Module manager: Dr Miriam Kent
Email: M.R.Kent@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module explores the narrative and aesthetic function of screen fiction in film and television and enables you to apply this understanding to craft an original short script. You will explore how these forms create compelling narratives and engage audiences, gaining the critical and practical skills to create original stories. It will enable you to develop their own voice as a screenwriter and build a robust foundation for success in the field.
Taught content on this module will enable you to identify and analyse key elements of narrative structure and aesthetic approaches in mainstream and short-form storytelling. Through the assessment, you will then apply principles of narrative structure, character development and visual storytelling to develop an original short film script. Throughout the module you will also develop their ability to offer constructive criticism on fellow students’ work, and to use feedback received to revise and improve their own script
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject: 1. Develop and structure a coherent and original narrative for a short film or television pilot episode. 2. Integrate critical understandings of screen narratives with scriptwriting practice. 3. Employ appropriate screenwriting techniques and terminology to establish setting, convey dialogue, and visually depict action.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film Screenings | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Supervision | 1 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Independent online learning hours | 35.5 | ||
| Private study hours | 128.2 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 36.3 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Formative feedback is integrated into the student experience to support their development as screenwriters. Each week in seminars, students receive verbal feedback from the tutor and their peers on a variety of activities, including story idea presentations, in-class writing exercises, script pitches and roundtable script development. This provides students with regular opportunities to refine their ideas and build essential skills. In addition, students are entitled to at least one one-to-one tutorial with the tutor to discuss their individual progress and receive personalised guidance on their screenplay.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | short film/TV pilot script | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team