creative writing in film

Writing for Film & TV

Online • bachelor’s degree, earn your writing for film & tv degree online.

Are you interested in cinematic storytelling? Learn to write well-structured stories with vivid, compelling characters to create scripts for film, TV and immersive media. Our online program prepares you to tell your unique story by exploring the screenwriting process from early creation to the final pitch.

Our online Bachelor of Science in Writing for Film & TV Degree Program challenges you to grow as a writer and storyteller. You’ll learn the conventions of the writing craft including long form and short form, punch up drafts, dialogue and more.

Our Bachelor of Science in Writing for Film & TV Degree is 120 credit hours and 36 months in length.

Full Course List

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Featured Classes

Character creation.

Discover how characters drive a story. Students will come away from this course with a variety of writing techniques useful for creating well-developed characters. Learn to create interesting characters whose motives and actions are organic within the plot and relevant to the story’s thematic intentions. Through analysis and practice, students will understand and create engaging characters for film and television.

Dialogue Writing

Make every word count. This course allows students to practice techniques in creating active exposition, character-driven dialogue and dialogue that supports story progression. Students learn from iconic lines of dialogue that have become as legendary as their original films. By the end of the course, students will write a series of original scenes as well as re-writing another writer’s scenes within a script.

Writing for Production

Learn to take a script to screen. Students discover the difference between reading script drafts and production drafts. Students become familiar with the different stages of writing drafts as they move into production. Students are challenged with several production rewrites with the goal of incorporating changes and understanding why changes in the script at the later stages are out of necessity for production.

Your Writing for Film & TV TechKit ®

To bring your ideas to life, you’ll need the right gear and software to work with whenever inspiration hits. We equip you with the tools you need to to kickstart your creative journey, including:

Software Suite to Fuel Your Narrative:

Final Draft: Create professional-looking screenplays with industry-standard software, optimized for online learning through ECode access.
Adobe Creative Cloud (Optional): Elevate your storytelling by exploring additional tools for pre-production, character design, and storyboarding (available as a separate subscription).
MS Office: Manage your projects effectively with essential productivity software for collaboration, script revision tracking, and character development notes.

Hardware for Seamless Writing:

MacBook Pro 14in: Experience powerful performance and stunning visuals on a portable device, allowing you to write anywhere, anytime.
Connectivity Hub: Connect external devices like monitors or storage drives with ease.

The Student Experience Online

Our online degree programs bring the entertainment industry directly to you. Learn from industry veterans through our secure Learning Management System (LMS). This user-friendly online platform lets you collaborate with classmates on projects, submit weekly assignments, and access instructor video lectures.

On-Demand Webinar

Check out our interactive webinar for details on:

Online Programs Overview of our degree types and concentrations, and a walk through of the gear and software you’ll receive for your degree.
Student Life Curious about how our online classes work? We’ll show you. You’ll also find how you can participate in our virtual and livestream events.
Success Stories Find out about what amazing projects our alumni have been working on.
Paying for School We walk you through your options for paying for school including: scholarships and grants, Federal Student Aid, military funding and cash payment options.

Hannah Lux Davis

Hannah with the band Pane at the ASCAP Experience

Brandon Trost

On the set of Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile with Zac Efron

Alex M. Ferrufino

Winner of HBO Latinx award for short film, Slipping Into Darkness

Kyle Newacheck

On the set of Murder Mystery with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler

SUCCESS STORIES

Wondering where a degree from The Los Angeles Film School can take you?

At The L.A. Film School, we don’t just guide you, we champion your success . Our dedicated Career Development team equips you with the tools you need to thrive, from resume writing and interview preparation to landing internships and building valuable industry connections. We’re with you every step of the way, supporting you on your exciting and challenging journey.

Did you know? Oscar®-winning sound mixing Phillip Bladh’s career began here. Join our legacy of alumni who have contributed to Oscar®-winning films, GRAMMY®-nominated albums, and RIAA multi-platinum records.

Explore more inspiring success stories

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS

We understand that higher education is an investment, and we’re committed to helping you navigate your options. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify, and can include federal and private student loans, military benefits, grants and scholarships. Our dedicated Financial Aid team can help guide you through the process.

Ready to take that first step? Fill out the form and discover more about our career support, the incredible success stories of our alumni, and how your journey in the entertainment industry starts right here.

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B.A. in Cinema Studies

As a student in the Martin Scorsese Department of Cinema Studies, you will focus on the history, theory, and criticism of motion pictures and related media, examining cinema as both an art form and as a form of mass culture. Graduates of our program have gone on to successful careers in teaching, archival work, journalism, screenwriting, multimedia, network television, and filmmaking.

You’ll spend your four years taking a mixture of courses in the Martin Scorsese Department of Cinema Studies, Tisch, and other schools at NYU.

Cinema Studies

Courses in the Martin Scorsese Department of Cinema Studies are divided into four tiers. Over your four years in the department, you’ll take a mixture of courses from each tier to complete the requirements for your major.

The core curriculum for Cinema Studies majors includes five courses taken in sequence: Intro to Cinema Studies, Film History, Film Theory, Television: History & Culture, and an Advanced Seminar. Recent Advanced Seminar topics have included Adaptation, Costume Design, Horror, Sci-Fi & Difference, Orson Welles, and Surrealism and Cinema .

Small lecture classes will give you the opportunity to delve into specific topics in the areas of film auteurs, genres, movements, national cinemas, television studies, and special topics. Course topics change each semester, so there’s always something new to learn. Recent topics have included American Film of the 1960s & 70s, Choreography and the Moving Image, Hitchcock, Korean Cinema, The Sitcom and Special Effects .

Large lecture courses will give you a survey of American and international film history. Each fall, courses focus on cinema up to 1960. Each spring, courses focus on cinema from 1960 to the present.

Small theory/practice courses allow you to put your theoretical knowledge into practice in the areas of screenwriting, film criticism, and forms of filmmaking as well as other modes of moving image production such as new media.

General Education

Outside of Cinema Studies, you will complete a sequence of liberal arts courses in both Tisch and the College of Arts and Science’s College Core Curriculum .

Two expository writing courses, Art and the World and The World Through Art, are designed to foster an appreciation of how arts relate to each other and to society in a changing world, reflecting on a range of social and ethical issues as they pertain to your own creativity.

Foreign Language

Fluency in a foreign language is an important skill for becoming a member of the global community. You can either take two semesters of a language or demonstrate proficiency at an intermediate level.

Foundations of Contemporary Culture

In the College Core Curriculum, you will be encouraged to engage both with your own perspectives and with the world at large by taking a sequence of courses that includes Texts and Ideas, Cultures and Contexts, and an approved social sciences course of your choosing.

Foundations of Scientific Inquiry

The College Core Curriculum also includes courses in Quantitative Reasoning and Natural Science to give you the knowledge you need to be an independent-minded citizen in a world increasingly shaped by science and technology.

To complement your Cinema Studies coursework, you will be required to declare a minor in a related area. Popular minors include Producing, Creative Writing, Film Production, Business of Entertainment & Media Technology.

Your remaining coursework can be fulfilled in a variety of ways. You can take more courses in Cinema Studies, beyond what is required. You may choose to explore other general education coursework in the College of Arts and Sciences. You may also take elective courses outside of either area in other departments at Tisch, or at the Stern School of Business, the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, or the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education & Human Development.

You are able to combine your minor and elective coursework to complete a second major in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. You’ll have the opportunity to declare your double major once you arrive at NYU. Popular double majors include Journalism, Dramatic Literature, and Film & Television.

Current students should consult the B.A. Handbook for rules and regulations.

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BA Film and Creative Writing

Annual tuition fees for 2024/25: £9,250 (UK) £22,860 (International) More detail .

Am I likely to receive an offer for 2024?
Course details
Entry Requirements
Teaching and assessment
Employability

Do you want to develop your practical skills as a filmmaker and writer whilst exploring film, television and writing in their critical and industry contexts? Then studying at the University of Birmingham on our undergraduate BA Film and Creative Writing degree is for you.

With the guidance of our award-winning, industry expert staff, delve into all genres of creative writing, film and TV, including:

Children’s film and TV
Documentary filmmaking
Nonfiction writing
Playwriting
Screenwriting
World cinema
Writing for the media

You'll also hone your filmmaking skills in our state-of-the-art studio and editing suite.

You can make use of our wide-ranging work-based placements and employability-focused modules, ensuring that you graduate with sought-after experience of the creative industries, including:

Editing
Film and TV
Writing

International undergraduate scholarships available in the College of Arts and Law

We are proud to offer 10 scholarships to international students in the form of £3,000 tuition fee awards for year one entry only.

Learn more about our scholarships and apply

I’ve really enjoyed taking part in both practical and more theory-based lectures, because it has allowed me to learn about some of my favourite films whilst being able to make one too. It has made me want a career as a writer in the industry! Amelia

Why study this course?

Our undergraduate BA Film and Creative Writing degree is for you if you want to:

Learn from experienced, global film industry experts – including filmmakers, camera operators, screenwriters, film editors and film writers and commentators.
Find your voice amongst award-winning and bestselling authors – including 2021 Royal Society of Literature’s Ondaatje Prize winner Professor Ruth Gilligan; 2021 Forward Poetry Prize winner Professor Luke Kennard and one of Granta magazine’s 2023 best young novelists Dr Anna Metcalfe.
Get a head start in the graduate market – with our diverse range of industry connections, ensuring you enter the workplace with the skills required to shape the creative agendas of the future.
Join a vibrant campus community – write for our newspaper, present for our TV and radio stations or join one of our many writing or film societies.
Make our exciting city your home – get involved in the city’s numerous literature and film festivals and explore Birmingham’s many cultural attractions, including the country’s oldest working cinema and Europe’s largest regional library.

Please note: You'll take 120 credits of modules in each year of study. The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event, we'll contact offer-holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Compulsory modules

Introduction to Film
Filmmaking
Film Culture and Media Skills
Creative Writing Foundation
Contemporary Creative Writing

Detailed description of compulsory first year modules

Second year

Optional modules

120 credits of optional Film and Creative Writing modules, including, if you wish, work-based placement modules

List of second year optional modules

Year Abroad

You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year, you will be eligible to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year.

More about a Year Abroad

Compulsory module

Dissertation (can take the form of a Film Studies Dissertation, Film Production Project or Creative Writing Project)
80 credits of optional Film and Creative Writing modules, including, if you wish, modules outside of the Film and Creative Writing Department and work-based placement modules

Detailed description of compulsory final year module and list of optional modules

For UK students beginning their studies in September 2024, the University of Birmingham will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. The fees for your first year of study will therefore be £9,250. Visit our tuition fees page for more information .

Fees for 2024/25 are as follows:

UK: £9,250
International: £22,860

Eligibility for fees can be verified with Admissions. Learn more about fees for international students .

For further information on tuition fees, living costs and available financial support, please see our pages on undergraduate fees and funding .

Tuition fees when studying abroad

For those spending a whole academic year abroad (where available):

Students who are classed as UK for fees purposes are required to pay 15% of their normal annual tuition fee
Students who are classed as International for fee purposes are required to pay 50% of their normal annual tuition fee

For those studying abroad for just one semester (where available), normal annual tuition fees apply.

Note - Study abroad opportunities vary between courses; please see the course description for details of study abroad options offered.

How To Apply

Apply through UCAS at www.ucas.com .
Learn more about applying .

Standard offer

International requirements.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Holders of the Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement Secondaire (School Certificate) are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

Please note:

For Medicine country specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website .
For Dentistry, please see the general entry requirements listed on the Dental Surgery course page

English Language

Students from Algeria need to meet the standard English language requirements for international students.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Bachillerato together with a recognised foundation programme, such as the Birmingham Foundation Academy, will be considered for entry to our Bachelor degree programmes.

For Dentistry, please see the general entry requirements listed on the Dental Surgery course page.
Our BNurs and MNurs Nursing courses are only available to home/EU students.

Students who have completed the Senior Secondary School Diploma will be considered for entry to year 1 of an undergraduate programme based on the ATAR or OP score achieved as follows: A*AA = ATAR 94 or OP 1-3 AAA = ATAR 92 or OP 4 AAB = ATAR 90 or OP 4 ABB = ATAR 87 or OP 5 BBB = ATAR 85 or OP 6 Where a specific subject is required at A level this subject is required at grade 12 with an equivalent grade.

Holders of the Matura/Reifeprüfung with a minimum overall score of 'pass with distinction' (mit gutem Erfolg bestanden) and subject grades between 2-1/5 (gut-sehr gut - good-very good) will be considered for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes. Please refer to the information below as guidance for grade comparisons to A-level entry requirements: Holders of the Matura/Reifeprüfung will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - 1 overall plus 1, 1, 2 in elective subjects (inc any required subject/s) AAA - 1 overall plus 1, 2, 2 in elective subjects (inc any required subject/s) AAB - 1 overall plus 222 in elective subjects (inc any required subject/s) ABB - BBB - 2 overall plus 222 in elective subjects (inc any required subject/s) Subject specific grade equivalencies: A* - 1 A - 1.5 B - 2

For Medicine country specific requirements please visit our Applying to Medicine website .

We may accept your English language grade from the Austrian Matura/Reifeprüfung if you achieved 2/5 (gut) in English (both written and oral examinations). Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Al-Thanawiyan are not normally eligible for direct entry onto an undergraduate course without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our own foundation pathways.

Higher Secondary Certificate students will be required to take an approved Foundation Programme before they can be considered for entry to the first year of our Bachelor degree programmes (see Birmingham Foundation Pathways).

Holders of a Bachelor of Science, Arts or Commerce degree (with honours) of two, three, or four years in duration from a recognised institution in Bangladesh with a CGPA of 3.0/4 or 65% or higher may be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme.

For Medicine country specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade C/6 or above in the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education Examination is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, Botswanan nationals with a degree from Botswana or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

GCE A Level examinations (BBB to A*AA), the International Baccalaureate (IB) (32 points overall. HL 5,5,5 to 7,7,6), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways. Students who have successfully completed the first year of a Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree with an overall score of 7.5/10 or higher can be considered.

The University will consider students who have taken A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes. Students from Brunei will usually undertake Brunei/Cambridge GCE A level examinations or Brunei Darussalam Technical and Vocational Educational Council (BDTVEC). Both qualifications allow students to apply for undergraduate degree courses.

Holders of the "Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie, Diploma za Zavarsheno Sredno Obrazovanie, or Diploma za Sredno Spetzialno Obrazovanie" (Diploma of Completed Secondary Education) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:

A*AA = 5.8 overall with 5.8 in 2 Matura exams (to include any required subjects)
AAA = 5.8 overall with 5.6 in 2 Matura exams (to include any required subjects)
AAB = 5.6 overall with 5.6 in 2 Matura exams (to include any required subjects)
ABB = 5.4 overall with 5.5 in 2 Matura exams (to include any required subjects)
BBB = 5.2 overall with 5.5 in 2 Matura exams (to include any required subjects)

Students who hold Cameroon GCE A Levels with good grades or French Baccalaureat with minimum grades of 12/20-15/20 will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Cameroon has two systems of education, one based on the British model, the other on the French - as long as a student has studied under the British system, they will be exempt from the standard international English requirements with the following grades:

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English Language at grade C or above in the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, Cameroonian nationals with a degree that was completed in English from Cameroon or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

The University will consider students who have achieved good grades in their High School Graduation Diploma with at least 5 university-preparatory level (Grade 12) courses. For many of our programmes of study, students will need at least a B average, and possibly higher.

Qualification Guidance

Unless otherwise stated qualification guidance is as follows:

Ontario System

A level requirements of AAA = 85% overall in 6 x grade 12 U or U/C courses. Where an A level subject is required, the course must be at U or U/C level.

A level requirements of AAB = 80% overall in 6 x grade 12 U or U/C courses. Where an A level subject is required, the course must be at U or U/C level.

A level requirements of ABB = 75% overall in 6 x grade 12 U or U/C courses. Where an A level subject is required, the course must be at U or U/C level.

For Maths and English GCSE equivalency the student must offer Maths and English at grade 11 minimum. (For UG programmes that require GCSE grade A equivalence, suggest 80% minimum).

Other Canadian Provinces

British Columbia - Grade 12 Senior Secondary Diploma with an average of at least 75% (ABB), 80% (AAB) and 85% (AAA) in 5 grade 12 subjects or Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma if awarded with at least five Bs (BBBBB) or above in acceptable grade 12 courses.

Manitoba - High School Graduation Diploma with an overall average of 75% (ABB), 80% (AAB) and 85% (AAA), including 5 credits awarded at the 300 level in at least 4 subject areas, and at least 65% in each subject.

Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northern W. T., Nova Scotia, P. Edward Island, Saskatchewan - General High School Diploma with an overall average of 75% (ABB), 80% (AAB) and 85% (AAA) in 5 subjects at Grade 12.

Nunavut - General High School Diploma with an overall average of 75% (ABB), 80% (AAB) and 85% (AAA) across five subjects at grade 12.

Québec - Diplôme d'Etudes Collègiales (DEC) with an overall average of 75% (ABB), 80% (AAB) and 85% (AAA).

Yukon - Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma with an overall average of at least 85% in 5 grade 12 subjects (including provincial examinations where applicable).

Entry to LLB for Graduates

We require a B+ average or a GPA of 3.0/4 in any non-law degree subject.

We will consider students who have completed GAOKAO for entry to our Undergraduate Programmes. Please refer to our GAOKAO entry requirements for further information.

Holders of the Chinese High School Certificate/Senior Middle School Graduation and a suitable foundation programme, and holders of two/three year Diplomas, with a good performance (80% average or above) from a recognised institution, will be considered for entry to undergraduate programmes.

If you have taken A level or IB diploma, please refer to the course you are interested in on our course finder and you will find entry requirements.

If you have taken exams which are from another country's national education system (e.g. the Arbitur from Germany or SAT and AP exams from the USA) you should consult that specific country page on our website for entry requirements.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Bachillerato together with a recognised foundation programme, such as the Birmingham Foundation Academy, will be considered for entry to our Bachelor degree programmes.

Candidates from Costa Rica generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) Bachiller en la Enseñanza Media plus a recognised foundation programme or c) successfully completed the first year of the Bachiller or Licenciado with 8/10 or higher.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the Birmingham Foundation Academy, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Maturatna Svjedodzba (Matriculation Certificate) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA-AAA= 5/5 AAB = 4.5/5 ABB-BBB = 4/5 Subject specific requirements: A* - 5 A - 4.5 B - 4

Candidates offering the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) qualification can be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme. CAPE is graded on a I to VI scale (I being the highest) and we would typically look for a minimum of II in each subject taken to include I in any required subject and for AAA-AAB offers to include a at least half the subjects at grade I. Candidates offering an Associate degree from a recognised institution may also be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme. We would typically require a minimum GPA of 3.0 to include high grades in relevant and required subjects.

Holders of the Apolytirion of Lykeion with a minimum overall score of 18+/20 plus 2 GCE A levels will be considered for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes. The Apolytirio + 1 A level may be considered at the discretion of departments, if high grades and required subjects are offered.

