length is 90 minutes) or creating a concept for tv-series and a script of at least two episodes. The aim of the module is learning to edit one's own text, rewriting and script-editing, making use of the feedback given and collaborative process with the mentor at each step of the script development process. There will also be a workshop to apply critical analysis and evaluation of the progressive development of the script. We are working actively towards bringing this MA Script Project up to an artistic and commercial standard that will allow it to compete in the European market.
Links to the global film and TV industry provide opportunities to network with key people and to have feedback on your work; to learn the demands the industry makes on writers; to be at the cutting edge of changes and developments in the industry; and to develop mentoring relationships that may persist beyond the programme.
Besides writing for the film or television industry, you may build a career in other satellite professions such as producer, script editor, storyliner, and script consultant.
The whole degree programme is an inspiring and multicultural learning environment. Other means of guaranteeing a truly international and multicultural study experience are to immerse yourself in language studies, peer tutoring for other international students, friend-family activities and international projects and themed weeks.
Industry links form a significant component of the programme. Besides having connections with film and TV companies, the programme has strong ties with international associations like Cilect, Geect and Nordicil. It is also actively involved in Film Festivals and events all over Europe.
TAMK's Master's degree certificate offers you the possibility to apply for doctoral studies in other universities according to their admission policy.
Academic analyses of the process of scriptwriting are now acknowledged as a field of academic enquiry. Other possibilities include PhDs in the field of the television and radio industry and/or cultural history.
Ari Koivumäki
Carefully read through the general eligibility criteria and the programme-specific eligibility criteria and see whether you meet them.
For additional questions on applying, application documents and application process, please contact our Admissions office. For questions regarding the content of the programme, please contact Mr. Ari Koivumäki, ari.koivumaki(at)tuni.fi.
Apply in TAMK Direct Application for Master's Programmes
TAMK Direct Application for Master's Programmes, spring 2020
4 December - 22 January 2020 (3 pm Finnish time)
The student selection has two phases: the first phase is a compulsory pre-task, based on which the best-performing applicants are invited to phase two, an entrance examination. Admission is based on tentrance examination points. Click to see the admission criteria.
To be eligible to apply to TAMK's Master's Degree in Screenwriting, you must hold a suitable higher education degree from the field of Culture and Arts AND have a minimum of two years' (24 months) work experience from the field after completing the degree.
You have until 31 July 2020 to complete work experience requirement.
Work experience must be informed as full months. Part-time work will be converted into full-time such that 150 hours or 20 full working days (at least 7 hours per day) correspond to one month of work. Work experience does not have to be continuous or obtained from the same employer. Work experience will only be accepted if it is verified by a work certificate provided by the employer. Entrepreneurship will be accepted as work experience if the applicant can produce a certificate stating that he/she is or has been covered under the statutory YEL or MYEL pension scheme for entrepreneurs.
Applicants who have completed a vocational college degree or higher vocational degree in Finland (in Finnish: opisto- tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto)
For applicants who have completed a vocational college degree or higher vocational degree in Finland (opisto- tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto) before completing the required Bachelor's degree, work experience completed after the lower degree will also be accepted. Applicants are still required to have a minimum of two years' work experience, and it has to be from the relevant field.
If the applicant has completed a vocational college degree or higher vocational degree in Finland (opisto- tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto) before completing the required Bachelor's degree and has the required work experience between these degrees, the required Bachelor's degree must be completed so that the applicant can send a copy of the certificate to TAMK Admissions Office by 15 July 2020 at 15.00 Finnish time at the latest.
Degree completed outside of Finland
If you apply with a degree completed outside of Finland and you are NOT an EU/EEA-citizen, the degree has to be completed by the end of the application period (22 January 2020). You need to upload the copy of your degree certificate to your application form by 29 January 2020 at 15.00 Finnish time at the latest. If your original degree certificate is written in other language than Finnish, Swedish or English, you also have to upload a copy of its translation. The translation has to be done by authorized translator. The translation must be in Finnish, Swedish or English and it has to include the translator's signature and stamp.
