Drama Writing MA

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School – Operating on two specialist teaching sites (Downside Road, main site and Christchurch Studios).

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is an associate school of the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), a Higher Education Provider registered with the Office for Students. On successful completion of this course, you will receive an award from UWE Bristol. Because of their vocational nature, BOVTS does not award degree classifications – all assessment is completed on a pass or fail basis.

Normally, successful candidates will have a first degree.

If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through a relevant qualification, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which can also be used to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements. For MA Drama Writing, an overall score of 7.0 is normally required, with a minimum of 7.0 in each component of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

It is expected that all candidates will have some demonstrated experience of dramatic writing. Candidates would be expected to have either substantial writing experience in a non-drama medium or have been working in the drama industry and now wish to develop their writing skills.

As part of the selection process, you will be required to provide an example of your drama writing in the form of a 25-page script for theatre. This can be a stand-alone complete piece or an extract from a longer play. We will not accept a combination of short scripts. Initial shortlisting for interview is primarily based on this piece of writing, along with the information you provide in your application and CV.

In the script we look for: a strong theatrical scene of the dramatic; differentiated and engaging characters; and an involving storyline. Applicants will be interviewed by two members of the teaching team.

There are no interview fees.

This module map provides a list of the modules that make up your course.

Each module is worth a specified number of credits: All modules are compulsory, enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests.

• Module number: UATAWS-45-M – Module Name: The Dramatic Medium part 1, (Theatre) – (45 Credits)
• Module number: UATAWT-30-M – Module Name: The Dramatic Medium part 2, (Writing for Recorded Media & Contemporary Developments in Creative Practice) – (30 Credits)
• Module number: UATAWU-30-M – Module Name: The Drama Writing Industry – (30 Credits)
• Module number: UATAWV-60-M – Module Name: Writing A Signature Script – (60 Credits)

Optional Modules: There are no optional modules for this stage of this award.

Interim Award: There are no interim awards under this award scheme.

Award: MA Drama Writing

Credit requirements: MA – 180 credits

The programme is practical and career focused.

Coaching/teaching practice takes place either within the School in tutorial or class settings; on student productions in professional theatres; or in other professional contexts outside the School.

The broad aims of the course are:

• To nurture your distinctive voice as a writer, building your assurance through your artistic practice.
• To develop your systematic understanding of dramatic writing as art, craft and business.
• To enhance your core competencies in dramatic writing; understanding and confidently using key elements of (but not limited to) structure, narrative architecture, genre, character, dialogue, action and dramatic devices.
• To enable you to explore the different demands of the various dramatic media (specifically stage, screen and radio/audio drama) and to practice using those skills with originality.
• To develop your professional practice, enhancing your practical and critical understanding of commissioning processes.
• To investigate the role of the writer within a range of models of work. E.g single-author signature script; catalyst and shaper in a devising process; team writing in serial drama (radio & TV); collaborating in teams creating musical theatre or animation.

Only eight students are accepted on to the course each academic year.

Students are expected to be engaged on the course for a minimum of 35 hours a week over 38 weeks. Contact hours will vary depending upon the module.

Academic and Student Support

The School is committed to selecting, training and supporting students, regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation or religion. Applicants are chosen solely on the basis of their talent and potential to develop the skills required for their chosen profession. The School does, however, judge applicants on their suitability for a course and their potential to successfully complete the training, as the work is rigorous and requires high levels of energy and commitment.

Student Support on the programmes at the School covers a variety of areas such as support for disabled students, academic support, student finance and health and welfare. Julia Heeley, Student Support Manager, is able to answer queries about support available for disabled applicants/students. Her email address is [email protected] and she can also be reached by telephone on 0117 980 9247.

Our Academic and Student Support services team provides help in the following areas:

Support for students with disabilities including specific learning difficulties

In our admissions process, we are committed to supporting students with disabilities. Disabled students are encouraged to disclose their support requirements so that we can endeavour to meet them during the audition or interview process and subsequent training. The School welcomes all students regardless of disability. It is our aim to provide appropriate support so that all students are able to achieve their full potential.