Equivalent grades:

A*AA = 19/20 + A*A AAA = 19/20 + AA AAB = 18/20 + AA ABB = 18/20 +AB BBB = 18/20 + BB

Specific subject requirements:

A* - 19 A - 19 B – 18

Holders of the Vysvedceni o Maturitni Zkousce-Zkouška / Maturita will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA-AAA: 1 overall AAB: 1.5 overall ABB-BBB: 2 overall Specific subject requirements: A* - 1 A = 1.5 B = 2

Holders of the Bevis for Studentereksamen (STX), Hojere Forberedelseseksamen (HF), Hojere Handelseksamen (HHX) or Hojere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies in Level A Subjects (including any required subjects):

A*AA - 12,10,10 AAA - 10,10,10 AAB - 10,10,7 ABB - 10,7,7 BBB - 7,7,7

A* = 12 A = 10 B = 7

We may accept your English language grade from the Danish Studentereksamen if you achieved 10 in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification.

Candidates from Ecuador generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) Senior Secondary School (Titulo de Bachiller en Ciencias) plus a recognised foundation programme or c) successfully completed the first year of the Licenciado (with 70% or equivalent GPA)

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entry onto our undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Thanawiyan are not normally eligible for direct entry onto an undergraduate course without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our own foundation pathways.

For Medicine country-specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website .

Holders of the Riigieksamid (State Examinations) plus the Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus (GI) (Secondary School Certificate) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:

A*AA - 4.5 average for GI and 83% average for 3 best state exams (excluding English taken as a SELT)
AAA - 4.4 average for GI and 80% average for 3 best state exams (excluding English taken as a SELT)
AAB - 4.3 average for GI and 79% average for 3 best state exams (excluding English taken as a SELT)
ABB - 4.2 average for GI and 78% average for 3 best state exams (excluding English taken as a SELT)
BBB - 4.1 average for GI and 77% average for 3 best state exams (excluding English taken as a SELT)

Specific subject requirements - required subjects must be studied at the highest level possible at school (year 12) with following grade equivalencies: A* = 90% A = 85% B = 80%.

Students who have completed one or two years of a Bachelors degree from an Ethiopian university with excellent grades (A or 4 points) can be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Overall successful completion of Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen (Matriculation Examination) with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - 766 AAA - 666 AAB - 665 ABB - 655 BBB - 555 Subject specific requirements: L (Laudator) = 7 = A* E (Eximia cum laude approbatur) = 6 = A M (Magna cum laude approbatur) = 5 = B

We may accept your English language grade from the Finnish Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen if you achieved 5 (magna cum laude approbatur) in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification.

Holders of the Baccalauréat Général / Baccalauréat Technologique (BTn) / Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement du Second Degr and Diplôme de l'Enseignement du Second Degr / Option International du Baccalauréat (OIB) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA: 15/20 AAA-AAB: 14/20 ABB - BBB: 13/20 Option International du Baccalauréat (OIB) A*AA: 14/20 AAA-AAB: 13/20 ABB - BBB: 12/20 Specifc subject requirements: A* = 15/20 A = 14/20 B = 12/20 We will consider holders of the European Baccalaureate (EB) with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - 88 AAA - 85 AAB - 80 ABB - 77 BBB - 75 Subject specific requirement: A* - 9 A - 8 B - 7

We may accept your English language grade from the French Baccalauréat de l’Enseignement du Second Degré if you achieved 14 (bien) or above. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification.

Holders of the Abitur/Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife, Zeugnis der Fachgebundenen Hochschulreife or Zeugnis der Fachhochschulreife will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA: 1.4 overall in the Abitur AAA: 1.5 overall in the Abitur AAB: 1.6 overall in the Abitur ABB: 1.7 overall in the Abitur BBB: 1.8 overall in the Abitur Specific subject requirements: A* = 14/15 A = 13/15 B = 11/15 Please note: For applicants taking the Fachhochschulreife, we wouldn’t normally accept this qualification for entry to undergraduate programmes. We will consider holders of the European Baccalaureate (EB) with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - 88 AAA - 85 AAB - 80 ABB - 77 BBB - 75 Subject specific requirement: A* - 9 A - 8 B - 7

We may also accept your English language grade from the German Abitur if you achieved 10 (gut) in English (taken as an achievement/main/ intensive course. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification.

Students who hold a Higher National Diploma with a good profile of grades (distinctions and credits, or grades 1-3) will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes (first year entry).

Students who have completed the first year of a 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised institution in Ghana with excellent grades (2.1, 3.0/4.0, 3.5/5.0) will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes (first year entry).

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade C or above (or in numerical terms, grade 6 or above) in the WAEC SSCE is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, Ghanaian nationals with a degree from Ghana or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

Holders of the National Apolytirion of Geniko Lykeio, including three Pan Hellenics examinations will be considered for undergraduate programmes with the following overall average grade equivalencies in the Apolytirion:

A*AA – 19 AAA – 18.5 AAB – 18 ABB - BBB – 17.5

Plus, an average of 17+ from Pan-Hellenic exams (3 subjects)

Specific subject requirements (required both within the Apolytirio and as a Panhellenic exam):

A* - 19 A - 18 B – 17.5

The Apolyterion of Geniko Lykeion will also be considered alongside two A levels.

Candidates from Guatemala generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) Bachillerato + foundation programme or c) Successful completion of first year of the Licenicado (with score of 70 or higher)

We will consider holders of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) for entry to our undergraduate programmes with the grade equivalencies shown below (excluding Chinese and Liberal Studies).

A*AA = 5*55

Applicants for programmes with subject specific requirements will need to offer these as normal (please note that combined or integrated science will not normally be acceptable where a stated science is required i.e. Biology or Chemistry). Programmes requiring Mathematics as a specified subject will require both the Compulsory and either M1 or M2.

Higher level Diplomas and Associate Degrees can be considered for year one entry. A typical requirement would be an average grade of B (70-79%) or a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in a relevant subject.

Holders of Higher Diplomas with a good performance (at least B+ or GPA 3.2 above) will be considered for entry to year 2 of relevant undergraduate degree programmes within Engineering and Computer Science.

Holders of the HKU SPACE Associate Degree programme with a good performance (at least B+ or GPA 3.2 above) throughout their studies may be considered for entry to year 2 of relevant undergraduate degree programmes.

Holders of the Erettségi / Matura with at least two subjects at advanced level (emelt szint) plus any required subjects at advanced level will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - 85%, 80% (Advanced level) plus 80%, 80%, 80% (Intermediate level) AAA - 80%, 80% (Advanced level) plus 80%, 80%, 80% (Intermediate level) AAB - 80%, 80% (Advanced level) plus 80%, 80%, 80% (Intermediate level) ABB - 80%, 75% (Advanced level) plus 80%, 80%, 80% (Intermediate level) BBB - 75%, 75% (Advanced level) plus 80%, 80%, 75% (Intermediate level) Subject specific requirements (Advanced level): A* - 85% A - 80% B - 75%

Holders of the Indian Standard XII will be considered for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes.

A*AA = 90% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 85% West Bengal or 95% Other State boards
AAA = 85% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 80% West Bengal or 90% Other State boards
AAB = 80% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 75% West Bengal or 85% Other State boards
ABB/BBB = 75% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra and West Bengal or 80% Other State boards

Where a programme requires a specific A'level subject grade please refer to the guidance below for Indian Standard XII equivalent.

A* = 90% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 85% West Bengal or 95% Other State boards
A = 85% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 80% West Bengal or 90% Other State boards
B = 80% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra and 75% West Bengal or 85% Other State boards

Applicants with appropriate grades in Standard XII English (English Core/English Elective/Functional English in CBSE) do not require additional SELT qualifications.

GCE A Level in three acceptable subjects.
International Baccalaureate (IB) with 32 points overall.
A Diploma (D3/D4), with good grades, from a recognised Indonesian institution.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Diplom-Metevaseth are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our own foundation pathways.

Students who have completed the Pre-University Certificate (Peeshdaneshgahe) with a minimum overall GPA of 16/20 and students who have successfully completed the National Entrance Exam (Kunkur) will be considered for entry onto our undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Sixth Form Baccalaureate/Iraqi high school leaving certificate are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

We will consider students who have completed the Bagrut and achieved grade 8 or above in 6 subjects.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our own foundation pathways, for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes.

Holders of the Diploma di Esame di Stato will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - 95 AAA - 92 AAB - 90 ABB - 88 BBB - 85 Subject specific requirements: A* - 15/15 OR 10/10 A - 14/15 OR 9/10 B - 13/15 OR 8/10

Students who hold the French Baccalaureat with minimum grades of 12/20-15/20 will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

GCE A Level examinations or a recognised foundation programme
International Baccalaureate (IB) - 32 points overall for entrance to most of our undergraduate programmes, certain courses will require specific grades and subjects at Higher Level

Many students who have studied in Japan have followed a 12 year education system. For admission onto an Undergraduate degree programme, the University of Birmingham requires all applicants to have studied for 13 years, and therefore you may need to take a foundation year before commencing your undergraduate programme.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Holders of the Tawjihi are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the Birmingham International Academy , for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade C or above in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, Kenyan nationals with a degree from Kenya or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examination, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Shahadat-al-thanwiia-al-a'ama are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

Candidates from Latvia generally require either A levels, an IB Diploma or a recognised foundation programme qualification in order to be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme. Holders of the Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education) are not eligible for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entry onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Baccalaureat General (School Certificate) are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without prior completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examination, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme (such as the Birmingham Foundation Academy), for entrance to undergraduate programmes. Students who have completed a Higher Technician Diploma with minimum GPA of 65%, or a Bachelors degree from a Higher Technical or Vocational Institution with minimum GPA of 65%, may be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme. Students who have the Secondary Education Certificate plus one year of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum GPA or 65% may also be considered.

Holders of the Brandos Atestatas (Secondary School Diploma/Maturity Certificate) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - 9.5 with 95% average in 3 state exams AAA - 9.0 with 90% average in 3 state exams AAB - 9.0 with 87% average in 3 state exams ABB - 8.5 with 85% average in 3 state exams BBB - 8.0 with 80% average in 3 state exams Subject specific requirements (state exam): A* - 95% A - 90% B - 85%

Holders of the Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - 50/60 AAA - 48/60 AAB - 46/60 ABB - 44/60 BBB - 42/60 Subject specific requirements: A* - 52 A - 48 B - 42

In addition to the standard qualifications that we accept as proof of English language proficiency, the University accepts the following as proof of English language for students from Luxembourg: 6/10 in English Language I in the European Baccalaureate; or 8/10 in English Language II in the European Baccalaureat

We may also accept your English language grade from the Luxembourgish Examen de Fin d'Études Secondaires 45 (bien) in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification.

The University will consider students who have taken A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Sigjil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysian (STPM)

STPM is considered equivalent to A-levels and is acceptable for admissions to the first year of an undergraduate programme. Grades equivalent to the A-level requirement should be achieved in three out of the five subjects studied.

Malaysian Ministry of Education Matriculation Programme

Holders of the Malaysian Ministry of Education Matriculation Certificate in Science can be considered for entry to year one of Biosciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.

Certificates in Accountancy

Students with Certificates in Accountancy can be considered for entry to year one of the Accountancy, Economics, and Money, Banking and Finance programmes, provided a minimum GPA of 3.5 is obtained. In addition, a candidate must reach the appropriate level of English requirement for the particular course.

Canadian Pre-University (Ontario Grade 13)

A pass in 6 OACs (minimum of three at grade B, and three at grade C) is generally acceptable for admission to the first year of an undergraduate programme, although, some programmes may require higher grades.

South Australia Matriculation Programme (SAM)

For candidates offering the South Australian Matriculation qualification, a TER of between 90 to 98 is required.

Diploma and certificate

If you have completed a 2 year certificate or diploma at a local college, you may be considered for admission to undergraduate programmes in some subjects.

If you have obtained a 3 year diploma it is sometimes possible to gain 'advance standing' to the second year of some undergraduate programmes.

Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)

Holders of the UEC may be considered for entry onto the first year of an undergraduate degree course (except Medicine & Surgery or Dentistry) on the following basis:

Where a specific subject is required the following grades should be attained: A Level grade A* - UEC grade A1, A Level grade A - UEC grade A2, A Level grade B - UEC grade B3. Where Maths A Level is required UEC Advanced Maths (I) or (II) should be provided at the appropriate grade.

For all courses not requiring A Level Maths UEC Maths must be studied, the grade required will vary by programme (C8 required for most programmes, some may require B6 or B3).

Direct entry to second year

Taylor's university.

The University has various twinning programmes with Taylor's University which can allow Taylors students entry into year 1, year 2 or year 3 of an Undergraduate Degree course, depending on their choice of subject and GPA score. Degree courses available through twinning agreements are: Biosciences, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. We have a longstanding relationship with Taylor’s University (TU), and many students have joined us for a variety of Engineering and Computer Science programmes. Students from TU can enter Year 2, or Year 3 of a number of programmes. For more information please refer to the table below, or contact the TU University Placement Services office, or [email protected] .

Students from UCSI are able to join Year 2 of the following Birmingham programmes:

BEng or MEng Mechanical Engineering
BEng or MEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

For more information please contact the UCSI Global Engagement Office, or [email protected] .

INTI College and Prime College

Students from INTI College and Prime College may be considered for direct entry to the second year of our Engineering programmes.

HELP Institute

Students from HELP Institute may be considered for direct entry to the second year of Computer Science programmes and those students completing the LSE Diploma may be admitted directly to the second year of Economics and Money, Banking and Finance programmes.

Direct entry from other colleges is unusual. If you are a student of any other college and you wish to be considered for second year entry, you must submit your full transcript and a copy of the syllabus you have followed so that we can assess your suitability.

For Medicine country specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website .

SPM 1119 or GCSE/IGCSE minimum grade C may be accepted for a range of programmes with a four year validity period.

Holders of the Advanced Matriculation will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - AA (Advanced level) + AAA (Intermediate level to exclude Systems of Knowledge) AAA - AA + AAB AAB - AA + ABB ABB - AB + BBB BBB - BB + BBB Subject specific requirements: A* & A - A B - B NB no overall score given as of 2012.

Applicants with a GCSE English grade 4/C equivalent or a degree from the University of Malta are exempt from taking an English proficiency test.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), the French Baccalaureate, or a suitable foundation programme, such as our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes English language at grade C or above in the CIE O Level or Cambridge High School Certificate is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes Mauritian nationals with a degree from Mauritius or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

For Dentistry, please see the general entry requirements listed on the Dental Surgery course page .

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Holders of the Diplôme du Baccalauréat / Diplôme du Baccalauréat Technique (School Certificates) are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

A High School Leaving Certificate is not sufficient for undergraduate courses. Applicants for UG study will require additional qualifications, such as A Levels or the IB.

Holders of the Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO - University Preparatory Education) Diploma (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - 8.0 AAA - 7.7 AAB - 7.5 ABB - 7.2 BBB - 7.0 Subject specific requirements: A* - 8.5 A - 8 B - 7.5

NB Grades 9-10 rarely awarded

We may accept your English language grade from the Dutch Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) diploma if you achieved 8 (good) in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification.

The University has a number of agreements with foundation providers in Nigeria which allows students to be considered for admission to undergraduate programmes. Please contact us for more information.

Students who have completed the first year of a 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised institution in Nigeria with excellent grades (2.1, 3.0/4.0, 3.5/5.0) will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes (first year entry).

For Postgraduate programmes, Nigerian nationals with a degree from Nigeria or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

Holders of the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering (VVO – Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate) with a minimum overall average score of 4/6 will be considered for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes.

Please refer to the information below as guidance for grade comparisons to A-level entry requirements:

A*AA = 5.0 overall in the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering AAA = 4.5 overall in the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering AAB = 4.5 overall in the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering ABB = 4.0 overall in the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering BBB = 4.0 overall in the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplaering

Specific subject requirements: A*= 6, A=5, B=4

For GCSE, from the lower school leaving certificate (first year of the Vitnemål), the same equivalences would apply.

We may accept your English language grade from the Norwegian Vitnemål fra den Videregående Skole if you achieved 3 in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Thanawiyan are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

We will consider students who have taken A Level examinations and/or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes. We will also consider students who have successfully completed a Bachelors (Honours) degree of at least two years duration. Degrees must be from a Higher Education Commission recognised institution in Pakistan.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Tawijihi are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

Candidates from Paraguay generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) Título de Bachillerato Científico plus a recognised foundation programme Candidates who have completed the Título Intermedio (2-3 years) can be considered for first and/or second year entry, depending on subject fit.

Candidates from Peru generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) a recognised foundation programme or c) successfully completed the first year of the Título de Licenciado with at least 13/20.

Holders of the Matura / Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci (Secondary School Certificate) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - 90%, 85%, 85% (extended level subjects) plus 75% overall AAA - 85%, 85%, 85% (extended level subjects) plus 75% overall AAB - 85%, 85%, 80% (extended level subjects) plus 70% overall ABB - 85%, 80%, 80% (extended level subjects) plus 70% overall BBB - 80%, 80%, 80% (extended level subjects) plus 70% overall Subject specific requirements at extended level: A* - 90% A - 85% B - 80%

Holders of the Certificado de fim de Estudos Secundários / Diploma de Ensino Secundario (previously Certificado do 12 ano) will be considered with the following grade equivalencies:

A*AA - 18/20 overall with 19, 18, 18 in 3 year 12 subjects AAA - 18/20 with 18, 18, 18 in 3 year 12 subjects AAB - 17/20 with 18, 18, 17 in 3 year 12 subjects ABB - 17/20 with 18, 17, 17 in 3 year 12 subjects BBB 17/20 with 17, 17, 17 in 3 year 12 subjects

Subject specific requirements:

A* - 19 A - 18 B - 17

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Qatar High School Certificate, or the Thanawiyan Mustaqala are not usually eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without the completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

Holders of the Diploma de Bacalaureat with a minimum overall score of 8/10 will be considered for entry to the first year of our undergraduate degree programmes. Please refer to the information below as guidance for grade comparisons to A-level entry requirements: A*AA - 9 AAA – 8.5 AAB - 8.3 ABB - 8 BBB - 7.5 Specific subject requirements: A*/A - 9 B - 8

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as the Birmingham International Academy , for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

The University will consider students who have taken A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB) or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Thanawiyah are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without the completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), West African Higher School Certificate (WAHSC), Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate COHSC), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

For Postgraduate programmes, Sierra Leonean nationals with a degree from Sierra Leone or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

Students with suitable grades at A level or International Baccalaureate (IB) may be considered for entry to an undergraduate degree programme.

Students who have successfully completed a Polytechnic Diploma may be considered for entry to our undergraduate degree programmes (applicable subjects only). Students who achieve a B grade average or above with good scores in relevant subjects can be considered for direct entry to the second year. Students who achieve a C grade average should be considered for year one entry (a few exemptions apply for certain departments).