Language skill requirements
Sufficient English language skills are required for degree programmes conducted in English. English language skills will be evaluated as a part of the pretask and the interview.
The 2020 intake for Master of Culture and Arts, Screenwriting is 10.
Intake
| Study option | Entrance exam |
| Master of Culture and Arts, Screenwriting | 10 |
The student selection has two phases. The first phase is a pre-task and the second phase is an entrance examination. Applicants are admitted based only on points of the entrance exam.
Pre-task
The instructions for the pre-task will be published at this website and Studyinfo.fi on 29 November 2019. The pre-task has to be uploaded to the application by 29 January 2020 at 15.00 Finnish time.
Please find the instructions for the pre-task of this programme from the section Pre-task.
Entrance exam
All applicants who pass the pre-task will be invited to the entrance exam, which consist of a written part and an online interview.
The interview will take place on 18-21 February 2020. Applicants can participate also from outside of Finland via internet. Applicants do not need to travel to Tampere for the online interview.
Selection between applicants with equal points
If two or more applicants earn the same admission points, they will be ranked on the order of preference
If the admission points are still at a tie after ranking applicants based on the above-mentioned criteria, the application system will automatically draw the order.
To be eligible to apply to TAMK's Master's Degree in Screenwriting, you must hold a suitable higher education degree from the field of Culture and Arts AND have a minimum of two years' (24 months) work experience from the field after completing the degree.
You have until 31 July 2020 to complete work experience requirement.
Work experience must be informed as full months. Part-time work will be converted into full-time such that 150 hours or 20 full working days (at least 7 hours per day) correspond to one month of work. Work experience does not have to be continuous or obtained from the same employer. Work experience will only be accepted if it is verified by a work certificate provided by the employer. Entrepreneurship will be accepted as work experience if the applicant can produce a certificate stating that he/she is or has been covered under the statutory YEL or MYEL pension scheme for entrepreneurs.
For applicants who have completed a vocational college degree or higher vocational degree in Finland (opisto- tai ammatillisen korkea-asteen tutkinto) before completing the required Bachelor's degree, work experience completed after the lower degree will also be accepted. Applicants are still required to have a minimum of two years' work experience, and it has to be from the relevant field.
All applicants who pass the pre-task will be invited to the entrance exam, which consist of a written part and an online interview.
The interview will take place on 18-21 February 2020. Applicants can participate also from outside of Finland via internet. Applicants do not need to travel to Tampere for the online interview. The invitation emails to the online interview will be sent by mid-February 2020.
The online interview is tied together with the pre-task and will test applicants' motivation and suitability to the field of study. Applicants will be alloted a time between 18-21 February 2020 and must be prepared to be interviewed (i.e. have a computer with microphone and camera available) at the time given. Please note that interviews will be arranged during office hours Finnish time.
Applicants are admitted based on the combined amount of points awarded for the written part (max. 50 points) and the interview (max. 50 points). The total maximum amount of points is 100.
Applicants must receive a minimum of 10 points from both sections (written part and online interview) to qualify for selection.
If you score less than 10 points from either part, you cannot be admitted to TAMK.
English language skills are evaluated as a part of the pre-task and the entrance exam. There is no pre-reading material for the online interview.
The entrance exam result is only valid for the one specific application period.
The instructions for the pre-task will be published at this website and Studyinfo.fi on 29 November 2019.
Please find the instructions for the pre-task of this programme HERE.
The pre-task has to be submitted by 29 January 2020 at 15.00 Finnish time.
It is possible to score maximum of 50 points from the pre-task. Minimum of 10 points are required in order for the pre-task to be accepted.
You need to describe your special needs and the grounds for special arrangements in the application. Please enclose any relevant copies (e.g. medical certificate).
Application form (The form opens in December.)
If you do not deliver the application in time, TAMK has no responsibility to make any special arrangements. If the need for special arrangements arises or is discovered between the end of the application period (22 January 2020) and the online interview/entrance exam, you must deliver the special arrangement application without delay to TAMK Admissions Office.
The special arrangement decision only applies to one application round.
