Application Deadline: 25th May 2026

Duration: 10 weeks, 8th September - 17th November 2026

This course is currently offered in collaboration with Creative Futures Academy (CFA). CFA is a ground-breaking partnership between: The National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Art, Design + Technology. Our tailored programmes and micro courses offer access to expertise and networks across the three leading creative institutions and our industry partners. Learn with us as we experiment, innovate and respond to change.

What is it?

TV drama has changed radically since the arrival of streaming platforms. Audiences are hungry for drama in hybrid genres, where the quality and richness of the writing is key to the success of the series. Writers have become the creative drivers of productions – the showrunners – the creative leaders of productions where in film the director is often that person.

Production companies, broadcasters and streamers are always looking for the next new idea that will capture audience. This course explores current trends and how to ensure ideas, regardless of genre, standout as authentic.

Working with Eilish Kent, a recognised educator in this area with extensive industry expertise in writing and commissioning for television, we have developed this course to focus on developing and writing TV Drama.

What will I do?

The course follows an industry standard, development process that underpins a professional approach to a career in screenwriting for TV. You will be taught the craft of TV drama writing that will enable you to complete a pilot episode of a TV drama.

You will be required to evaluate a personal and professional strategy for the development of any work in the context of the screen industries.

The course will:

• Enable you to recognise the elements of an idea to succeed in episodic format
• Enable you to write a compelling one-page pitch for an original TV drama idea
• Enable you to write a TV drama pilot script to a professional standard
• Provide a supportive and critical environment for the development and creation of new work
• Develop a disciplined and professional approach to writing for TV drama
• Enable you to develop a personal strategy for the development of your work

Familiarise you with the process and business of writing for television – including matters relating to contracts and copyright, career opportunities and career pathways.

What modules will I study?

This is a single module certificate.

This 10 week course, delivered over three months, has been running for six years. Several graduates have got their projects into development with production companies and supported by Screen Ireland. It sits alongside our MA in Screenwriting for Film + Television which has been running successfully for over 20 years.

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