Students with a disability will be provided with advice and support from the Student Support Manager. If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty we recommend you contact her either prior to starting your course or during your first few weeks at the School to discuss any support requirements you may have. This may include support resulting from disabilities such as sensory impairment, learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia or mental health difficulties.

We recognise that everyone is an individual and we will work with students to identify potential barriers to training and do what we can to remove those barriers. We will also make any necessary reasonable adjustments, to ensure that disabled students can train at the School.

Quickscan screening

We are aware that nationally there is a very high proportion of students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) e.g. dyslexia or dyspraxia, in institutions which specialise in art, design or the performing arts. During your first week, the School encourages all students to take a short questionnaire known as QuickScan. It takes the form of an on-line, easy to navigate, questionnaire which will help to identify your learning style and specific areas of learning strengths and weaknesses. It is used in conjunction with other indicators, including student disclosure (as part of the interview and registration process), tutor feedback on practical and written work, and students expressing their concerns and any support requirements which may become apparent during their studies.

Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)
UK students with disabilities (including Specific Learning Difficulties and long-term Mental Health conditions) can apply for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). DSA usually provides support for students with the specialist equipment and tools necessary to support you with your studies, including software, hardware and study skills support. Unlike a student loan, DSA does not have to be repaid. However, it is rarely awarded in the form of financial support.

Applications are made through Student Finance England (SFE), Student Finance Wales (SFW), or Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). In order to apply for DSA, Student Finance will require evidence of any impairment or disability. This may take the form of a doctor’s or specialist’s letter or, more often, a report from an Educational Psychologist (Diagnostic Assessment Report).

If you require a Diagnostic Assessment from an Educational Psychologist, the Student Support Manager can arrange this for you and can guide you through the process.

Personal Academic Support

Various staff members at the School can help in different ways if you need academic support. If you need help with the content of classes or assessment work, you can ask the relevant head of course, tutor or your pastoral care tutor for an appointment or you can ask the Student Support Manager to arrange a tutorial with the relevant member of staff on your behalf. If you make an appointment, you can prepare for the meeting and discuss your concerns away from class. Heads of courses, modules leaders and individual tutors can all help you with understanding aspects of your training and can offer overall guidance or advice about your programme of study.

Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)

Study skills support is usually arranged for students who have been awarded support through Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). However, the Student Support Manager will be happy to arrange one to one study skills support for you if deemed appropriate and necessary.

Mental Health, wellbeing and counselling

BOVTS recognises the challenges faced by students entering higher education and that training in a conservatoire institution can place great demands on a student both physically and emotionally.

The School has a student therapy and counselling service, which is organised and staffed by accredited, registered psychotherapists and counsellors and is there to help with any more deep-seated personal problems on which pastoral tutors are not qualified to advise. If students wish to have an initial assessment with a therapist or counsellor, they should contact the School’s Student Support Manager. A strict professional code of confidentiality is always maintained.

Student welfare and pastoral care

We actively encourage students to develop a pro-active and positive approach to their own ‘wellness’. We are preparing professionals to enter physically and mentally challenging professions and we work to enable students to sustain a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle.

Every student is assigned a pastoral tutor who monitors their progress throughout the year in addition to having access to the Student Support Manager. All students have tutorials with their head of course, head of year or allocated pastoral care tutor in which non-teaching issues can be discussed. A confidential tutorial can be requested of any member of the full-time teaching staff on your course.

In addition, BOVTS students have access to UWE’s Student Wellbeing Service, details of which can be found on UWE Bristol’s website.

For further information on support which the School offers, please see the Guide to Student Support.

You will be taught by an experienced Head of Course plus a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team also includes visiting specialist professional directors.

Please note: the named teaching team is correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.

You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.