Application step-by-step
- Check your eligibility for the degree programme of your choice
- Read admission criteria carefully
- Prepare and send the pre-task by the deadline
- Apply via Studyinfo.fi portal during 4 December 2019 - 22 January 2020 (3 pm Finnish time)
- Upload requested attachments to your application
- Apply for special arrangements (only if needed)
- Take part in the online interview
- Accept the offered study place
- Pay the tuition fee if needed
- Register as present (you may register as absent for the first academic year for the legal reasons only)
- Join the TAMK community!
For detailed instructions please read Application Process.
Compulsory pre-task
When applying to Master's Degree Programme in Screenwriting, you have to submit a pre-task by 29 January 2020 at 15.00 Finnish time at the latest.
The pre-task submission is only possible during the application period. The instructions for the pre-task will be published at this website and Studyinfo.fi on 29 November 2019.
The applicants will be ranked based on the points of the pre-task and the 40 best-performing applicants will be invited to the online interview.
Application Documents
All applicants (regardless of the country of the educational background) have to upload the school and work certificate copies to their application form by 29 January 2020 at 15.00 Finnish time at the latest.
The application documents you need to upload are:
- Bachelor's/higher education degree certificate
- Transcript of records of the degree
- Work certificates stating the minimum of 24 months of work experience after graduating to the degree
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Résumé
If your document is in other language than Finnish, Swedish or English, you also have to upload a copy of its authorised translation made by authorised translator. The translation has to be in Finnish, Swedish or English and it has to include the translator’s signature and stamp.
Work certificates should be on company headed paper, unofficial testimonials by email or hand-written documents cannot be accepted.
The original certificates will be checked from admitted applicants at the beginning of the studies.
TAMK may withdraw the admission if you do not deliver the certificates by the deadline or if you have given false information.
Document proving exemption of tuition fee
All applicants must upload to their application form a copy of one of the following documents to establish their citizenship and/or residence status. This pertains to the legislation on tuition fees for those accepted students who are not citizens of countries of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland or holders of certain residence status in Finland. In case you hold a residence permit, upload that copy instead of passport copy, as it will also exempt you from payment of tuition fees.
You must upload the copy to your application form by 29 January 2020 at 15.00Finnish time at the latest.
All submitted documents must be ones carrying a photograph, so they can also be used to establish identity. The copy must be fully legible and the photo must be identifiable.
Indicate which document you are referring to:
- Passport ID page or ID card of EU/EEA/Switzerland which states citizenship
- Passport ID page (all other citizenships)
- EU Blue Card
- EU Family Member's Residence Card in Finland
- Type A permit (continuous residence permit in Finland)
- Type P permit (permanent residence permit in Finland)
- Type P-EU permit (EU residence permit for third-country citizens with long-term residence in Finland)
Results
Results for August 2020 intake will be published around 13 March 2020.
All applicants
- See their results by logging in to Studyinfo.fi portal
- Receive an e-mail/a letter stating their result and points
Admitted applicants
- Receive also a notice of admittance by e-mail
- Must confirm the offered study place in time
Confirm the offered study place in time
**please note that extensions have been given due to the COVID-19 situation, original deadlines in (parentheses)**
Admitted applicants must confirm their study place by 17 July 2020 (10 July 2020) 3 pm Finnish time at the latest by logging into Studyinfo.fi portal. If the confirmation has not been done by the set date and time, the applicant will lose the offered study place.
Non-EU/EEA students: To qualify for the Early Bird -scholarship you must have accept the offered study place within 7 days of being accepted!
Confirmation of the study place is binding and cannot be altered or cancelled.
If you are later admitted from the waiting list, you have 7 days to confirm your study place. Please read your e-mail regularly in order to receive the possible admittance e-mail in time. The final day of admittance of new students is 31 July 2020.
Original certificates
The original certificates will be checked at the beginning of the studies. Student admission is conditional until TAMK has checked the admitted students' original school- and work certificates at the beginning of the studies.
Original certificate delivery instructions are given in the admission letter. TAMK may withdraw the admission if you do not deliver the original certificates by the set date or if you have given false information.