The University has established Advance Standing Agreements with 5 Polytechnics in Singapore (Singapore, Ngee Ann, Temasek, Nanyang, Republic) which provide guidelines for some of the Diplomas we will accept and scores required by certain departments (Business, Life Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science). Please contact your institution for further information. Departments that are not part of this list can still consider Diplomas for entry to undergraduate programmes. Diplomas that are not on the list will be considering on an individual basis and may require you to provide further details such as the curriculum and module transcripts to identify suitability.

Holders of the "Vysvedcenie o Maturitnej skúska/Maturita" will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA: 1/výborný in four subjects (if any other subjects have been taken they must be graded no lower than 2) AAA: 1/výborný in three subjects, other subject(s) taken must be graded no lower than 2 AAB: 1/výborný in two subjects, other subjects taken must be graded no lower than 2 ABB: 1/výborný in one subject, other subjects taken must be graded no lower than 2 BBB: 2 in all subjects Subject specific requirements: A* & A - 1 B - 2

Holders of the "Maturitetno Spricevalo"/"Matura"/Secondary School-Leaving Diploma/Technical Matura will be considered with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA - Total score of 28/34 AAA - 27/34 AAB - 26/34 ABB - 24/34 BBB - 22/34 Required subjects need to have been at Higher Level: A* - 8 A - 7 B - 6

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes. Applicants who hold the South African National Senior Certificate (SA NSC or IEB) (or pre-2008 the Senior Certificate with matriculation) will be considered for entry onto our undergraduate degree programmes. Students need these grades in 5 subjects, not including Life Orientation.

Grade equivalencies are as follows: A*AA = 77766 AAA = 77666 AAB = 76666 ABB-BBB = 66666

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade 5 (or C) or above in the South African National Senior Certificate (SA NSC or IEB) (or pre-2008 in the Senior Certificate) is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, South African nationals with a degree from South Africa or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

Students with A levels, the International Baccalaureate, a 2 year Junior College Diploma, the NCUK International Foundation Year, a suitable foundation programme, or one or two years of university level study at a recognised institution in South Korea will be considered for entry to an undergraduate degree programme. Students need a sufficiently high score in their Diploma or University level study (3.0+/4.0 or 3.2+/4.5).

Holders of the Título de Bachillerato will be considered for undergraduate programmes with the following grade equivalencies:

A*AA - 9.0 AAA - 8.5 AAB - 8.2 ABB - 8.0 BBB - 7.7

Required subjects must be studied in Year 2 of the Bachillerato and the subject grade equivalencies are:

A* - 10/9 A - 9 B - 8

The Sri Lankan system is based on the English system. Holders of the Sri Lankan A-Levels will be considered for undergraduate programmes as an equivalent to GCE A levels. We accept local or Cambridge A Levels for entry.

Please note however that grading systems for local A Levels are as follows:

A = A grade B = B grade C = Credit S = Simple pass

For Medicine country specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website. For Dentistry, please see the general entry requirements listed on the Dental Surgery course page

Holders of the Fullständigt Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskolan / Slutbetyg från Komvux / Avgangsbetyg (previously Studentexamen) with the following grade equivalencies: A*AA: 10 subjects at A and the remainder at B. AAA: 10 subjects at A and the remainder at B. AAB: 9 subjects at A and the remainder at B. ABB: Majority of subjects at A, remainder at B BBB: Majority of subjects at B. Subject specific requirements: A*/A - A B - B

We may accept your English language grade from the Swedish Fullständigt Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskolan/ Slutbetyg från Komvux / Avgangsbetyg if you achieved Grade C in English (numerical grade 15). Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification.

Holders of the Federal Maturity Certificate/ Maturitatszeugnis can be considered for entry to year 1 of our undergraduate degrees. Grade equivalences: AAA* = 5.0 overall to include 5.5 in one subject and 5.0 in two further subjects AAA = 4.8 overall to include 5.0 in 3 subjects AAB-ABB = 4.8 overall to include 5.0 in 2 subjects BBB = 4.8 overall to include 5.0 in 1 subject Grade requirement for required subjects: A* = 5.5 A/B = 5.0

We may accept your English language grade from the Swiss Maturitätzeugnis / Certificat de Maturité / Attestato di Maturità (federal maturity certificate or federally-recognised cantonal maturity certificate) if you achieved 5 (gut / bien / bene) in English. Please note this is only valid for 2 academic years after qualification.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Thanewiyah are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

We will consider students who have taken A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Students with 2 year Junior College Diplomas may be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme, where the college is recognised by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan and/or the BTCO and where the student achieves a sufficiently high score overall.

Students with 5 year Junior College Diplomas may be considered for entry to the first and/or second year of an undergraduate degree programme, where the college is recognised by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan and/or the BTCO and where the student achieves a sufficiently high score overall.

Students who hold the East African Advanced Certificate of Education (EAACE), Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education (ACSE), Cambridge Higher School Certificate (COHSC) and National Form VI Examination will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade C or above in the ACSE is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, Tanzanian nationals with a degree from Tanzania or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

We will consider:

GCE A Level we will usually consider students with 3 good subjects
International Baccalaureate (IB) we will normally consider students with 32 points overall for entrance to most of our undergraduate programmes, certain courses will require specific grades and subjects at Higher Level
High School Certificate (M6) and a recognised one year foundation qualification may be considered
One or two years of university level study at a recognised university in Thailand, with a sufficiently high score overall in their university level study (3.0+/4.0), may be considered for entry to an undergraduate degree programme.

Candidates from Caribbean and West Indies generally require The Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

The University will consider students who have grades required are I – II in six CAPE units, including 2 double-unit level courses with a minimum of II in each of these double-unit courses. The requirement for a subject taken to include I for A (A-level equivalent) and II for a B (A-level equivalent) in any required subject.

For any courses that accept general studies, we will consider the Caribbean studies and Communication Studies additional to the 2 double-unit level courses, to make up the six required units.

Candidates offering an Associate degree from a recognised institution may also be considered for entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme. We would typically require a minimum GPA of 3.0 to include high grades in relevant and required subjects.

For Engineering and Physical Sciences degree programmes that require an A level in Mathematics, we require CAPE Pure Mathematics.

The University will consider students who have taken A level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes. Students educated in the Philippine system require at least two years post-high school education at a recognised institution before entering a Bachelors degree programme at Birmingham. Many students who have studied in the Philippines have followed a 12 year education system. For admission onto an undergraduate degree programme, the University of Birmingham requires all applicants to have studied for 13 years, and therefore you may need to take a foundation year before commencing your undergraduate programme. We will consider students for entry to the Birmingham International Academy who have completed their first year at a recognised institution in the Philippines and obtained good grades in all subject areas.

The University will consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi and a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways , or GCE A Level examinations, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to our undergraduate programmes.

Students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme Diplomasi from certain schools will be considered for entry to our undergraduate degree programmes. The scores required in grade 12 on the high school diploma vary according to the A level requirement for that programme:

Alternatively students who have also taken SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and AP (Advanced Placement) tests will be considered for admission to Bachelor degree programmes. For more details on SAT and AP requirements please refer to the USA country page.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entry onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Tawjihiyya are not usually eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

Pre-sessional programmes

The Birmingham International Academy (BIA) also offers pre-sessional English courses, which you can take to improve your spoken and written English in preparation for academic study. If you have a conditional offer you can attend one of these courses instead of retaking IELTS.

Our pre-sessional programmes

The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate, East African Advanced Certificate of Education or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Applicants from the USA can meet Maths and English (UK-GCSE) requirements with the following. We require Maths and English (or similar e.g. Calculus, Algebra) from any of the following: AP (min grade 4), SAT S/II (min score 650), Honours classes or College-level course (min B+), HSD (pass grade at grade 12 level), ACT composite score (min 28), SAT-R (min score 670), International Baccalaureate English, Standard or Higher Level, First or Second Language (min grade 5). Other English language requirements can be found here .

Applicants studying A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, will be eligible for direct entry if you meet your chosen programme’s entry requirements.

Alternatively, applicants should satisfy the following:

1. A minimum score of 3.2/4.0 GPA on the High School Diploma (HSD) (non-weighted )

2. Three distinct subject tests are required from a combination of either: (These options can be used in various combinations to meet our standard 3 subject A level requirement)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level (HL) Subject Tests
Advanced Placement tests (APs)
Honours classes (Year 11/12-(1 year duration)
College Level /dual level classes (academic, full year)
SAT II Subject Tests (prior to being discontinued in Jan 2021)

To offer greater flexibility, one of the following tests can be used to replace one of the three subject test requirements listed above: (for a specific subject requirement this would not be accepted)

Composite ACT with a score of 28+ to replace one subject test ( not accepted to replace a subject requirement. )

SAT-R with a score of 1350+ to replace one subject test ( not to replace a subject requirement. ) (SAT superscores are not accepted)

For example:

(For a course that requires: A level AAA (with no specific subject requirements). This means you could present with an HSD (3.3) + ACT (28), AP History (5) and an Honours Earth/Environmental Science (A).)

( For a course that requires: A levels AAB (A level Mathematics required). This means you could present with an HSD 3.2+, 2 subject test and as A level Mathematics is required AP Calculus BC.)

A table of accepted A level grade equivalents can be found below. Use this table to work out the equivalents to the A level entry requirements to your preferred course(s).

Where a certain A-level subject is required for entry to the course students must present with a suitable subject test, or have studied that subject at Community College, at a USA University or during their Associate’s degree. (We advise that you look at the course pages and select entry requirements to find out if there are specific subject requirements)
For subjects requiring A-level Mathematics applicants must present with AP Calculus BC or International Baccalaureate HL Mathematics. (We do not accept AP Calculus AB to fulfil this requirement). Please check the individual course pages for our typical A-level requirements and see below for the corresponding scores.
IB Higher Level (HL) Subject Tests should be shown on the transcript or through a certificate.
Advanced Placement tests (APs) should be the certified test, we will not accept just the classes.
Honours classes (Year 11/12-(1 year duration) these should be shown on a HSD transcript named as 'H' Honours', 'Hons' and to be taken in the USA.
College Level /dual level classes (academic, full year) should be shown on a transcript or certificate and named as academic subject (rather than practical or recreational) to be taken in the USA.

As an alternative to the above HSD and 3 tests, we can accept an Associate’s Degree, or one year at a Community College or a USA University to be accepted onto the first year of an undergraduate degree.

Entry requirements for Medicine and Surgery MBChB : SAT1 score of 1380 or ACT score of 29. Three AP subjects at grade 5, including Biology and Chemistry or three SAT subject test scores of 700, 700 and 700, including Biology and Chemistry. We will also accept appropriate combinations of SAT and AP scores (We cannot accept other test for this programme)

For Medicine country specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website look for International Applicants.
Our BNurs -Adult courses detail international entry requirements and useful tips.

As a reminder you don't need to have completed all of these tests to apply through UCAS . So our admissions team can fully review your application, please include your already achieved academic qualifications and tests up to your senior year (including all target/predicted results for tests you are yet to complete) in the Education section of UCAS.

The Designated Institution Code for College Board: The University of Birmingham is 7390.

We are registered with ACT , therefore if you wish to provide your qualifications to us you can find our details on their website.

Applicants from the USA may already meet the English language requirement (UK-GCSE equivalent ) through one of the following English related tests: SAT II Subject test (min score 650), AP (min grade 4), Honours classes or College-level course (min B+), HSD (pass grade at grade 12 level), ACT English composite score (min 28), SAT-R Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (min score 670), International Baccalaureate English, Standard or Higher Level, First or Second Language (min grade 5). Other English language requirements can be found here .

We will consider students who have taken A level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Certificate of Secondary Education (Attestat o srednem obrazovanii) at grade 11 and a suitable foundation programme (or 2 years study at a recognised higher education institution) will be considered for entry to our Bachelor degree programmes. For more information on our foundation programme, please visit the Foundation Pathways website.

Candidates from Venezuela generally require a) A levels or IB Diploma or b) a recognised foundation programme or c) successfully completed the first year of the Licenciatura/Título with 70% or equivalent overall.

GCE A Level in three acceptable subjects, certain courses will require specific grades and subjects.
International Baccalaureate (IB) with 32 points overall for entrance to most of our undergraduate programmes, certain courses will require specific grades and subjects at Higher Level.
Students who have completed the first year of a University programme in Vietnam will be considered for direct entry of the undergraduate programme at the University of Birmingham.

Students holding the Cambridge Higher School Certificate (HSC) or ZIMSEC A Levels will be considered for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

We prefer applications from students offering at least one A level from our list of preferred subjects:

English Language, English Literature English Language and Literature, Modern Language, History, Law, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Film Studies, Theatre Studies.

IB Diploma : 6,6,5 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall, including one Higher Level subject from our list of preferred subjects: English Language, English Literature English Language and Literature, Modern Language, History, Law, Religious Studies, Media Studies, Film Studies, Theatre Studies.

BTEC qualifications: • BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus a B at A level from the preferred subject/s mentioned above. • BTEC Diploma: DD, plus a B at A level in at least one subject from the preferred subject/s mentioned above. • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A level to include in at least one subject from the preferred subject/s mentioned above.

Other qualifications are considered - learn more about entry requirements .

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

We welcome applications from international students and invite you to join our vibrant community of over 4500 international students who represent 150 different countries. We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages .

You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham.

Personal tutors – You will be assigned your own personal tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.

Wellbeing Officers –You will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or to talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond if you need it.

Our Academic Skills Centre helps you to become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.

The Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) provides guidance on writing essays and dissertations if you need it. You can receive individual support from an academic writing advisor and meet with postgraduate tutors who specialise in particular subjects too.

Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career. They also organise social events, including trips.

Teaching staff

Students at the University of Birmingham are taught by a mixture of professors, senior lecturers, lecturers and doctoral researchers, thereby receiving a rich diversity of academic knowledge and experience. Many of our teaching staff have published important works about their areas of expertise, whilst others have taught at international institutions and can offer unique perspectives of their subjects.

You can find out more about the members of staff (including their qualifications, publication history and specific areas of interest) in their academic profiles linked below.

Staff in Film and Creative Writing

Contact Hours

All Birmingham degrees are set within a credit framework designed to measure your academic achievements. We expect all students to accumulate 120 credits in each full year of study which is equivalent to 40 hours of learning a week. Learning is considered to include contact learning (lectures and seminars), private study, revision and assessment.

For this programme, those 40 hours are estimated to be broken down and split into lectures, seminars and other guided teaching opportunities and then independent study. This is a general rule across the entire academic year and may change week by week.

Year 1 : 20% Lectures, seminars or similar and 80% Independent study
Year 2: 15% Lectures, seminars or similar and 85% Independent study
Year 3: 10% Lectures, seminars or similar and 90% Independent study

Assessment Methods

Assessments - you will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessments methods will vary with each module and could include:

coursework, such as essays
group and individual presentations

Feedback - you will receive feedback on each assessment within three weeks, so you can learn from each assignment. You will also be given feedback on any exams that you take. If you should fail an exam, we will ensure that particularly detailed feedback is provided to help you prepare for future exams.

The teaching, assessments, employability modules and work placements throughout our BA Film and Creative Writing undergraduate degree are designed to prepare you for the world of work. Not only will you generate industry connections and hone your skills as a writer and filmmaker, you’ll develop the capacity to think critically about a range of topics, argue, defend and advocate for your positions in presentations and written work and respond creatively to real-world challenges, skills that last you a lifetime and qualify you for many possible careers.

Past graduates from the Department of Film and Creative Writing have gone on to work in editing, literary agency, publishing, advertising, commerce, events management, law, marketing, media, public services, PR, teaching and TV production. Employers have included the BBC, Cosmopolitan, Headline Publishing Group, Mirror Group Newspapers, Oxford University Press and STUDIOCANAL.

Developing your career

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report . Our Careers Network are here to offer you tailored, expert advice on your career plans and support you with finding and applying for jobs, internships and further study. There are hundreds of events to help you meet potential employers and learn more about the breadth of opportunities and career sectors available to you.

Support will be offered to you covering the whole job application process, including CVs, LinkedIn, application forms, interviews and assessment centres. You can also email our experienced Careers Advisors and College Teams to review your applications or answer any careers related question, alongside our on campus and online 1:1 appointments.

We have a number of exclusive Internship Programmes such as our Cultural Internship, which will give you paid, professional experience to set you apart in the graduate market. We also offer work experience bursaries, which allow you to apply for funding to support you during any unpaid internships.

First years can take part in The Birmingham Project , with themes including celebrating arts and culture and shaping a global society. There’s also a successful Mentoring Programme , where you can gain access to experienced Mentors who can empower, inspire and inform you about their experiences. As a University of Birmingham student you will also be given access to LinkedIn Learning giving free access to real world training courses to kick-start your careers.

If you want to earn money WorkLink advertises convenient part-time job opportunities on campus to fit round your studies.

Extra-curricular activities

To enhance your career prospects even further, you may want to engage in extra-curricular activities to broaden your skills and your network of contacts. Our employer-endorsed, award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme.

There are more than 500 student groups and volunteering opportunities offered by the Guild of Students (our Students’ Union) so you’re bound to find activities that you want to be involved in whilst meeting friends who share your interests.

Check your eligibility
Student life

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Subjects A-B

Agriculture
Ancient History
Anthropology
Archaeology
Architecture
Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Sciences
Bioveterinary Sciences
Building and Surveying
Business and Management

Subjects C-E

Classics and Classical Studies
Climate Science
Computer Science
Construction Management
Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
Creative Writing
Criminology
Engineering
English Language and Applied Linguistics
English Literature
Environment

Subjects F-G

Film & Television
Foundation programmes
Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

International Development
International Foundation Programme (IFP)
International Relations
Languages and Cultures
Linguistics
Mathematics
Medical Sciences
Meteorology and Climate
Microbiology
Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

Pharmacology
Physician Associate Studies
Politics and International Relations
Real Estate and Planning
Speech and Language Therapy
Surveying and Construction
Theatre & Performance

Subjects U-Z

Wildlife Conservation

Subjects A-C

Business (Post-Experience)
Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
Classics and Ancient History
Construction Management and Engineering
Consumer Behaviour
Creative Enterprise

Subjects D-G

Data Science
Energy and Environmental Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Film, Theatre and Television
Food and Nutritional Sciences
Geography and Environmental Science
Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

Information Management and Digital Business
Information Technology
International Development and Applied Economics
Physician Associate
Project Management
Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

Social Policy
Strategic Studies
Teacher training
Typography and Graphic Communication
War and Peace Studies
Architectural Engineering

We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2025/26 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2024/25 courses.

BA Creative Writing and Film

UCAS code WW86
A level offer BBB
Year of entry 2025/26 See 2024/25 entry
Course duration Full Time: 3 Years

Develop and hone your creative writing while building a breadth of film knowledge and analytical skills with our BA Creative Writing and Film course.

Taught jointly by the Department of English Literature and the Department of Film, Theatre and Television , on this course you will:

explore your creative writing in small peer groups
examine film in its various contexts: as popular entertainment, theoretical discipline and art form
have the opportunity to develop your practical filmmaking skills.