You will be assessed on coursework, including your signature script, practical assignments, a portfolio of other work and a short business plan.

Students are assessed on their professional practice on a pass or fail basis.

Judgements about students’ performance are made against the relevant industry standards.

The UWE qualifications are awarded as non-classified/non-differentiated.

MA Drama Writing

Duration: 3 Terms – 38 weeks (full-time)

Fees:

Tuition fees for UK students on a 38 week (one year) course starting in September 2024 will be £12,000

Tuition fees for International (Non-UK) students on a 38 week (one year) course will be £26,500

(Full-time route only, subject to further increase in subsequent years in line with Government policy)

It is not possible to confirm fees for future academic years, as these are dependent on Teaching Excellence Framework outcomes, but the maximum increase in each year will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Accommodation and living costs not included in the fees.

Increasingly much of the information and some of the content of the course is available via the School’s Virtual Learning Environment and so you will benefit from having access to your own personal computer and the internet to make the most of your course. It is estimated that a suitable personal computer will cost £300.00. See the Course Summary document for more details.

Info and advice regarding potential accommodation and living costs can be found in the General Student Information Handbook

Sources of financial support

Details on funding options can be obtained from our Student Fees home page available here.

Bursaries, scholarships and prizes

Please see the BOVTS Fees and Financial Support page for details of Bursaries and Scholarships.

The University also provides a number of scholarships and prizes for postgraduate students, which you may be eligible to apply for. There is also a Hardship Fund and bursaries offered by charitable trusts.

Due to a recent change in the Theatre School’s governance, our Higher Education provider UWE Bristol is unable to issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) documentation for BOVTS courses. Regrettably we are therefore unable to consider applications from students requiring a visa to study in the UK for 2024 entry.

The Theatre School is able to consider applications from international students who do not require a visa to study in the UK. If you are unsure of your tuition fee status, please consult the UK Council for International Student Affairs guidelines or contact our admissions office for further guidance. Prospective international students for entry in 2025 or beyond are encouraged to join our mailing list to learn more about training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

How to apply

All applications for degree courses at BOVTS are made directly to the School. Please note that the School no longer uses the UCAS system.

You should submit your application before 29 February 2024. If you apply after 29 February, we can’t guarantee there will still be places on your course.

Applying as an international student and Visa requirements

The application process for international students is the same as it is for everyone else.

As well as meeting our course entry requirements, you may have to provide proof of your level of English. This is because you need to meet the Home Office required standards to get a Student Route Visa to enter the country for study.

You can find out about Student Route Visa from the UK Government.

Applying after a break in studying

The application process is the same as it is for everyone else. You will have the option within your personal statement to explain why you have chosen to return to study now and how you feel you will benefit.

We accept a variety of qualifications, including the Access to HE Diploma and Open University credits. View our course pages to find out about entry requirements for each course. If you are a mature student and you have any questions about our entry requirements or your qualifications email [email protected]

Equal opportunities

The School is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities for all. We consider each application on the basis of the applicant’s suitability for the proposed programme of study, at the same time acknowledging the statutory and professional requirements of some programmes. We are keen to encourage applicants from a wide range of academic and social backgrounds to take up the opportunity of studying at the School. We aim to create an environment that respects the diversity of students and enables them to derive maximum benefit and enjoyment from their involvement in the life of the School. To do this we will be proactive about ensuring people are treated fairly regardless of age, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

Application enquiries

The Admissions Office deals with enquiries and applications for all degree courses.

Telephone: +44 (0)117 9733535

Email : [email protected]

Post: Admissions Office, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, 1-2 Downside Road, Bristol BS8 2XF, UK

Application regulations

We will only accept one application per applicant, per year. You cannot apply for more than one course. If you need further advice about choosing a course, please contact the Admissions Office.

Application regulations

• We will only accept one application per applicant, per year.
• We will not accept applications if you have previously applied in four or more consecutive years.