One study place
You can only accept one study place among Bachelor's/Master's degrees in Finland starting during the same academic semester (1 Aug-31 Dec/1 Jan-31 Jul). Even if you register as absent or quit your studies, you cannot accept another study place during the same academic semester.
Applicants who are accepted to the degree programme which they placed highest in the order of preference on the application form, cannot choose a study place from lower preference options at the confirmation stage.
This is a national policy to ensure that as many applicants as possible get a new study place annually.
Enroll for studies
When accepting the study place, you also have to register as present or absent to your studies at TAMK on the Studyinfo.fi portal.
According to Finnish legislations, first-year student may register as absent for the first academic year for the following reasons only:
- Finnish military service under the Conscription Act (1438/2007), Non-Military Service Act (1446/2007), or Act on Women's Voluntary Military Service (194/1995);
- maternity, paternity or parental leave;
- the student cannot begin studies due to being incapacitated by personal illness or injury.
If you register as absent, you must prove the legal grounds for your absence. TAMK requires you to present these documents by 17 July 2020 (15 July 2020) 3 pm Finnish time. Documents must be delivered to TAMK Admissions Office.
If you register as absent in your first academic year, but fail to deliver sufficient clarification regarding the grounds for your absence within the deadline, you will lose your right to study.
Appeals
If you believe that there has been a mistake in the student selection or the set admission criteria have not been applied correctly, you can submit a written request for rectification of the student selection decision addressed to TAMK Board of Examiners within 14 days after the student selection results have been published.
Always check the admission criteria of the programme first and contact TAMK Admissions Office before writing the request. If the issue cannot be solved by the admissions officials, you are advised to submit a written request for rectification.
Form and content of request for an administrative review: The document requesting an administrative review shall indicate the particular decision for which the review is requested, the amendment that is being sought in the review requested and the grounds for requesting the review. (Administrative Procedure Act, Section 49d)
Apply via Open UAS Path
Open path, TAMK, spring 2020
Application period 4-18 May 2020 (3 pm Finnish time)
Student selection is based on studies at an Open University of Applied Sciences.
When you have completed a minimum of 30 credits at an Open University of Applied Sciences in Finland, you can apply to TAMK’s Master's Degree Programme in Screenwriting during a separate application period. The open UAS studies must form a part of the degree programme you are applying to. Studies completed at any Open UAS in Finland are accepted. In addition to the required credits, you must hold a suitable higher education degree from the field of Culture and Arts AND have a minimum of two years' (24 months) work experience from the field after completing the degree.
- If you study at TAMK’s open UAS, the 30 credits must be completed by the end of the term (31 July/31 December).
- Open studies taken at other Universities of Applied Sciences must be completed by the end of the application period.
- The general expiry time for studies is ten years.
Work experience must be informed as full months. Part-time work will be converted into full-time such that 150 hours or 20 full working days (at least 7 hours per day) correspond to one month of work. Work experience does not have to be continuous or obtained from the same employer. Work experience will only be accepted if it is verified by a work certificate provided by the employer. Entrepreneurship will be accepted as work experience if the applicant can produce a certificate stating that he/she is or has been covered under the statutory YEL or MYEL pension scheme for entrepreneurs. You have until 31 July 2020 to complete work experience requirement.
Sufficient English language skills are required for degree programmes conducted in English.
The intake for Master's Degree Programme in Screenwriting via Open UAS Path is 0-1. The number of selected students depends on how many seats are available in the relevant study group.
Student admission is based on the completed Open UAS studies and interview. Students must have sufficient oral and written English language skills. Student admission is only possible only if there are seats available in the study group.
If necessary, applicants are ranked based on the following criteria:
- The completed studies are compatible with TAMK’s curriculum
- Study success at open university or open university of applied sciences
- Possible intervew and motivation letter
The study right will be granted from the beginning of the next term.
Student admission is conditional until TAMK has checked the required transcript of records. The university of applied sciences may withdraw student admission on the following grounds:
- The applicant does not complete the required credits on time.
- The applicant does not hold a suitable higher education degree from the field of Culture and Arts.
- The applicant does not have a minimum of two years' (24 months) work experience from the field.