Creative writing and film complement each other perfectly. Exploring cinematic material and analysing creative choices will support the development of your own creative writing. Optional practical work will enhance your ability to create compelling characters and narratives.

Creative writing

Creative writing allows you to explore your creativity from all angles: creating characters, shaping poems, drawing on your imagination.

We offer a specially curated group of English literature modules that are designed to complement your creative writing. You’ll gain knowledge of a variety of literary, dramatic and film texts, from a range of different periods. This course aims to foster your independent thinking, using the close reading and analytical skills that are fundamental to both English literature and film.

We place a strong emphasis on small-group learning within a friendly and supportive environment. Workshops are central to our creative writing community, helping you to form relationships with your peers and feel more confident about your work.

94% of students in the Department of English Literature said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2023).

Your learning environment

Modules are taught by practising, published authors who have strong links with professional writing communities. We regularly invite published authors to read from their work and participate in teaching.

We’ll help you develop your creative writing skills in a variety of settings:

lectures concentrate on specific, practical issues such as how to construct a character or tackle a specific literary form
seminars involve small group discussions, led by one of the teaching team, with short practical writing exercises
workshops allow you to explore and develop your writing in small peer groups.

Creative community

The Department of English Literature fosters a creative writing community that is friendly, cohesive and committed. As well as learning from lecturers, you’ll learn from each other by sharing your work-in-progress. Outside the classroom, you can share your ideas with the University’s creative writing group, Scribblers, which is run by students from across the University.

You will also have the opportunity to publish your work – and gain experience in editing and publishing – by participating in our online creative writing magazine .

On your film modules, you’ll pursue your passion for film with leading academics and visiting practitioners, and apply what you’ve learned through practical filmmaking modules.

Experience the theoretical study of film from the late nineteenth century to the modern day, including world cinema, avant-garde and experimental filmmaking. Explore the cinema of classical and contemporary Hollywood, together with new forms of digital entertainment and video art. You can also investigate television from its origins in the mid-twentieth century to contemporary engagements with new media and digital platforms.

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in group-based practical work, which will help you develop your creativity, storytelling and practical skills. You will develop your creative writing skills in the context of film and television, culminating in a creative research project or a dissertation in your final year.

Film facilities

Combine the study of ground-breaking theory with practical application, using our purpose-built £11m Minghella Studios facilities that feature:

three theatre spaces
a multi-camera film and TV studio
a digital cinema
dedicated recording studio and mixing suite.

Placements with BA Creative Writing and Film

Our innovative placement scheme gives you the chance to undertake an academic placement in commerce, industry or the arts.

Study abroad

In your second year, you can spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner institutions in the USA, Canada, Australia, or countries across Europe. To find out more, visit our Study Abroad site .

Entry requirements A Level BBB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme .

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

BBB including a grade B in English Literature or a related subject. Related subjects include: English Language, English Language and Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies, and Creative Writing.

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall including 5 in English at higher level.

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement)

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages .

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country .

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Compulsory modules

Introduction to creative writing.

Develop your skills in creative writing across a range of genres. You will develop an understanding of how to compose, criticise, revise, and polish your work through workshop discussions and the completion of a critical essay.

Poetry in English

From the Renaissance to the present, uncover the history of poetry as you explore key genres related to love, politics, pastoral, elegy, satire, the sonnet, the ode, and the dramatic monologue. You’ll study poems drawn from the wider English-speaking world including Ireland, the Caribbean and North America, encountering the diversity of voices found in gender and sexuality.

Approaches to Television

Gain a critical understanding of central issues in television texts and fiction and non-fiction programming. You’ll examine television forms and narratives, industrial contexts, digital platforms and new delivery technologies, as well as the role of the audience and public service broadcasting.

Approaches to Film

Critically interpret film texts and discover the conventions of fiction and non-fiction cinema. Explore cinema as a diverse, global and transcultural medium, focusing on historical and cultural contexts.

Optional modules

Introduction to drama.

Discover the genre of drama as you explore a historical range of texts from the early modern periods. You’ll focus on four plays as you explore comedy, tragedy, form, structure, and the elements of change and continuity found within the genre.

Become acquainted with English literature’s material dimension and how writers, both past and present, have depicted the library as a symbol. As you study, you'll interpret poems, novels and plays, and investigate books and other archival documents as physical objects.

Modern American Culture and Counterculture

Discover American countercultures in work, from 1950s Beat poetry to fiction responding to the Black Lives Matter movement. You’ll study the perspectives of African-American, Native American and white American creatives in a variety of genres: poetry, short stories, YA fiction, science fiction, drama, songs, films, war reportage and the graphic novel.

Comedy on Stage and Screen

Gain insights into how comedy intersects with film, theatre and television through a series of case studies. You’ll learn how humour highlights critical issues such as identity politics (gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, disability), taboo, embarrassment, cult, cancel or outrage culture, and explore relevant production, industrial and socio-cultural contexts.

Radical Forms in Theatre and Performance

Discover the history, traditions, practices, and theoretical and analytical perspectives of radical theatre-making and experimental performance practice. You’ll learn to appreciate the cultural, political, and aesthetic significance of radical experimentation in theatre and performances, and express critical understanding of creative practice and risk-taking.

Thinking Translation: History and Theory

Learn about the current thinking on translation by exploring some specific case studies. The historical approach to translation will allow you to develop a critical awareness of the role played by: genres, readership, institutional influences, market constraints, gender attitudes and discourses, purpose. In seminars, you will explore the challenges facing translators when dealing with literary, scientific, philosophical and political texts

What is Comparative Literature?

Learn about the major critical and theoretical issues in the study of Comparative Literature, as well as the important methodologies for studying literature in a comparative context. Approach a cluster of texts from different cultural and historical traditions, you'll be be encouraged to reflect on the practices and consequences of reading transnationally.

Optional Language Modules

Learn one of 10 languages offered by the University at a level appropriate for you.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Film Forms and Cultures

Discover the rich variety of film forms and explore critical and conceptual issues of form, including theoretical perspectives, questions of form, and form’s meaning and politics.

Creative Writing: Creative Non-fiction

Study memoirs, essays, blog posts, long-form journalism, biography and auto-fiction as you explore the exciting and ever-evolving contemporary genre. As you study these texts, you’ll write your own piece of creative non-fiction and support others with creative feedback.

Myth, Legend and Romance: Medieval Storytelling

Explore storytelling in medieval England as you take in the fantastical tales of ancient heroes, drama that blends comedy and religious devotion, and magic and supernatural beings. You’ll consider the stark contrast of narrative structure, character development and language use by medieval writers in contrast to our own.

Creative Writing: The Short Story

Explore the process of the creative cycle, from reading literature to writing it. You’ll engage critically with a range of short stories as you encounter key debates about the form and write your own short fiction in response.

Victorian Literature

Victorian literature consists of a period where authors began to consider people’s place in the world with God, the workings of the mind, and the role of class and gender in the construction of identity. You’ll engage with these ideas as you consider some of the greatest works of the period – from Dickens and Hardy to Tennyson and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Contemporary Fiction

Study a selection of fiction from the 1980s to the present day, exploring the formal, thematic and cultural diversity of Anglophone fiction produced in this period. You’ll consider these texts within a number of social, political and historical contexts, such as multiculturalism, feminism and globalisation.

Placement and Employment Skills

This module provides you with an opportunity for reflective learning and intensive research through an industry role of your choice. You’ll reflect critically on your career development and acquire transferable skills for future employment.

Documentary

Develop skills to critically analyse and produce non-fiction films and television through close analysis of texts and engagement with various industrial and technological contexts. You’ll engage with critical debates and conceptual issues and put ideas into practice. You’ll understand documentary-makers’ creative decision-making and their connection to ideological concerns.

Writing in the Public Sphere

Study literature designed to prompt social and political change as you examine speeches, pamphlets, tracts and political posters from the early modern period to the present. Consider how such literature shapes debates on race, class, religion, nationality and women’s rights across Britain and Ireland.

Reworking Shakespeare in Performance

Understand Shakespeare as a powerful signifier of culture, explore adaptations of Shakespeare and learn how these relate to broader cultural and political contexts. You’ll learn about the practices and preoccupations that currently affect interpretation of Shakespeare and gain the ability to make connections between social and cultural concerns and their presentation on stage.

Creative Writing: Poetry

Engage critically with a range of poems and key debates around form. You’ll write your own poetry in response, experimenting with the possibilities within the genre as you and your peers share constructive feedback.

Modernism in Poetry and Fiction

Examine the concepts of modernity, modernism, and the history of early twentieth-century poetry and fiction. You’ll explore experimentation and innovation in poetic and narrative form, and their relation to wider social upheaval and cultural movements in the period.

Enlightenment Revolution and Romanticism

Study the political revolutions that shook British society to its core during Age of Enlightenment (c.1680-1790): England’s bloodless ‘Glorious Revolution’ of 1688; the colonial revolution of American independence; and the French Revolution of 1789.

The Business of Books

You’ll cover the history and development of modern trade publishing and have focused sessions on some of its key players, including publishers and literary agents. Through a combination of theoretical, methodological, and hands-on teaching sessions and workshops, you’ll study the role and function of books in historical and institutional contexts including libraries, bookshops, publishing houses, and board rooms.

Early Modern Literature

Discover the rich and fascinating literary culture of the early modern or Renaissance period. You'll explore the ways that English literature was shaped by, and helped to re-shape, English culture in the years between the Reformation and the Civil Wars.

Writing America: Perspectives on the Nation

Examine the construction of American national identity in American literature from a range of different perspectives. You’ll study a diversity of American voices and central themes including myths of the frontier, Manifest Destiny, personal and political liberty, and the construction of race, gender and sexuality.

Critical Thinking

Approach familiar ideas and issues from unfamiliar angles that prompt you to re-examine the unspoken grounds on which common-sense ways of thinking are based. You’ll take part in exciting and rewarding discussions on issues of language, power, and identity, ideology, gender, and race.

Creative Writing Dissertation

Develop a sustained piece of independent writing such as a short story, a play, a screen play or a collection of verse. You’ll work closely with a peer community of creative writers to self-organise and conduct workshops as you develop your advanced research and writing skills.

Film Dissertation

Apply the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired in the previous modules to a major piece of independent work around an area you are interested in. Independently initiate and develop the project under the guidance of a supervisor.

Creative Research Project

Apply your previously gained knowledge and skills to a significant research-based project that includes a creative element and critical research and reflection. You’ll develop the project independently under supervision.

Creative Writing Masterclass: Poetry

Develop and design a short collection of poems with a view to submit to print or an online magazine. Engage with weekly workshops as you elaborate your style and voice, alongside focusing on emerging voices and subject matter.

Creative Writing Masterclass: Prose

Deepen your understanding of narrative techniques and sharpen your ability to write prose. You’ll use a range of short stories, narrative non-fiction and novel extracts as a springboard, advancing your knowledge on matters such as structure, characterisation, dialogue and quality.

Lyric Voices, 1340-1560

Explore lyric poetry from the Middle Ages and the renaissance. You’ll look at the presentation of themes such as love and longing, grief, and the fear of death, and compare the ways in which authors make use of literary conventions to present such themes.

Literature and Mental Health

Discover how literature engaged with mental health in the first half of the twentieth century, a crucial turning point in psychology. You’ll consider the de-stigmatisation of mental health in the wake of World War I, the disciplines of psychiatry and psychology that emerged from it, and how literature engages with trauma, anxiety and obsession.

British Black and Asian Voices: 1948 to the Present

Examine a range of British texts (poetry, drama, novels, short stories, films) by writers of Black and Asian descent. You’ll read theoretical and historical material as you examine issues of cultural capital, national identity, and minority communities.

Performance and Design

Critically explore theatre and performance design by engaging with historical and contemporary scenographic practices. You’ll learn about the role of designers in shaping and reimagining theatre and performance. You’ll advance the ways you read, see and encounter the visual, aural, spatial, material and technological elements of design. Get involved in critical reading and discussions on a diverse range of international designers, methods and performance environments. You’ll gain exposure to professional contexts through visits to archives, talks or masterclasses from visiting designers and/or scholars.

Advanced Scriptwriting

Create original scripts and develop your critical understanding of key storytelling issues such as narrative, character, dialogue, and place. Your scriptwriting practice will include both individual and collaborative forms of writing and rewriting, and you'll engage with discourses around scriptwriting emerging from both theatre pedagogy and screenwriting studies, including projects for decolonising stage and screen writing traditions

Screen Bodies

Discover how diverse bodies move on screen, and how those bodies engage the spectator’s body. You’ll explore how the screen representation of the body is shaped by culturally situated ideas about body and society, and power and desire – including creative traditions, influences, technologies, and innovations. As you examine how the screen body generates meaning, you’ll study access to representation, visibility, marginalisation, and consent.

Modern and Contemporary British Poetry

Study key trends in poetry's engagement with changing circumstances in England, Wales, and Scotland in the twentieth century and beyond. Consider issues including the aftermaths of modernism, gender and poetry, British poetry and post-war retrenchment, the 'poetry wars' of the 1970s and the perpetuation of 'Movement' ideals down to the present.

Children's Literature

Explore issues surrounding children’s literature and its criticism. Questions and analyse critical assumptions and formulations around authorship, memory, observation, readership, and identity.

Placing Jane Austen

Examine the movements of Austen's characters through rooms and houses, the patterns of their dances in assembly halls, the paths of their journeys through town and country. Investigate how these movements sometimes represent changes of heart or class, of mind or fortune and how they are always significant for the carefully drawn lines of her narratives.

Writing Women: Nineteenth-Century Poetry

Explore writing primarily by (but also about) women in the nineteenth century, including Christina Rossetti's Goblin Market and Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Aurora Leigh. Ask how women found a voice in a predominantly patriarchal society, what subjects were deemed suitable for female poets, and how such poets overcame the limitations of expectation.

Decadence and Degeneration: Literature of the 1890s

Engage with iconic texts in English literature, including Stoker's Dracula, Stevenson's Jekyll and Hyde, and Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, while exploring what's meant by these terms 'decadence' and 'degeneration', calling, amongst many other things, on portrayals of 1890s' foppishness, Darwinian models of evolution, the emergent New Woman phenomenon, the Wilde trial, and the portrayal of prostitution.

From Romance to Fantasy

Explore the role played by fantastical or wondrous elements in English literature from the middle ages to the present day. Focus on a range of key narrative structures (such as the quest), persistent motifs such as magical objects, and influential modes, such as the gothic.

The Bloody Stage: Revenge and Death in Renaissance Drama

Explore the representation of revenge and death in revenge tragedies performed on the Renaissance stage. Analyse the staging of death scenes and whether there are differences in the ways that men and women die on stage.

Adaptions across Stage and Screen

Develop your knowledge and artistic practice in film, television and theatre through exploration of the processes of adaptation and engagement with critical, cultural and political considerations. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a range of practices, such as page to stage/screen, citation of iconic characters, fanfiction and digital reworkings, docudramas and documentary theatre, intercultural retellings and translations, contemporary retelling of historical narratives, and reworkings of productions in the same media.

Musical Theatre

Explore the theories, themes, politics, and practices of contemporary musical theatre. You’ll focus on the research and development (R&D) of musical theatre, its dramaturgy, political context, modes of production, representation, and reception.

Film Festivals and Programming

Gain advanced knowledge of modes of programming arthouse, alternative, and experimental venues, as well as organising festivals. Through seminars, workshops and group projects, you’ll explore how festivals (such as Cannes, Venice and Berlin) work as effective filters for wider distribution, and how festivals and programing are key to understanding the kinds of world cinema we watch.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £25,250

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students .

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. In addition to university-wide scholarships, the department offers the Bulmershe Bursary that supports eligible students with £1,000 towards the costs of university life. It is open to all full-time UK or EU undergraduate students studying degrees offered by Film, Television, and Theatre including our joint honours programmes. Students can apply in the first term of each year. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

As a Creative Writing and Film graduate, you will enter the job market with well-developed communication, research and writing skills, together with a high level of cultural literacy and critical sophistication. In the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21, 95% of our leavers are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes first degree English Literature responders).

Our flexible degrees are designed to develop the skills valued by both creative and commercial industries, providing you with a diverse range of career opportunities following graduation.

To prepare you for the future, an emphasis on professional skills is built into all of our courses. You will graduate with a breadth of knowledge as well as many transferable skills for work in a wider range of sectors.

Many of our alumni work in the creative industries, in roles such as:

arts administration
film producer
film director
television production

Graduates also go on to work in:

commercial marketing and media
advertising

Ready for more?

Is Screenwriting Creative Writing? Unveiling the Art of Crafting Compelling Narratives in 2023

In the vast realm of writing, two captivating forms often spark curiosity: screenwriting and creative writing. While both involve crafting compelling narratives, the big question is: Is screenwriting creative writing?

In this article, we will dive deep into the world of screenwriting, exploring its relationship with creative writing, the key components of successful screenplays, essential techniques, and tips for aspiring screenwriters.

Table of Contents

Introduction

When it comes to the art of storytelling, few mediums captivate the audience as powerfully as screenwriting. The allure of cinema and television lies in the ability to convey stories through visuals, dialogue, and emotions.

Screenwriting is a specialized form of writing that demands creativity, skill, and attention to detail. But is screenwriting considered creative writing? The answer to that is YES but there’s a catch to it.

Without wasting too much time, let’s embark on a journey to unravel exactly what that catch is and in the process find out the magic behind crafting captivating narratives that leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Understanding Screenwriting and Creative Writing

Before we proceed, let’s clarify what screenwriting and creative writing actually mean.

What is Screenwriting?

Screenwriting is the art of writing scripts for films, television shows, documentaries, and other visual media . Screenwriters use their creativity and storytelling skills to craft compelling narratives, memorable characters, and engaging dialogues.

A screenplay serves as the blueprint for a movie, outlining the scenes, actions, and dialogue that will come to life on the screen .

Screenwriting is much more than merely describing what the audience sees on the screen; it is about engaging the audience emotionally and intellectually.

A skilled screenwriter can take a simple concept and transform it into a gripping story that captivates the viewers from start to finish. They have the power to transport us to different worlds , make us laugh , cry , and ponder the complexities of life .

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing , on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses various forms of imaginative expression, including novels, short stories, poetry, and plays. It allows writers to explore the vast landscape of their imagination, creating worlds, characters, and emotions that resonate with readers.

Creative writing offers a boundless playground for writers to experiment with words, imagery, and themes. It enables them to delve into the depths of human emotions , paint vivid scenes with descriptive language , and challenge conventional perspectives .

Through creative writing, writers can become architects of their own universes, constructing tales that take readers on extraordinary journeys.

The Art of Screenwriting

Screenwriting is more than just putting words on paper; it involves mastering the art of visual storytelling.

Structure and Format

A well-crafted screenplay follows a specific structure, with acts and plot points that drive the story forward. The three-act structure is a common framework used by screenwriters to create a cohesive narrative that captivates the audience.