- The applicant does not submit the certificates by the given deadline.
- The applicant has given false information on his/her open studies.
Tuition fees
If the applicant is a subject to a tuition fee, and is accepted as a student to such a degree programme which is required by law to charge tuition fees, the student will be charged a tuition fee.
Interviews will be held 25.-26.5.2020 if needed in TAMK Mediapolis campus or via phone.
CURRICULUM VITAE AND A MOTIVATION LETTER
Present yourself in curriculum vitae and tell us why you are a perfect candidate for the programme. The minimum amount for this is 2000 characters and the maximum 6000 characters.
Assessment criteria:
- The personal approach is well reasoned
- Motivation and ability to learn
- Relevant prior skills and experience regarding Screenwriting
- If the pre-task is under the minimum or over the maximum character count, it will affect the assessment negatively.
Application step-by-step
- Read the detailed information and admission criteria of the degree programme of your choice thoroughly
- Apply via Studyinfo.fi portal during the application period
- Upload the requested attachments (including portfolio) to your online application
- Make sure you get a confirmation email from Studyinfo.fi after sending your application
- Follow your email regularly. All information concerning your admission will be send by email, e.g. document requests and notice of admittance
- Confirm the offered study place in time
- Pay the tuition fee if needed
- Register as present
Application documents
When you are applying with Open UAS credits, you must upload the following documents to your application form
by 18 May at 15.00 at the latest:
- CV and a motivation letter
by 25 May at 15.00 at the latest:
- The transcript of records of open UAS studies
- Bachelor's/higher education degree certificate
- Work certificates stating the minimum of 24 months of work experience after graduating to the degree
If your document is in other language than Finnish, Swedish or English, you also have to upload a copy of its authorised translation made by authorised translator. The translation has to be in Finnish, Swedish or English and it has to include the translator’s signature and stamp.
Work certificates should be on company headed paper, unofficial testimonials by email or hand-written documents cannot be accepted.
Up-to-date Transcrips of Records
If you are admitted to a degree programme via the Open Path application, you must submit your up-to-date transcript of records of open UAS studies by 31 July at 15.00 at the latest to your application form or to TAMK Admissions Office by email attachments.tamk [at] tuni.fi.
Student admission is conditional until TAMK has checked the relevant transcript of records of open studies and other documents. TAMK may withdraw student admission if you don't submit the certificates by the given deadline or you have given false information on your open studies.
Student admission results are published on 26 June at the latest.
Applicants will be informed of the decision by email or they can check the result on My Studyinfo Service.
Confirm the offered study place in time
Admitted applicants must confirm their study place by 31 July 2020 at 15.00 at the latest by logging into Studyinfo.fi portal. If the confirmation has not been done by the set date and time, the applicant will lose the offered study place.
The confirmation of study place is binding and it cannot be changed afterwards.
One study place
Please notice, you can only accept one study place among Bachelor's/Master's degrees in Finland starting during the same academic semester (1 Aug-31 Dec/1 Jan-31 Jul). Even if you register as absent or quit your studies, you cannot accept another study place during the same academic semester. More information available here: One study place per term provision.
Enroll for studies
When accepting the study place, you also have to register as present to your studies at TAMK on the Studyinfo.fi portal.
You may register as absent for the academic year for the following reasons only:
- Finnish military service under the Conscription Act (1438/2007), Non-Military Service Act (1446/2007), or Act on Women's Voluntary Military Service (194/1995);
- maternity, paternity or parental leave;
- the student cannot begin studies due to being incapacitated by personal illness or injury.
If you register as absent, you must prove the legal grounds for your absence. TAMK requires you to present these documents by 31 July at 15.00 at the latest. Documents must be delivered to TAMK Admissions Office.
Appeals
If you believe that there has been a mistake in the student selection or the set admission criteria have not been applied correctly, you can submit a written request for rectification of the student selection decision addressed to TAMK Board of Examiners within 14 days after the student selection results have been published.
Always check the admission criteria of the programme first and contact to TAMK Admissions Office before writing the request. If the issue cannot be solved by the admissions officials, you are advised to submit a written request for rectification.