In the first act, the setup, the main characters and their motivations are introduced, and the central conflict is established. The second act, also known as the confrontation, builds tension and presents challenges for the characters to overcome. Finally, the third act, the resolution, brings the story to its climax and provides a satisfying conclusion.

In addition to structure, proper formatting is crucial in screenwriting to ensure clarity and ease of reading for directors, producers , and actors. Industry-standard screenplay formatting includes elements like scene headings , action lines , and character names in uppercase, making the script easy to interpret and translate onto the screen.

Character Development

Compelling characters are the heart of any great screenplay. A skilled screenwriter invests time in developing multi-dimensional characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and arcs.

As viewers, we become emotionally invested in the story when we can relate to the characters or find them intriguing. Complex characters with flaws and virtues can evoke empathy, making us root for their success or transformation throughout the narrative.

Dialogue and Narration

Dialogue in a screenplay should be crisp, authentic, and reflective of each character’s voice. It drives the plot, reveals emotions, and adds depth to the narrative. Well-crafted dialogue can be both impactful and revealing, allowing the characters to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and intentions effectively.

Narration is also essential in screenwriting, guiding the reader through the visual elements and helping them envision the scenes as they unfold. Narration sets the tone and atmosphere of the story , giving the audience a sense of the mood and ambiance.

The Essence of Creative Writing

Creative writing allows writers to explore the depths of their imagination and create unique literary works.

Exploring Imagination

In creative writing, there are no limits to where your imagination can take you. Writers can craft fantastical worlds, and futuristic societies, or delve into the past to tell historical tales. It is a canvas where creativity knows no boundaries.

The beauty of creative writing lies in its ability to transport readers to places they have never been and allow them to experience life through the eyes of diverse characters. By tapping into the vast reservoirs of imagination, writers can create narratives that ignite curiosity and wonder.

Crafting Unique Narratives

A key aspect of creative writing is the ability to spin original and captivating narratives. Whether it’s a mystery, romance, or adventure, writers have the freedom to innovate and surprise their readers with fresh perspectives.

One of the most exciting challenges for creative writers is to offer a unique twist on familiar themes. This creativity allows them to break new ground, challenge conventional norms, and create stories that resonate deeply with readers.

Evoking Emotions

Words have the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, and creative writers wield this power to transport readers to a world of feelings. From joy and laughter to heartache and tears, skilled writers can make readers feel deeply connected to their stories.

Emotional resonance is what separates a memorable piece of creative writing from a forgettable one. By tapping into universal emotions, creative writers can forge bonds with their readers, creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Similarities Between Screenwriting and Creative Writing

While screenwriting and creative writing may seem distinct, they share several common elements.

Storytelling

At their core, both screenwriting and creative writing revolve around storytelling. Both forms aim to capture the audience’s attention, take them on a journey, and leave a lasting impact.

Storytelling is an innate human characteristic, dating back to ancient civilizations when stories were shared orally around campfires. Today, the mediums have evolved, but the essence remains unchanged—crafting narratives that resonate with audiences.

Impact on the Audience

Both screenplays and creative works can leave a profound impact on their audience. They have the potential to entertain , educate , provoke thought , and even spark social change .

Powerful stories have the capacity to elicit strong emotions and prompt introspection. They can challenge our beliefs, broaden our perspectives, and create empathy for characters and situations we may not have encountered otherwise.

Key Differences Between Screenwriting and Creative Writing

Despite their similarities, screenwriting and creative writing have fundamental differences that set them apart.

Medium of Expression

The most apparent difference lies in the medium of expression. Screenwriting is primarily meant for visual consumption, while creative writing caters to the reader’s imagination.

Screenwriting, as the name suggests, is tailored for the screen. The words written by the screenwriter are brought to life through a collaborative effort involving directors, actors, cinematographers, and various other professionals in the filmmaking process.

On the other hand, creative writing relies solely on the written word to convey the narrative. It is up to the reader’s imagination to visualize the scenes and characters described by the writer.

Visual Elements

Screenplays rely on visual cues , describing scenes , actions , and camera angles to guide filmmakers in bringing the story to life. The screenwriter must think visually and consider how their words will translate into compelling visuals on the screen. Effective use of visual elements is crucial in screenwriting to create a vivid and immersive experience for the audience.

In contrast, creative writing relies on descriptive language to stimulate the reader’s imagination. Creative writers paint pictures with words, using metaphors, similes, and vivid imagery to craft a mental landscape that readers can explore within their minds.

While screenwriting utilizes visual storytelling to convey the narrative, creative writing focuses on evoking emotions and sparking the reader’s imagination through the written word.

Collaboration

Screenwriting often involves collaboration with directors, producers , and actors to realize the vision of the script on screen. The process of turning a screenplay into a film or TV show requires teamwork and the expertise of various professionals in the film industry.

Screenwriters must be open to feedback and willing to adapt their scripts to fit the vision of the director and producers. The collaborative nature of screenwriting requires effective communication and a willingness to work as part of a team to bring the story to life.

In contrast, creative writing is a more solitary endeavor. Creative writers typically work alone, immersing themselves in their craft and giving life to their ideas without the need for immediate collaboration.

While both screenwriting and creative writing requires creativity and imagination, the process of bringing a screenplay to the screen involves working with a team of professionals , while creative writing allows for individual artistic expression.

Is Screenwriting Creative Writing?

It is essential to recognize that screenwriting is indeed a form of creative writing . Though the medium and some technical aspects differ, the core essence of creativity and storytelling remains the same.

Screenwriters are storytellers who use their creativity to craft engaging narratives, and they have a profound impact on the entertainment industry. They are the architects of the stories that captivate audiences on the big and small screens.

Similarly, creative writers transport readers to new worlds, immerse them in captivating narratives, and evoke emotions through their words. Whether it’s a novel, poem, or play, creative writing allows writers to explore the depths of human experiences and emotions.

Both screenwriting and creative writing share the common goal of connecting with audiences on an emotional level, leaving a lasting impression through the power of storytelling.

Becoming a Screenwriter and Creative Writer

If you aspire to become a screenwriter or a creative writer, there are certain steps you can take to embark on this exciting journey.

Learning the Craft

To become proficient in screenwriting or creative writing, it is crucial to study the craft and learn from established writers and industry experts. Joining workshops, taking online courses , and reading books on writing can significantly enhance your skills.

In the digital age, numerous resources are available to aspiring writers. Websites, blogs, and online communities offer valuable insights, writing prompts, and tips to hone your writing abilities.

Finding Inspiration

Inspiration can strike from anywhere – a conversation, a fleeting thought, or a breathtaking view. As a writer, be receptive to your surroundings and embrace the endless possibilities for storytelling.

Traveling, reading diverse genres, observing people, and exploring different cultures can all provide valuable inspiration for creating compelling narratives.

Embracing Feedback

Receiving feedback on your writing can be intimidating, but it is a vital part of growth. Embrace constructive criticism, learn from it, and use it to refine your work.

Joining writing groups or sharing your work with beta readers can provide valuable feedback from different perspectives, helping you identify strengths and areas for improvement in your writing.

The Role of Technology in Screenwriting and Creative Writing

Technology has revolutionized both screenwriting and creative writing, providing tools that streamline the process and enhance creativity.

Screenwriting Software

Modern screenwriters rely on specialized software designed for script formatting and organization. Popular screenwriting software like Final Draft and Celtx helps writers focus on their creativity, leaving the technicalities to the program.

These software tools come with pre-built templates, auto-formatting options, and collaboration features that make the screenwriting process more efficient and collaborative.

Digital Platforms for Creative Writers

For creative writers, digital platforms offer a means to share their work with a global audience. Online platforms like Wattpad and Medium enable writers to publish their stories and connect with readers worldwide.

These platforms democratize creative writing, allowing writers to bypass traditional publishing channels and reach a vast audience directly. Writers can receive feedback, build a following, and even attract the attention of literary agents or publishers through their online presence.

Challenges in Screenwriting and Creative Writing

While both forms of writing can be incredibly rewarding, they come with their fair share of challenges.

Dealing with Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is a common hurdle that writers face, regardless of their chosen form of writing. It is a frustrating feeling of being unable to find inspiration or produce new ideas.

Overcoming writer’s block requires patience and adopting strategies like taking a break, changing the writing environment, or brainstorming ideas with fellow writers. Engaging in creative exercises or exploring different genres can also help spark new ideas and break through the block.

Balancing Creativity and Commercial Viability

In screenwriting, striking a balance between creative vision and commercial appeal is essential. Writers must consider the target audience and marketability without compromising the heart of their story.

For creative writers, finding the balance between artistic expression and market demand can also be challenging. While staying true to their unique voice and vision, writers must consider their audience and the potential for their work to resonate with readers.

Screenwriting and Creative Writing in the Entertainment Industry

Both screenwriting and creative writing play pivotal roles in the entertainment industry.

Impact on Film and Television

Without compelling screenplays, movies and TV shows would lack the captivating stories that draw audiences in. Screenwriters’ creativity shapes the worlds we see on the screen.

From blockbusters to indie films, screenwriters play a crucial role in shaping the cinematic landscape. Their scripts provide the foundation for directors, cinematographers, and actors to collaborate and create memorable visual experiences.

The Power of Storytelling in Various Mediums

Creative writing, in its diverse forms, continues to inspire and captivate readers across the globe. Novels, poems, and plays all contribute to the rich tapestry of human storytelling.

Creative writers have the unique ability to transport readers to different eras, cultures, and realities through their words. Their work can transcend time and connect with readers across generations, making a lasting impact on literature and culture.

In conclusion, screenwriting is indeed a form of creative writing. Both screenwriting and creative writing are art forms that celebrate the human capacity for imagination, storytelling, and emotional connection.

Screenwriting allows writers to bring stories to life on the screen, captivating audiences visually and emotionally. The art of screenwriting lies in its structured format, character development, and impactful dialogue, which combine to create memorable cinematic experiences.

Creative writing, on the other hand, provides writers with the freedom to explore the depths of their imagination, crafting unique narratives that evoke a wide range of emotions. It is a powerful medium that transports readers to enchanting worlds, challenges their perspectives, and leaves a lasting impression.

While screenwriting and creative writing have some differences in their mediums and processes, both forms of writing share the common goal of storytelling and making an impact on their audiences.

So, whether you choose to embark on a screenwriting journey or pursue creative writing, remember that both paths are filled with opportunities to leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. Embrace your creativity, hone your skills, and share your unique voice with the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can screenwriting be considered an art form.

Yes, absolutely. Screenwriting involves the creative process of crafting compelling narratives, well-developed characters, and engaging dialogues, making it a distinct art form.

What skills are essential for a successful screenwriter?

A successful screenwriter should possess strong storytelling abilities, a solid understanding of screenplay structure and formatting, excellent character development skills, and the ability to evoke emotions through dialogue and narration.

Is it necessary for a creative writer to have formal training?

While formal training can be beneficial, it is not a strict requirement for becoming a creative writer. Many successful writers have honed their craft through self-study, practice, and a passion for writing.

How do screenwriters collaborate with directors and producers?

Screenwriters collaborate with directors and producers by sharing their vision through the screenplay. The script serves as the blueprint for the film, and during pre-production and production, they work closely to bring the story to life on screen.

What are some famous examples of screenplays turned into successful films?

Some famous examples include “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, “The Shawshank Redemption” by Frank Darabont, and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Peter Jackson.

How do scriptwriters come up with ideas?

Scriptwriters often find inspiration from various sources, such as personal experiences, books, news articles, historical events, and even their dreams. Observing the world around them and asking “what if” questions can spark creative ideas for compelling stories.

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1-25 of 334 results

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA •

• Rating 4.16 out of 5 661 reviews

Sophomore: Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them ... Read 661 reviews

grade A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 4%

Net price $20,232

SAT range 1530-1580

#3 Best Colleges in America .

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

661 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them .

Read 661 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 4% ,

Net Price : $20,232 ,

SAT Range : 1530-1580 ,

Columbia University

New York, NY •

• Rating 3.82 out of 5 1,366 reviews

Alum: As a biochemistry student at Columbia University, my experience was extraordinary. The Core Curriculum was a highlight, exposing me to literature, philosophy, art history, and music. This interdisciplinary approach enriched my understanding and fostered critical thinking and analytical writing skills. Beyond academics, I loved engaging with the community through Peer Health Exchange (now S-HEAL), where I educated high school students on health and wellness. This experience enhanced my communication skills and deepened my commitment to public health. Writing for The Spectator allowed me to make scientific concepts accessible, improving my ability to articulate ideas clearly. Additionally, Columbia’s vibrant arts scene, from Miller Theatre performances to Wallach Art Gallery exhibitions, provided a rich cultural balance to my studies. Overall, Columbia offered a holistic education, blending rigorous science, arts, and community involvement, preparing me well for the future. ... Read 1,366 reviews

Net price $22,058

SAT range 1490-1580

#6 Best Colleges in America .

Blue checkmark.

NEW YORK, NY ,

1366 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says As a biochemistry student at Columbia University, my experience was extraordinary. The Core Curriculum was a highlight, exposing me to literature, philosophy, art history, and music. This... Beyond academics, I loved engaging with the community through Peer Health Exchange (now S-HEAL), where I educated high school students on health and wellness. This experience enhanced my... Writing for The Spectator allowed me to make scientific concepts accessible, improving my ability to articulate ideas clearly. Additionally, Columbia’s vibrant arts scene, from Miller Theatre... Overall, Columbia offered a holistic education, blending rigorous science, arts, and community involvement, preparing me well for the future. .

Read 1366 reviews.

Net Price : $22,058 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1580 ,

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

• Rating 3.9 out of 5 1,361 reviews

Freshman: It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be transformative and rewarding. Instead of focusing on the negatives, perhaps you could consider exploring constructive criticism or discussing specific areas for improvement in the college experience. This approach allows for a more balanced and productive discussion that can lead to positive changes and improvements in the education system. If you have specific concerns about your college experience, it might be helpful to address them directly with the appropriate channels within your institution or seek support from counselors or advisors. Remember, challenges are a natural part of any educational journey, and there are often resources available to help navigate them. ... Read 1,361 reviews

Acceptance rate 7%

Net price $26,123

SAT range 1500-1570

#7 Best Colleges in America .

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

1361 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be... .

Read 1361 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 7% ,

Net Price : $26,123 ,

SAT Range : 1500-1570 ,

Ferris State University

BIG RAPIDS, MI

• Rating 3.58 out of 5 2,204

St. Norbert College

DE PERE, WI

• Rating 3.79 out of 5 763

The New School

NEW YORK, NY

• Rating 3.58 out of 5 653

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH •

• Rating 3.88 out of 5 747 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Dartmouth has been great so far. The education is high quality and so are the professors. There are great opportunities for practical work and research. And the student body and campus life is lively and welcoming. The university is not perfect and the frat culture is very big here, but it is a wonderful place to be. ... Read 747 reviews

Acceptance rate 6%

Net price $19,208

SAT range 1500-1580

#8 Best Colleges in America .

HANOVER, NH ,

747 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience at Dartmouth has been great so far. The education is high quality and so are the professors. There are great opportunities for practical work and research. And the student body and... .

Read 747 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 6% ,

Net Price : $19,208 ,

SAT Range : 1500-1580 ,

Brown University

Providence, RI •

• Rating 3.84 out of 5 1,083 reviews

Junior: My experience has been absolutely incredible. As everyone says, the open curriculum really makes a world of difference as it allows you to choose your own path and not be hampered by requirements that you might never need or have little to no interest in. I am an athlete and have had great experience with athletics and academics because Brown is really good about accommodating student-athletes when it comes to game and practice schedules. ... Read 1,083 reviews

Acceptance rate 5%

Net price $26,723

#10 Best Colleges in America .

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

1083 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says My experience has been absolutely incredible. As everyone says, the open curriculum really makes a world of difference as it allows you to choose your own path and not be hampered by requirements... .

Read 1083 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 5% ,

Net Price : $26,723 ,

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL •

• Rating 3.7 out of 5 1,493 reviews

Freshman: There is a wealth of awesome student communities to join which really contributed to my experience. Classes are challenging but Northwestern offers many unique opportunities to explore different things and some uncommon ones like design classes. Performing arts are abundant on campus, so there is always something to see on the weekends! ... Read 1,493 reviews

Net price $22,095

SAT range 1490-1570

#15 Best Colleges in America .

EVANSTON, IL ,

1493 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says There is a wealth of awesome student communities to join which really contributed to my experience. Classes are challenging but Northwestern offers many unique opportunities to explore different... .

Read 1493 reviews.

Net Price : $22,095 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1570 ,

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Washington University in St. Louis

Saint Louis, MO •

• Rating 4.11 out of 5 1,574 reviews

Sophomore: I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your interested in business careers, and the academics ARE HARD -- You will do a lot of work. CS department could be stronger; premed/ bio/chem/pre-law deps / olin are excellent. The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen, sophomores, and some juniors) live on campus. The housing is excellent, and many students have kitchens on campus. St Louis is certainly not a luxury city (i.e. NY or LA) but does have good restaurants (DRIVE NOT WALK AWAY) and a cheap cost of living (concerts are usually way cheaper). It is way better than being in the woods, but not the bestest place. The school has partially impeded on the fun with their attack on greek life. ... Read 1,574 reviews

Acceptance rate 12%

Net price $23,432

#16 Best Colleges in America .

SAINT LOUIS, MO ,

1574 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your... The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen,... .

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Acceptance Rate : 12% ,

Net Price : $23,432 ,

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA •

• Rating 3.71 out of 5 1,483 reviews

Freshman: Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated, disciplined students, or burnout. Many people require some kind of passion to be here, as it takes passion to get through the intense workload. On the surface, the social life at CMU seems pretty dead. However, after actively looking for clubs, organizations, and student groups, I found there are a lot of opportunities to be part of communities that are passionate and welcoming. I also love that CMU is very invested in their student's success: it is easy to get help from academic advisors, pursue research positions, and take interesting opportunities to get your education outside the classroom. Overall, I am very proud and happy that I came here :). ... Read 1,483 reviews

Acceptance rate 11%

Net price $33,499

#20 Best Colleges in America .

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

1483 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated,... .

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Acceptance Rate : 11% ,

Net Price : $33,499 ,

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI •

• Rating 3.96 out of 5 4,720 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance between challenging courses that make students competitive prospects in their next step in life and opportunities to destress and enjoy the "best years of our lives", from watching our football team win the national championship to simply receiving free treats around campus from staff. From my personal experience, I cannot offer any suggestions for change for this amazing university! I have met some of the most kindhearted and motivated people in friends and professors while here and I cannot imagine attending another college. ... Read 4,720 reviews

Acceptance rate 18%

Net price $19,318

SAT range 1350-1530

#21 Best Colleges in America .

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

4720 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance... .

Read 4720 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 18% ,

Net Price : $19,318 ,

SAT Range : 1350-1530 ,

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

• Rating 3.81 out of 5 1,297 reviews

Sophomore: Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and found my place at the college. UChicago academics have impressed me, even with the required core classes. The professors I have met so far all appear to be enthusiastic about their specific fields, and they can be especially helpful outside of class. Given that our campus is located within a neighborhood, there are plenty of community activities and restaurants that students can hang out at, such as a Mexican-Korean restaurant called Seoul Taco. There are multiple dormitory buildings on campus, and the southern one is especially convenient as it has a dining hall, gym, and a small store all in one general place. There are also plenty of clubs, called RSOs, ranging from many types of activities like boxing or Japanese drum practice (Taiko). I would like more transportation options to explore. ... Read 1,297 reviews

Net price $36,991

#23 Best Colleges in America .

CHICAGO, IL ,

1297 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and... .

Read 1297 reviews.

Net Price : $36,991 ,

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD •

• Rating 3.68 out of 5 1,410 reviews

Alum: Overall, my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins was great. The academics were challenging without being destructive to student mental health and there were always numerous clubs, involvement opportunities, and events on campus to attend in my free time. It was easy to find research opportunities at the hospital and in general, the professors were very supportive. I do wish that I had seen more of JHU's involvement in local communities and would love to see the college work to give back more to local communities in the future. ... Read 1,410 reviews

Net price $24,034

SAT range 1520-1570

#24 Best Colleges in America .

BALTIMORE, MD ,

1410 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins was great. The academics were challenging without being destructive to student mental health and there were always numerous clubs, involvement... .

Read 1410 reviews.

Net Price : $24,034 ,

SAT Range : 1520-1570 ,

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA •

• Rating 3.99 out of 5 4,048 reviews

Alum: My instructors at the Annenberg School for Communication were top-notch. Dedicated professionals with years of experience in their fields. They designed challenging courses that imparted a great deal of information I later used in my career as a journalist. Their grading was tough, but fair. They were supportive of the students and invested in their success. The students represented a diverse swath of America and were generally more motivated than many other groups of students I'd been around. The facilities and access were excellent. A great place to go for someone intent on becoming a journalist. ... Read 4,048 reviews

Net price $36,808

SAT range 1450-1550

#26 Best Colleges in America .

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

4048 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says My instructors at the Annenberg School for Communication were top-notch. Dedicated professionals with years of experience in their fields. They designed challenging courses that imparted a great deal... .

Read 4048 reviews.

Net Price : $36,808 ,

SAT Range : 1450-1550 ,

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2024 Best Colleges with Playwriting and Screenwriting Degrees

Emory University

Atlanta, GA •

• Rating 3.84 out of 5 1,617 reviews

Sophomore: Emory's strong academic environment, combined with its diverse student body, has significantly broadened my perspectives and academic interests. I've particularly enjoyed the rigorous coursework and the opportunities to engage in research early in my college career. The professors here are not only leaders in their fields but are also genuinely interested in students' success, often available for guidance and support beyond the classroom. The campus itself is beautiful and well-maintained, providing a serene environment that enhances the learning experience. Socially, there are numerous clubs and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests, which made it easier for me as a transfer to integrate and find my community. However, I would like to see improvements in the advising system, especially for transfer students. Navigating a new university's academic and social landscape can be challenging, and a more structured support system could help ease this transition. ... Read 1,617 reviews

Net price $26,680

SAT range 1430-1550

#36 Best Colleges in America .

ATLANTA, GA ,

1617 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Emory's strong academic environment, combined with its diverse student body, has significantly broadened my perspectives and academic interests. I've particularly enjoyed the rigorous coursework and... .

Read 1617 reviews.

Net Price : $26,680 ,

SAT Range : 1430-1550 ,

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA •

• Rating 3.77 out of 5 636 reviews

Sophomore: I really love it here and am glad that I decided on Wellesley! I'm class of 2026, so I've been on campus for about two years now and each year, I've been able to meet some of the best professors and even better people. Conversations with peers are just as nuanced as the people and although the campus could still do with some diversity, I think we're definitely on the better end (I say this as a half Black and half-Asian student from a very predominantly white town). I've found that it's really easy to make friends because the campus and class sizes are so small (that being said, I'm also more extroverted). However, even my more introverted friends have said that they were eventually able to find close friends as their first or second year progressed -- the key is to be involved in campus or go to events and intentionally talk to people and reach out. ... Read 636 reviews

Acceptance rate 14%

Net price $21,362

#37 Best Colleges in America .

WELLESLEY, MA ,

636 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I really love it here and am glad that I decided on Wellesley! I'm class of 2026, so I've been on campus for about two years now and each year, I've been able to meet some of the best professors and... .

Read 636 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 14% ,

Net Price : $21,362 ,

University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

• Rating 4 out of 5 6,774 reviews

Freshman: I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and programs, as well as student organizations that are available for all to join. However, I’ve had a slightly difficult time realizing that because UT is so large, it’s extremely easy to sink into the cracks, and figuring your own stuff out is essential. No one is going to hold your hand through course registration or career decisions, but I think- despite the inconvenience- it teaches students how to be an adult much more effectively than a gentler approach. Overall, I love UT and Austin and can’t recommend it enough! ... Read 6,774 reviews

Acceptance rate 31%

Net price $17,434

SAT range 1230-1500

#42 Best Colleges in America .

AUSTIN, TX ,

6774 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and... .

Read 6774 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 31% ,

Net Price : $17,434 ,

SAT Range : 1230-1500 ,

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL •

• Rating 3.86 out of 5 3,076 reviews

Senior: Couldn't have had a better 4 years and more fun time! I lived basically like Alix Earle (college wise and not fame wise). There is something to do every single day. I was able to go out 6 nights a week and maintain my workload pretty easily. I absolutely loved all my classes and the professors. Most of my class sizes were small and very discussion based which I find best for learning. My professors were all super nice, available, knowledgeable, and understanding. Campus is beautiful! Greek life is take it or leave it, people involved really like it and I wasn't in a sorority but was still able to go to all the frat parties. I love the academics here and the party scene and I'm so sad I am graduating next week. Anyone can really find their place here and if you want to tan in January or a serious student you should come here and study by the pool. Only con of the school is the cost, but if you can afford it or get a lot of financial aid it's more than worth it! ... Read 3,076 reviews

Acceptance rate 19%

Net price $36,467

SAT range 1310-1480

#52 Best Colleges in America .

CORAL GABLES, FL ,

3076 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says Couldn't have had a better 4 years and more fun time! I lived basically like Alix Earle (college wise and not fame wise). There is something to do every single day. I was able to go out 6 nights a... .

Read 3076 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 19% ,

Net Price : $36,467 ,

SAT Range : 1310-1480 ,

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY •

• Rating 3.72 out of 5 488 reviews

Alum: Looking back on my experience, I feel as though I didn't appreciate everything Hamilton College did for me. When you're in the moment, it's easy to see all the bad and be frustrated with things like the crappy campus food, a poor party scene, and a major lack of diversity. But, looking back, I do miss my time at Hamilton. I miss living in a walking community, I miss all the free food and free merchandise the school gave me. I miss the diner. I miss having small classes and being close to my professors. The community there, although not perfect, came together in moments that mattered. The school could be better. The lack of accountability from the administration on social issues and a constant battle between hate speech and lack of punishment for students who harmed others was a constant in all my 4 years. I hope the students continue to push forward and force Hamilton into a socially-accountable mindset. ... Read 488 reviews

Net price $24,503

SAT range 1420-1540

#54 Best Colleges in America .

CLINTON, NY ,

488 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Looking back on my experience, I feel as though I didn't appreciate everything Hamilton College did for me. When you're in the moment, it's easy to see all the bad and be frustrated with things like... .

Read 488 reviews.

Net Price : $24,503 ,

SAT Range : 1420-1540 ,

University of Washington

Seattle, WA •

• Rating 3.79 out of 5 4,682 reviews

Graduate Student: The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with classmates are often pleasant and enriching, fostering a sense of community. However, safety concerns linger as an area needing improvement. While the campus exudes warmth and inclusivity, addressing safety issues would further enhance the overall experience, ensuring students can focus on their studies without worry. Despite this aspect, the university's positive attributes, from its supportive faculty to its friendly student body, create a conducive environment for academic and personal growth. ... Read 4,682 reviews

Acceptance rate 48%

Net price $10,603

SAT range —

#60 Best Colleges in America .

SEATTLE, WA ,

4682 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with... .

Read 4682 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 48% ,

Net Price : $10,603 ,

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN •

• Rating 3.81 out of 5 477 reviews

Freshman: I'm only a freshman, so take my opinions with that in mind, but I am immensely fortunate to have chosen to attend Mac. Students that go to this school are kind and from countless backgrounds and experiences. I have yet to perceive any air of frustration or misery on campus—even during finals season—and the upperclassmen I've spoken to have had similar experiences. The food isn't great, but I consider it adequate for the most part (although I would love to see food options that are more compatible with some of the dietary restrictions on campus). There are always numerous events to attend on campus so you have endless opportunities to learn new skills, have new experiences, and meet new people. Even if it takes some time, I can almost guarantee that you can find your "group" on campus. The academics are exceptional and I have had so many lovely interactions with professors. You really can join in on research projects in your freshman year! Just beware the cold and you'll thrive here. ... Read 477 reviews

Acceptance rate 28%

Net price $36,095

SAT range 1340-1500

#62 Best Colleges in America .

SAINT PAUL, MN ,

477 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I'm only a freshman, so take my opinions with that in mind, but I am immensely fortunate to have chosen to attend Mac. Students that go to this school are kind and from countless backgrounds and... .

Read 477 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 28% ,

Net Price : $36,095 ,

SAT Range : 1340-1500 ,

Haverford College

Haverford, PA •

• Rating 3.93 out of 5 269 reviews

Junior: My experience at Haverford College has been wonderful. The Honor Code definitely plays a huge role with this. I have always felt safe walking at night on campus and am able to leave my belongings without fear it of it being taken. I feel as though I can approach my professors when I need support or accommodations and have never been turned down. It's clear that most people here respect others, faculty and the space around them (of course exceptions exist like anywhere else but are a small minority). Generally, I would say, the student population is happy, motivated, and eager to help others. Unlike Swarthmore or other selective colleges, students are collaborative, laid back, yet still strive to maintain academic excellence. Rather than only focusing on grades, Haverford students are eager to learn and contribute to the community. I would say it's fair to say that Haverford is a smaller liberal arts college version of Brown University. ... Read 269 reviews

Net price $23,476

SAT range 1430-1540

#70 Best Colleges in America .

HAVERFORD, PA ,

269 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says My experience at Haverford College has been wonderful. The Honor Code definitely plays a huge role with this. I have always felt safe walking at night on campus and am able to leave my belongings... .

Read 269 reviews.

Net Price : $23,476 ,

SAT Range : 1430-1540 ,

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN •

• Rating 3.83 out of 5 5,152 reviews

Alum: Academically challenging school that heavily focuses on STEM majors. If you are in liberal arts, there is a nice community but it is small and not nearly as funded as the STEM programs. Campus is walkable filled with nice community spaces and plenty of libraries, cafes, and rooms to study and meet with classmates. A lot of school spirit centered around the athletics. Most people live off campus starting second year. The apartments in Chauncey Square are an excellent location and close to night life spots and restaurants. Campus is very diverse and there are many opportunities to join clubs and student groups. Purdue is only 1 or 2 hours away from two different international airports, and shuttle busses run nearly everyday between those airports and Purdue campus, making travel easier for international or out of state students. Boiler up! ... Read 5,152 reviews

grade A Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 53%

Net price $12,576

SAT range 1200-1470

#79 Best Colleges in America .

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN ,

5152 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Academically challenging school that heavily focuses on STEM majors. If you are in liberal arts, there is a nice community but it is small and not nearly as funded as the STEM programs. Campus is... .

Read 5152 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A ,

Acceptance Rate : 53% ,

Net Price : $12,576 ,

SAT Range : 1200-1470 ,

Colby College

Waterville, ME •

• Rating 3.85 out of 5 635 reviews

Freshman: Great experience! So far I have enjoyed the amazing community filled with wonderful professors and students I can now call friends. With the opening of the new Athletic Center and Gordon center, I am excited to see what comes next as Colby continues to evolve and maintain excellence. ... Read 635 reviews

Acceptance rate 8%

Net price $16,951

#80 Best Colleges in America .

WATERVILLE, ME ,

635 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Great experience! So far I have enjoyed the amazing community filled with wonderful professors and students I can now call friends. With the opening of the new Athletic Center and Gordon center, I am... .

Read 635 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 8% ,

Net Price : $16,951 ,

University of Pittsburgh

• Rating 3.75 out of 5 4,365 reviews

Senior: I love living on and around campus. Living in Oakland has really made me fall in love with Pittsburgh. We have access to so many things around Pittsburgh such as free access on Pittsburgh Regional Transportation bus line, the t, the inclines, etc. We also have access to many of the historical and art museums around Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Art, Mattress Factory, Heinz History Center, etc. There are also plenty of fun places in the city, the Strip District, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Schenley Park, and Kennywood! ... Read 4,365 reviews

Acceptance rate 49%

Net price $24,286

SAT range 1280-1470

#84 Best Colleges in America .

4365 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says I love living on and around campus. Living in Oakland has really made me fall in love with Pittsburgh. We have access to so many things around Pittsburgh such as free access on Pittsburgh Regional... .

Read 4365 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 49% ,

Net Price : $24,286 ,

SAT Range : 1280-1470 ,

National University

La Jolla, CA •

• Rating 3.98 out of 5 1,176 reviews

Freshman: Attending National University fully online has been a unique experience for me. While I miss the in-person interactions and campus atmosphere, I appreciate the flexibility and convenience that their classes offer me. It has challenged me to be more disciplined and independent in managing my time and workload. Overall, my online National University experience has been a positive one. ... Read 1,176 reviews

Acceptance rate 55%

Net price $30,527

SAT range 750-1170

#90 Best Colleges in America .

LA JOLLA, CA ,

1176 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Attending National University fully online has been a unique experience for me. While I miss the in-person interactions and campus atmosphere, I appreciate the flexibility and convenience that their... .

Read 1176 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 55% ,

Net Price : $30,527 ,

SAT Range : 750-1170 ,

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX •

• Rating 3.86 out of 5 1,579 reviews

Freshman: I visited SMU for a campus tour during the spring break of March 2023. The major factor that led me to choose SMU is its magisterial infrastructure and the opportunity to graduate with two degrees. SMU’s propounded Simmons school of Education’s Education program especially the Early childhood to 6 and the esteemed teaching faculty is the gravity force for me. After I graduate from college, I aspire to be a teacher in Texas and teach technology to kids with special needs. With the shortage of quality teachers in Texas, I conceive high caliber teachers can make the most impact in students to pursue their careers. Therefore, I am writing an application to get a degree from SMU and build a stronger society of future students. I want to be a proud Texan to serve the Texas education system by studying in the best Texas University. ... Read 1,579 reviews

Acceptance rate 52%

Net price $45,094

SAT range 1370-1510

#95 Best Colleges in America .

DALLAS, TX ,

1579 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I visited SMU for a campus tour during the spring break of March 2023. The major factor that led me to choose SMU is its magisterial infrastructure and the opportunity to graduate with two degrees.... .

Read 1579 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 52% ,

Net Price : $45,094 ,

SAT Range : 1370-1510 ,

Sweet Briar College

SWEET BRIAR, VA

• Rating 3.57 out of 5 422

California Baptist University

RIVERSIDE, CA

• Rating 4.14 out of 5 2,907

University of North Carolina - Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC

• Rating 3.79 out of 5 2,023

Showing results 1 through 25 of 334

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 12 best creative writing colleges and programs.

College Info

Finding a dedicated creative writing program at a school you're excited about can be a real challenge, and that's even before you start worrying about getting in. Nonetheless, there are some great options. In order to help you find the best school for you, this list rounds up some of the best colleges for creative writing in the United States .

The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria

You should never take college rankings as absolute truth —not even the very official-seeming US News ones. Instead, use these kinds of lists as a jumping-off place for your own exploration of colleges. Pay attention not just to what the rankings are but to how the rankings are determined.

To help with that, I'll explain how I came up with this highly unscientific list of great creative writing colleges. I started by narrowing my search down to schools that offered a specific creative writing major. (If you don't see a school you were expecting, it's likely because they only have a minor.)

In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria:

#1: MFA Ranking —If a school has a great graduate creative writing program, it means you'll be taught by those same professors and the excellent graduate students they attract. Schools with strong MFA programs are also more likely to have solid alumni networks and internship opportunities. However, many schools with great undergrad programs do not offer MFAs, in which case I simply focused on the other four options.
#2: General School Reputation —The vast majority of your classes won't be in creative writing, so it's important that other parts of the school, especially the English department, are great as well.
#3: Extracurricular Opportunities —One of the key advantages of majoring in creative writing is that it can provide access to writing opportunities outside the classroom, so I took what kind of internship programs, author readings, and literary magazines the school offers into consideration.
#4: Diversity of Class Options —I gave extra points to schools with a variety of genre options and specific, interesting classes.
#5: Alumni/Prestige —This last criterion is a bit more subjective: is the school known for turning out good writers? Certainly it's less important than what kind of education you'll actually get, but having a brand-name degree (so to speak) can be helpful.

The Best Creative Writing Schools

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of schools! The exact numbering is always arguable, so look at it as a general trend from absolutely amazing to still super great, rather than fixating on why one school is ranked #3 and another is ranked #4.

#1: Northwestern University

Northwestern's undergrad creative writing program boasts acclaimed professors and an unparalleled track record of turning out successful writers (including Divergent author Veronica Roth and short-story writer Karen Russell).

Outside the classroom, you can work on the student-run literary journal, intern at a publication in nearby Chicago, or submit to the Department of English's yearly writing competition . The university is also home to a top journalism program , so if you want to try your hand at nonfiction as well, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so.

#2: Columbia University

Like Northwestern, Columbia is home to both a world-class creative writing program and a top journalism school (plus one of the best English departments in the country), so you have a wide range of writing-related course options. Columbia also benefits from its location in New York City, which is bursting at the seams with publishing houses, literary journals, and talented authors.

#3: University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's big draw is the infrastructure of its graduate Writers' Workshop, which is often considered the best MFA program in the country.

As an English and Creative Writing major here, you'll take classes from great young writers and established professors alike, and get to choose from a wide range of topics. This major provides transferable skills important for a liberal arts major with a creative focus. You'll also have access to the university's impressive literary community, including frequent readings, writing prizes and scholarships, and the acclaimed literary journal The Iowa Review .

#4: Emory University

Emory is renowned for its dedicated undergrad creative writing program , which draws the very best visiting scholars and writers. Students here have the chance to attend intimate question-and-answer sessions with award-winning authors, study a range of genres, compete for writing awards and scholarships, and work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project.

#5: Oberlin College

A small liberal arts school in Ohio, Oberlin offers very different advantages than the schools above do. You'll have fewer opportunities to pursue writing in the surrounding city, but the quality of the teachers and the range of courses might make up for that. Moreover, it boasts just as impressive alumni, including actress and writer Lena Dunham.

#6: Hamilton College

Hamilton is another small college, located in upstate New York. It's known for giving students the freedom to pursue their interests and the support to help them explore topics in real depth, both inside and outside the classroom. Hamilton's creative writing program takes full advantage with small classes and lots of opportunities to intern and publish; it also has one of the best writing centers in the country.

#7: Brown University

Brown's Literary Arts program offers one of the top MFAs in the US as well as an undergraduate major . For the major, you must take four creative writing workshops and six reading-intensive courses, which span an array of departments and topics, from music and literature to Middle East studies and Egyptology.

#8: Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University has an excellent creative writing MFA program, lots of super specific class options, and a number of scholarships specifically earmarked for creative writing students. This school’s undergraduate English program also offers a concentration in creative writing that allows students to specialize in a specific genre: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. If you’re interested in exploring your potential in a specific writing genre, Washington University could be a great pick for you.

#9: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT might not be a school you generally associate with writing, but it actually has an excellent program that offers courses in digital media and science writing, as well as creative writing, and provides plenty of guidance on how graduates can navigate the tricky job market.

Not to mention the school is located in Cambridge, a haven for book lovers and writers of all kinds. Though it probably isn’t a good fit for students who hate science, MIT is a great place for aspiring writers who want to build writing skills that are marketable in a wide range of industries.

#10: University of Michigan

University of Michigan is one of the best state universities in the country and has a top-notch MFA program. This school’s undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications give students crucial practice in both building a writing portfolio and articulating their interest in creative writing to an audience who will evaluate their work. If you're looking to attend a big school with a great creative writing major, this is a fantastic choice.

#11: Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is another school that's known more for engineering than it is for writing, but, like MIT, it has a dedicated writing program. As a major here, you must take not only courses in prose, poetry, and literature, but also classes on topics such as philosophy and history.

#12: Colorado College

Colorado College is a small liberal arts school known for its block plan , which allows students to focus on one class per three-and-a-half-week block. The creative writing track of the English major includes a sequence of four writing workshops and also requires students to attend every reading of the Visiting Writers Series.

Bonus School: New York University

I didn't include NYU in the main list because it doesn't have a dedicated creative writing major, but it's a great school for aspiring writers nonetheless, offering one of the most impressive creative writing faculties in the country and all the benefits of a Manhattan location.

How To Pick the Best Creative Writing School for You

Just because Northwestern is a great school for creative writing doesn't mean you should set your heart on going there. (The football fans are completely terrifying, for one thing.) So where should you go then?

Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking at creative writing programs to help you determine the best school for you:

Does It Have Courses You're Interested In?

Look at the course offerings and see whether they interest you. While you can't predict exactly what classes you'll love, you want to avoid a mismatch where what you want to study and what the program offers are completely different. For example, if you want to write sonnets but the school focuses more on teaching fiction, it probably won't be a great fit for you.

Also, don't forget to look at the English courses and creative writing workshops! In most programs, you'll be taking a lot of these, too.

What Opportunities Are There To Pursue Writing Outside of Class?

I touched on this idea in the criteria section, but it's important enough that I want to reiterate it here. Some of the best writing experience you can get is found outside the classroom, so see what kind of writing-related extracurriculars a school has before committing to it.

Great options include getting involved with the campus newspaper, working on the school's literary journal, or interning at the university press.

Who Will Be Teaching You?

Who are the professors? What kind of work have they published? Check teacher ratings on Rate My Professors (but make sure to read the actual reviews—and always take them with a grain of salt).

If you're looking at a big school, there's a good chance that a lot of your teachers will be graduate students. But that's not necessarily a bad thing: a lot of the best teachers I had in college were graduate students. Just take into consideration what kind of graduate program the school has. If there's a great creative writing MFA program, then the graduate students are likely to be better writers and more engaged teachers.

What Are the Alumni Doing Now?

If you have a sense of what you want to do after you graduate, see if any alumni of the program are pursuing that type of career. The stronger the alumni network is, the more connections you'll have when it comes time to get a job.

What About the Rest of the School?

Don't pick a school for which you like the creative writing program but dread everything else about it. Most of your time will be spent doing other things, whether hanging out in the dorms, exploring off campus, or fulfilling general education requirements.

Many schools require you to apply to the creative writing major, so make doubly sure you'll be happy with your choice even if you aren't accepted to the program.

What's Next?

Are you sure a creative writing major is the right fit for you? Read our post on the pros and cons of the major to help you decide what path to take in college.

For more general advice about choosing a college, check out our complete guide to finding the right school for you. Some major factors to consider include deciding whether you're interested in a small college or a big university , an in-state or out-of-state institution , and a public or private school .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:

Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.

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Writing for Film, Television & Games

Develop an absolute command of the craft of storytelling, and a deep understanding of the world of film, television and games.

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VFS’s signature programs and facilities are at the heart of a creative economy worth $3.4 billion in B.C. alone. From film production and 3D animation to game, digital, and VR/AR design, VFS is helping shape the entertainment and media industries’ transformation. In 2021, VFS alumni were credited on 8 of the 15 highest grossing films and on 5 of the 10 best-selling video games worldwide, in a global industry set to generate US$2.1 trillion in revenues in 2021.

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I attended VFS in 2010 and can't say enough good things about this program. The courses here helped me develop many of the skills and tools that are often overlooked when trying to break into screenwriting. Great teachers and community.

Tyler Burton Smith

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Writer of Kung Fury 2 , Boy Kills World , and Child's Play

Such an amazing school! The Writing for Film, Television & Games program is brilliant. Teachers are very supportive and course content is superb. Loved my time here!

Jillian Mannion

Writer on Blood , Sex & Royalty and winner of the Best Long Running Series Award from the WGGB for River City

I attended looking for a way to get a firm grasp of the base principles of good storytelling in a variety of mediums, and was very satisfied with the results. I personally thrived in this highly structured and intensive program.

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Narrative on The Necromancer's Tale and QA Specialist at DYSYS

I graduated from the Writing for Film, TV and Games program in 2022, and this school changed my life. I always knew what I wanted to do, but it was VFS that gave me the skills and confidence to do it. The staff are kind, friendly and always willing to go the extra mile to help out.

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VFS has been the greatest experience of my life. I not only developed an amazing creative skill to tell stories but I learned how to work as a team player with other incredible writers. My native language is Spanish, so I also developed a sense of confidence while writing and working in another language.

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A VFS Writing for Film, Television & Games Education

In 12 months you will graduate with:

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Develop fundamental skills in visual storytelling, structure, character, format, and genre.

Commit to story and character development for your first feature screenplay.

Workshop the first drafts of your feature and TV scripts.

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Complete drafts of your final feature film script or TV pilot for your final project, and polish it through intense workshopping.

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Write a one-page (maximum) synopsis. Provide the genre and use references to other movies, television shows or games to explain how you would write the project. Explain the concept, vision, or idea. In addition, provide a minimum of two and a maximum of four other creative writing samples in their original form (maximum 20 total pages). You’ll find information on how to send your work in the application form, or you can ask your Advisor.

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50 Movies About Writers That Are Definitely Worth Your Time

From William Shakespeare to Toni Morrison to Joan Didion to J.R.R. Tolkien, it's no secret that folks who professionally put words on paper are endlessly fascinating individuals. Some writers find inspiration for their work from their own troubled lives and wild backgrounds. Others are simply born with imaginations the size of an aircraft carrier. However different they may be, authors, journalists, poets, and essayists all share the special ability of expressing themselves so well that they take up space in the minds of others.

With a gift so unique — and so fundamentally important to the movie industry — it's no wonder Hollywood loves making movies about writers. And it turns out, audiences truly enjoy watching the misadventures of the literarily inclined. However, movies about writers are all faced with the same problem: The actual act of writing is un-cinematic. There's nothing inherently that interesting about watching a person pound out sentences on a laptop or typewriter, even though the person doing the typing might be deeply interesting. Luckily, these great films have found unique and exciting ways of visualizing the writing process and the figures behind it, so read on to find out the best movies about writers (and don't worry, no one is just sitting behind a desk in any of these).

One of the best movies about a writer not surprisingly comes from the brain and fingertips of the meta movie master himself: Charlie Kaufman. Kaufman wrote the 2002 film "Adaptation," which tells a story about a fictional version of himself and his fictional twin brother, Donald. In "Adaptation," insecure and self-loathing screenwriter Charlie Kaufman ( Nicolas Cage ) suffers from writer's block, as he tries to adapt a book that seems impossible to translate to the screen. Meanwhile, his twin brother Donald (also Cage) decides that he wants to be a screenwriter too, and tries his hand at Charlie's life's work.

If a double performance from Cage isn't enough of a selling point, the fact that Kaufman wrote a movie about a screenwriter adapting a book should do the trick. In his hands, the story turns into a commentary on the Hollywood machine, the difference between reality and fiction, a semi-adaptation of Susan Orlean's real-life bestseller "The Orchid Thief," and an update of Sam Shepherd's classic stage comedy "True West."

Plus, it features a stacked supporting cast. Screen queen Meryl Streep delivers big time as author Susan Orlean, Chris Cooper serves as a perfect antagonist, and Brian Cox shows up to steal a few scenes as Robert McKee. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Tilda Swinton also appear in small roles. All of these actors bring a sense of quirky energy and make what could've been an overly heady movie into a fun ride. Viewers be warned though, anyone looking for a one-for-one recreation of "The Orchid Thief" should look elsewhere.

Midnight in Paris

Woody Allen's love letter to Paris in the 1920s is both a sweet high-concept comedy and an evaluation of the virtues of nostalgia. "Midnight in Paris" centers around Gil (Owen Wilson), a Hollywood script doctor, who dreams of writing a meaningful novel. While in Paris with his fiancée Inez (Rachel McAdams) and her parents, Gil discovers a car that takes him back to 1920s Paris at midnight. Gil goes on the trip of a lifetime, where he hangs out with literary and artistic greats like Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Salvador Dalí, Gertrude Stein, and many, many more.

"Midnight in Paris" plays like an art and literature lover's dream, as these legendary writers and artists get the chance to engage with someone who already knows their reputations and masterworks, which leads to some hilarious jokes. The casting in this film is excellent, as Tom Hiddleston proves to be an inspired choice as a young F. Scott Fitzgerald, while Adrian Brody is hilarious as a rhinoceros-obsessed Dalí. Any fan looking to get lost in a whimsical story featuring some of the most influential names of the 20th century need look no further than "Midnight in Paris."

Can You Ever Forgive Me?

2018's "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" is based on the true story of professional biographer Lee Israel (via Time ). Struggling to write her next book and pay the rent, Israel (Melissa McCarthy) uses her gift for getting into the lives of other people and forges letters from all sorts of famous folks, which she sells for a high price. What ensues is a deep look inside a damaged and lonely person, who's often more comfortable embodying others rather than herself.

McCarthy — who's typically scene-stealing in comedic vehicles like "Bridesmaids" — plays against type here and brings a prickly exterior to almost every scene she's in. In her hands, Israel becomes a lovable hard drinker and sailor-mouthed depressive. But underneath the movie's pain and drama lies a quietly devastating look at an author whose talents went under-appreciated in her time. Nobody turns to fraud for fun and "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" makes a strong case that forgery really is Israel's last resort.

It also makes pains to not overly romanticize its protagonist's gifts. Even though expertly crafting false biographical correspondence is no easy feat, the audience is never explicitly rooting for Israel to get away with it. It's akin to watching a talented friend burn their skills on a fruitless enterprise and here, the viewer grows to admire Israel's work before wishing she put her efforts towards something else.

Ruby Sparks

Zoe Kazan wrote and stars in "Ruby Sparks," a film about a fictional manic pixie dream girl come to life. Author Calvin (Paul Dano) writes about a character named Ruby Sparks, and is startled to see that this person on his page suddenly appears in the form of a living, breathing Ruby Sparks (Kazan). Calvin soon discovers that his writing about Ruby holds sway over Ruby in the real world.

This high-concept plot explores heady themes like how women are objectified in fiction by male creators or what it means for an author to engage with their material once it leaves the page and enters the real world. While the movie is based around this complex metaphor, it never fails to entertain. Dano and Kazan are wonderful in the lead roles and the cast is rounded out by the likes of Antonio Banderas, Annette Benning, and Steve Coogan — who's funny enough to read a phone book.

The film got mostly positive reviews by critics, including Roger Ebert , who wrote that "the movie's intriguing in its fanciful way." Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris of "Little Miss Sunshine" fame bring Kazan's script to life here, and anyone looking for a meta tale about writing will be sure to enjoy "Ruby Sparks."

Virginia Woolf is an author whose work seems like it would be difficult to adapt for the big screen due to her focus on interiority, or the way that characters think and feel, which is hard to show on-screen. Luckily for Woolf fans, 2003's "The Hours" — based on a book of the same name by Michael Cunningham — heavily vibes on Woolf's " waves " length.

The movie tells the story of three women in three different time periods, who are all interconnected by Woolf's novel "Mrs. Dalloway." There's Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) trying to write in 1923, Laura Brown (Julianne Moore) trying to live in 1951, and Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep) trying to throw a party in 2001.

Both the film and its source material owes a ton to Woolf's classic works like "A Room of One's Own" and "Mrs. Dalloway." In "The Hours," much like in Woolf's novels, each female protagonist puts on a face for the world (and men) around her, which hides all that she has going on underneath the surface.

All three actresses shine in "The Hours," as do supporting cast members like Richard Harris in a particularly tragic performance. For anyone unfamiliar with Woolf, "The Hours" is a fantastic and emotional ode to a woman who created art at a time that didn't understand her or want her to.

Bright Star

Academy Award-winning writer-director Jane Campion brought her signature light and considered touch to 2009's "Bright Star." The film depicts the romance between poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) and Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish).

Today, Keats is a well-known 19th century Romantic poet. However, in his own time, Keats felt he was a failure. His published work received mostly middling reviews and he died at 25 of tuberculosis. This context brings a tinge of sadness to the film since anybody familiar with the poet is aware of the tragic future outcome of his budding romance with Fanny.

Campion keeps a movie about a romantic rather subdued. Instead of making Keats' and Fanny's relationship into a loud ball of anachronistic erotic behavior, she spends time on the intimate moments the pair share together. The tiny beats of silence they share, the expression on Fanny's face when she receives a letter from Keats, and the moments where the pair read poetry all create a gorgeous portrait of young love. In other words, Campion captures the romance people are capable of when just being around one another is enough. However sad though it may be, this beautiful movie is quietly excellent and not to be missed.

Becoming Jane

Jane Austen received the Hollywood biopic treatment in 2007's "Becoming Jane." While the movie is not a particularly accurate account of Austen's ascendance to the literary hall of fame, it is a fun romp through Austen's past. In the film, Anne Hathaway plays the budding literary superstar, who's marked by equal intelligence and charm. As she makes her way through the world, she encounters suitors of all shapes and sizes, from all manner of backgrounds both privileged and unprivileged alike.

The movie is framed as "the inspiration" for Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." Any fan looking for a granular recreation of Austen's process or life in the Regency Era be warned — "Becoming Jane" is firmly a rom-com with biopic window dressing. Most of its plot revolves around Austen's relationship with Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). While Lefroy existed in real life, scholars aren't certain he was ever romantically involved with the author (via The Jane Austen Centre ). However, the fiction weaves into the film is more fun than issue.

"Becoming Jane" may not reveal anything particularly noteworthy about Austen or her literary process. However, it does allow Hathaway to put enough charisma on screen to fill her own novel. So, like a fun read, "Becoming Jane," entices audiences and doesn't overstay its welcome.

Some movies about authors are played for grins, while others — like 2005's "Capote" — are played deadly serious. This biopic details the six years that Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman) spends writing his magnum opus, "In Cold Blood," and the heavy toll that this work of investigating and writing about a heinous crime takes on Capote.

This book details the real-life murders of a family in Kansas, as well as the subsequent investigation into the killings, and the trial and executions of the men who committed them. In an interview with The New York Times , Capote discusses his revolutionary approach of writing this true story using the devices of fiction, which is widely credited as creating the non-fiction novel (via Brittanica.com ).

The late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman captures this dark material marvelously. He completely channels the author, and won his only Oscar for the performance. While many authors have led interesting lives, not many have worked on a story that fundamentally altered the course of their life, and "Capote" captures the destructive toll of creation marvelously.

Young Adult

In 2011's "Young Adult," Mavis Gary ( Charlize Theron ) is a former prom queen, who's now a stunted young adult fiction writer with a penchant for bitter put-downs and whiskey. Mavis returns to her hometown and embarks upon a doomed quest to win back her old high school flame, Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson). That Buddy is happily married with a pregnant wife doesn't deter Mavis one bit, who tries to reconnect with her old flame, all while connecting in surprising ways with Matt (Patton Oswalt), a bullied ex-classmate she barely remembers.

While "Young Adult" could have played like a depressing slice-of-life movie, in the hands of screenwriter Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman — who team up again after the wildly successful "Juno" — it subverts expectations to become something totally unique, which has as many laughs as dark moments.

Theron shines here, as she goes for broke and swerves between unbridled nastiness and vulnerability on a dime. She's matched only by stand-up comedian Patton Oswalt, who injects a fairly grim film with a much-needed sense of humanity and empathy. In fact, Oswalt's performance is so good that Roger Ebert described it as the "key to the film's success" in his review.

Almost Famous

2000's "Almost Famous" dramatizes the actual and envy-inducing early days of director Cameron Crowe's career in music journalism (via Rolling Stone ). In the movie, a teenager named William Miller (Patrick Fugit) gets hired by Rolling Stone editor Ben Fong-Torres (Terry Chen) to go on tour with a fictional band called Stillwater. Stillwater — with their long hair, sweet riffs, and infighting — acts an amalgamation of the legendary rock bands from the 1970s like Led Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers.

The movie's secret sauce is its ability to express William's passion for writing. William, like his real-life counterpart Cameron Crowe, loves rock n' roll and Crowe is able to make this enthusiasm vibrate off the screen, so viewers can reach out and grab a fistful of William's lust for life and epic experiences. Plenty of movies deal with the troubled lives of writers and many make hay of the inspirations that lead to their most influential works. However, very few films explicitly show the audience what it feels like to care about something enough to write about it for a living and do so in such a warm, sweet way. If all of that didn't sell it, "Almost Famous" also features the most iconic use of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" of all time. Seek this movie out wherever it can be found.

Stranger Than Fiction

"Stranger Than Fiction" is a somewhat odd movie. Its director Marc Forster was previously known for sad fare like "Monster's Ball," and it stars Will Ferrell in his first real dramatic role as IRS auditor Harold Crick. Crick lives life like any everyman. He works, he chats with friends, and he pines for romance — until this existence is suddenly interrupted by a disembodied voice narrating his life. Crick goes on a quest to find the source of this narrator, and soon discovers that he's the subject of the next novel by author Karen Eiffel (Emma Thompson), who's known for killing off her protagonists.

"Stranger Than Fiction" uses its meta concept to explore the relationship between love, art, and creation, and it tackles these heady topics in a palatable and off-beat way thanks to Ferrell's turn as Harold Crick. Given the surreal nature of the story, Ferrell's acting chops fit into the movie's heightened world. In a film that dives into absurdity from its opening moments, Ferrell reveals a unique ability to reverse his usual funny man shtick. Instead of handling routine moments with absurdity, he handles absurd moments subtly. While the movie is about Harold Crick, it also relies on the relationship between Crick and Eiffel, as two people who discover the unexpected ways they influence each other. It speaks to that on a micro level as well as on a macro one, as Eiffel confronts her abilities and power as a writer, which is done perfectly in Thompson's hands.

Barton Fink

The Coen Brothers' "Barton Fink ” is a lot of things. It's a movie about writer's block — famously written during the Coen Brothers' own writer's block (via Cinephilia Beyond ) — it's a showcase of John Turturro's and John Goodman's acting abilities, and it might even be an allegory for the life of the mind . However, the one thing it most definitely is, is a fantastic movie.

The story follows Turturro's Fink — a successful New York playwright concerned with the common man — when he moves to Los Angeles in 1941 to write for a major Hollywood studio. Fink is assigned to write a wrestling picture and he immediately comes down with a case of writer's block. Fink sets out to find inspiration, which inevitably leads to various bizarre only-in-a-Coen-Brothers-movie-moments.

For the unfamiliar, the Coen Brothers are riffing on a real-life frequent 20th-century practice of the literary-minded heading out to Los Angeles in search of big paychecks and fame. According to the A.V. Club , the Coen Brothers loosely based the character of Fink on the playwright-turned-screenwriter Clifford Odets. In fact, it was their discovery that Nobel Prize-winning icon William Faulkner wrote a wrestling movie — 1932's "Flesh" — that initially inspired "Barton Fink" (and the film's character of W.P. Mayhew). Faulkner and the Coen Brothers? This movie is a novel head's dream.

My Salinger Year

Joanna Rakoff's memoir "My Salinger Year ” gets the Hollywood treatment this 2021 adaptation. The movie follows Rakoff (Margaret Qualley), as she begins her writing career by becoming an assistant to literary agent Margaret Westberg. Margaret (Sigourney Weaver) is a stand-in for real life literary agent Phyllis Westberg (via Variety ). Things take an interesting turn for Rakoff, when she begins taking phone calls from one of Westberg's most famous clients: J.D. "Jerry" Salinger.

"My Salinger Year" unfolds like a coming-of-age story shot through with "The Devil Wears Prada" energy. Over the course of her time working for Westberg, Joanna finds romance, renewed self-confidence in her own work, and makes decisions about where she wants her own life to go. While it doesn't have the same caustic wit that made "The Devil Wears Prada" so popular, "My Salinger Year" is most definitely an interesting snapshot into a career path most folks may not know anything about. And for any movie fan with dreams of writing, the idea of getting paid to talk to Salinger is surely catnip.

Rob Reiner adapted Stephen King's 1987 novel "Misery" into a classic horror movie of the same name in 1990. The film follows famous romance author Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who gets into a terrible car accident. He's saved by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), a super fan who decides to hold her favorite author hostage. "Misery" mimics Kings real life in different ways, both superficially as it's a chilling nightmare about obsessive fans, and on a deeper level, as he's noted that it's an allegory for his cocaine addiction (via Rolling Stone ).

Bates brings so much demented menace to the role that she not only makes the film, but also won an Oscar for her performance, which is extra impressive considering how infrequently horror films get recognized by the Academy. Seriously, in Bates' hand, Annie Wilkes enters the pantheon of great movie villains alongside Heath Ledger's Joker, the shark from "Jaws," and Darth Vader. For fans of the horror genre or movies about writers, run, don't walk to see "Misery." However, viewers be warned — after watching "Misery," you'll never look at a sledgehammer the same way ever again.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Mary Shelley

Author Mary Shelley is remembered for her 1818 masterpiece "Frankenstein." While the chilling story of Dr. Frankenstein's attempt to play god and create life of his own is known to many, the details of its creator's life are likely not. So, in 2017, indie director Haifaa al-Mansour brought Shelley's miraculous and tragic life to the screen in the biopic "Mary Shelley."

The film follows a teenage Mary (Elle Fanning), who falls in love with famed Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (Douglas Booth). As she tries to navigate this relationship, Mary finds surprising inspiration for her "Frankenstein" during a night of telling ghost stories, and later struggles to get her book published.

Elle Fanning plays Shelley with the same vivaciousness she brings to her star performance as Catherine the Great on "The Great." Al-Mansour shoots the film like a romantic period piece, which makes this particular biopic unique. In reality, Mary Shelley lived through the Romantic art movement in Europe due to her relationship with Percy Shelley and friendship with Lord Byron, and her life itself is almost an inversion of a classic romance. Like typical romantic heroines, Shelley was a fiercely intelligent young woman of means, but her life did not wrap up in a neat happy ending. While she did fight her way through the period's sexist attitudes to publish arguably the greatest piece of horror fiction ever written, her life was also marked by various tragedies. "Mary Shelley" focuses on an influential moment of this authors life, and so communicates who Shelley was and her artistic achievements. For "Frankenstein" fans everywhere, it's a must see.

The Ghost Writer

In a time-honored Hollywood tradition, "The Ghost Writer" adapts another thriller by "Silence of the Lambs" author Robert Harris. Based on his novel "The Ghost," the movie follows an unnamed ghostwriter (Ewan McGregor), who's hired to complete the autobiography of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan). This being a Harris adaptation, it's not really a spoiler to say it's not long before the ghostwriter's assignment lands the working writer in a hot pile of intrigue.

While the movie's machinations don't move it much beyond standard political thriller fare, its cast most definitely does. McGregor is fantastic in the leading role, as is always and former James Bond Pierce Brosnan as the former PM Adam Lang, since the movie leverages Brosnan's singular charm like a weapon. All the things that made him attractive as 007 make him terrifying as a politician. The rest of the class includes some early work from the always wonderful Jon Bernthal and a superb cameo from Eli Wallach. Yes, Tuco from "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," shares a scene with Ewan McGregor. It's glorious.

Little Women

Greta Gerwig's 2019 "Little Women" is one of the great literary adaptations to hit the big screen. Besides the fact that it's based on one of the most beloved novels of all time (of the same name), it also features an incredible range of some of the most talented women in Hollywood.

"Little Women" the life and times of the four March sisters as they come of age, make career choices, get married, and grow up in the 19th century. Gerwig wisely decides to let the cast and Louisa May Alcott's wonderful source material do their thing. She also changes the novel's structure by moving between the "present" day (of 1868) and the past in flashbacks. However, originalists should have no fear. The flashbacks just add to the adaptation and ensure that the book's biggest moments all make it to the screen.

While "Little Women" focuses on all of the March sisters, it's Jo's story at heart, and she's played here by Saoirse Ronan. Jo is the writer of the bunch, whose imagination and creativity let her dream of a world beyond what she's told she can have. Ronan embodies Jo's free writer spirit to perfection, and her work is matched by Florence Pugh as bull-headed youngest sister Amy, Emma Watson as pragmatic eldest Meg, and Eliza Scanlen as kind-hearted Beth. The supporting cast includes Laura Dern as the girls' mother and Meryl Streep as their hilarious caustic aunt. Guided by writer-director Gerwig's confident and considerate hand, "Little Women" is a new classic in its own right.

Before Sunset

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy star 2004's "Before Sunset," the second entry of Richard Linklater's "Before" trilogy. Each film in the trilogy depicts a romantic rendezvous between Hawke's Jesse and Delpy's Celine and each meeting is set exactly nine years apart (via Vanity Fair ). What sets this series apart is that Linklater filmed and released each movie in real-time. The first came out in 1995, the second in 2004, and the third in 2013, which gives the "Before" movies a truly authentic touch, as the characters and actors grow and age in real life.

In "Before Sunset," Jesse has just published a novel that recounts his initial meeting with Celine in "Before Sunrise." Jesse hasn't seen Celine since their meeting in the first movie and hopes the book will draw her out. It does and the pair spend "Before Sunset" rekindling their relationship, as they walk around Paris.

Jesse's novel not only ties in the events of the first film in an impactful way, but also gives the trilogy a literary bent. Linklater's "Before" trilogy can almost be viewed as a living, breathing novel set in three distinct time periods of its central characters' lives. Like the most famous romance stories — think Edith Wharton's "Age of Innocence" or Jane Austen's catalog — the "Before" trilogy is all about the ways that love both changes and holds constant over time.

Swimming Pool

"Isolated writer" movies, wherein an author goes somewhere remote to focus on working until things begin to go bump in the night, is a fantastic sub-genre and 2003's "Swimming Pool" is one of its best entries.

Author Sarah Morton (Charlotte Rampling) goes on a retreat to her publisher's remote French country home to work on her next novel. However, her peace and quiet is quickly upended when the young and enigmatic Julie (Ludivine Sagnier) shows up, claiming to be the publisher's daughter. The two women immediately butt heads, as a war of strong personalities kicks off in earnest. However, instead of turning into a clash of the generations comedy, "Swimming Pool" instead becomes a slow burn thriller.

The movie's tension is so thick, the audience can dish it out with an ice cream scooper. Every exchange between Julie and Sarah results in another layer of mystery to untangle. Every guest Julie brings by the house's pool seems to annoy and arouse Sarah's interest more and more. And every answer Sarah gets from the elusive Julie only leads to more questions. By the film's end audiences will be wringing their hands in paranoia. For fans of movies with equal parts mystery, eroticism, and writing, "Swimming Pool" is for you.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Terry Gilliam, former Monty Python member and director of oddball wonders like "Brazil" and "Time Bandits," takes audiences on a weekend getaway they won't soon forget in 1998's "Fear in Loathing in Las Vegas." Based on Hunter S. Thompson's book of the same name, the film follows writer Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro) on a trip to Las Vegas. Duke is supposed to be covering an annual motorcycle race, but he winds up taking a laundry list of drugs and tapping into "the savage heart of the American dream."

As in the book, the movie's Duke is based on countercultural icon Hunter S. Thompson, who wrote the novel out of his own experiences in Las Vegas on two separate writing assignments for Rolling Stone . The book is wonderful in its own gross, hilarious, and acid-dipped way. The movie has some difficulty transferring that plot to the big screen, since the plot is pretty thin to begin with.

However, Gilliam wisely does what he can to capture the book's energy by letting the writing speak for itself. He lifts Thompson's brilliant prose off the page and puts it on-screen in voice over, and Thompson himself is brilliantly captured by Johnny Depp, who even nails the author's unique staccato speaking style. For any movie fan who's heard the Thompson name but never read any of his work, check out "Fear and Loathing" for scenes that capture the best of his writing.

Out of Africa

1985's "Out of Africa" is a movie from a bygone era when movie stars headlined films as opposed to franchises. In other words, "Out of Africa's" selling point was the white hot charisma of Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, not its place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There's nothing wrong with franchise movies, but it's hard to watch a movie like "Out of Africa" and not fall in love with its leads.

Loosely on Karen von Blixen's 1937 memoir of the same name (written under her pen name of Isak Dinesen), the film follows von Blixen (Streep), as she moves to a British colony in Africa in the early 20th century and begins a doomed romance with Denys Hatton (Redford). These experiences and more shape a story that she later turns into her memoir.

The movie plays like a highlight reel of adventure romance novels. The pair has differences when they first meet, eventually learn to get along, and then learn how to really get along. Without spoiling how any of these things occur, it's no spoiler to say Redford and Streep are absolutely magnetic together on screen. Both are acting legends in their own right and together, the pair gives off enough steam to power the Trans Pacific Railroad. While writing may not always be at the forefront of the film, it definitely foregrounds the type of fun often reserved for the best beach novels.

Shakespeare in Love

For anybody who likes their romantic comedy served with a side of literary history, look no further than "Shakespeare in Love." The movie — starring Joseph Fiennes as The Bard and Gwyneth Paltrow as his love interest Viola — fictionalizes a forbidden romance between Shakespeare and a high-born lady, which inspires his next play: "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter." Or rather, inspires him to make some changes to it.

The movie is fun for a few reasons. The cast is clearly having a ball, Fiennes and Paltrow have fantastic chemistry, and Dame Judi Dench shows up as Queen Elizabeth I. Plus, "Shakespeare in Love" stays true to its namesake's talent by bundling low comedy, high comedy, and tragedy all into the same package. The movie was an enormous box office hit when it was released in 1998. It was a critical hit too, and won seven Oscars, including Best Picture (via IMDB ). Esteemed critic Roger Ebert gave the movie four stars when it first came out and he credited the film with presenting the reason so many people fall in love with theater.

Some basic knowledge of Shakespeare's works and history will definitely help a viewer pick up on some of the movie's in-jokes. However, Shakespeare essentially wrote for anyone who's ever suffered the trials and tribulations of this mortal coil, and "Shakespeare in Love" has the same broad appeal.

The late great Iris Murdoch remains one the greatest authors of the 20th century. Her writing ran headlong into every oddity that makes humans human, and she never looked away from the quirks of our better and worse angels.

"Iris" follows Murdoch at different stages of her life, so here, Kate Winslet plays young Iris and Dame Judi Dench plays the elder Iris. For fans keeping score, that's two epic generational talents in the same movie. Iris' husband, writer and professor John Bayley, is portrayed by Hugh Bonneville and Jim Broadbent in his younger and older forms.

Ultimately, this 2001 biopic about Murdoch's life and eventual battle with Alzheimer's couldn't hope to be as original as its subject , it's certainly worth the watch to learn more about the woman behind some of the best books of the last 100 years, and who saw the world a bit differently from others. Luckily, she shared it in ways that continue to shape writers and readers alike, and "Iris" captures Murdoch's essence and influence as best it can.

Sunset Boulevard

"Sunset Boulevard" is an all-time classic film. Set in 1950s Hollywood, the movie follows Joe Gillis (William Holden), a down-on-his-luck screenwriter, who's out of work and out of credit. Gillis hides from repo-men in what appears to be an abandoned palatial estate on Sunset Boulevard. However, he discovers the residence is actually home to reclusive actress Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson). Desmond was a big star in the silent era and wants Holden to help her write a comeback movie.

"Sunset Boulevard" is a one-of-a-kind love letter to the Golden Age of Tinseltown. For starters, it was directed and co-written by Billy Wilder, who was arguably one of the best talents of the era (if not all eras) and wrote classics like "Ace in the Hole," "The Apartment," and "Some Like It Hot." The writing of the film is fantastic, as it examines Hollywood and screenwriting itself through a sharp and satirical lens. Its commentary on the film industry runs deep, as it looks at the studio system and in particular, the silent era.

In some meta casting, the role of Norma Desmond is played by real-life silent starlet Gloria Swanson, whose film career was resurrected thanks to her Oscar-nominated turn in this stunning performance. The movie also features cameos from the likes of Cecille B. DeMille, Buster Keaton, and Erich von Stronheim. "Sunset Boulevard" is a truly iconic movie and shouldn't be missed.

Sylvia Plath gets brought to life in 2003's "Sylvia," which focuses on the life of one of the most influential American writers to ever put pen to paper. Sylvia (Gwyneth Paltrow) is studying at Cambridge, where she explores her writing and finds love in the form of the poet Ted Hughes (Daniel Craig). The two marry, but Sylvia struggles with depression and her writing career, all while taking care of her family.

Paltrow does a lot with a role that could have fallen into clichés by imbuing Plath with a warmth that makes her tragic suicide even more devastating, even though anybody familiar with Plath's story or work knows how it ends. "Sylvia" doesn't connect Plath's death directly to her work, but rather explores the deep sadness that she lived with her whole life, which informed her worldview. Come for more information about Plath herself, stay for Paltrow's performance, and leave with the knowledge that Plath still lives on in her beautiful grasp of language.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website .

The Lost Weekend

Writer-director Billy Wilder makes the list again with his 1945 adaptation Charles R. Jackson's novel of the same name, "The Lost Weekend." The movie follows the harrowing misadventures of alcoholic writer Don Birham (Ray Milland). Over the course of a single weekend, Birham begs, steals, and hits rock bottom in his search of another drink.

At the time, "The Lost Weekend" was one of the first stories to deal with the dark realities of alcoholism in American theaters (via FilmSite ). Thankfully, in Wilder's capable hands, the movie avoids diving into the exploitation deep end that is common in so many addiction narratives. Instead, Birham's addiction is treated with consideration and nuance and gets shown with warts and all.

Considering so many writers, including the author of "The Lost Weekend" (via The NY Times ), have contended with alcoholism and other addictions, it's refreshing to see a movie where the affliction is not romanticized. The Academy agreed as well. "The Lost Weekend" received Oscar wins for its director, screenplay, lead actor, and won the year's Best Picture award. While "The Lost Weekend," is by no means a light watch, it's certainly worth the weight of its heavy subject.

Miss Potter

For many, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" is one the greatest children's books ever written and its imagery is recognizable the world over. In 2007, director Chris Noonan brought the story of the woman who created Peter Rabbit to the big screen with "Miss Potter." Beatrix Potter (Renée Zellweger) is an unconventional woman in the early 1900s: She is unmarried, and she dreams of writing a children's book based on her drawings of animals. Everything changes when she meets Norman (Ewan McGregor), a kind man who wants to publish her book, and with his help, Beatrix challenges a world that only sees women in the most limited light.

In the movie, Zellweger plays Beatrix Potter with a blend of quiet confidence and kind words. She is as sweet as Mary Poppins in the title role, but the movie's true creative stroke is the way it portrays Potter engaging with her creations, who spring to life on the page with lovely animated sequences.

The brief inclusion of animation in a live action film goes a long way. It both reminds audiences of the impact of a story as seemingly simple as "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," and also illustrates just how powerful Potter's imagination really was. She had an incredible gift for storytelling, and "Miss Potter" shows how the sexist attitudes of her time almost prevented this gift from ever reaching the world. In the end, "Miss Potter" shows how belief — in oneself and in others — can be stronger than societal demands, and for anyone looking to get lost in pastoral Victorian England with a beloved author and her characters, "Miss Potter" is the film for you.

Spike Lee's "Malcolm X" tells the story of one of the most literally and figuratively revolutionary writers of all time. The movie follows Malcolm X (Denzel Washington) in a cradle-to-grave narrative, beginning with his childhood in Harlem as Malcolm Little and going into his prison time, in which he's reborn as Malcolm X.

The movie is a lot of things — entertaining, interesting, educational — but it's a showcase for Washington and Lee's indelible talents first and foremost. As the movie progresses deeper into Malcolm X's work and teachings for Black liberation and civil rights, Lee's direction gets more confidently stylized. The same goes for Washington's performance. It's almost as if the two men purposefully paced their originality on-screen to line up with the stages of Malcolm's life.

While Malcolm X's only published work is his autobiography, his verse lives on through recordings and republished speeches. Unlike the majority of the other existing writers on this list, Malcolm didn't write fiction or craft stories. However, the impact of his work has arguably had the most to say about life in America, which is just one of many reasons why Spike Lee's "Malcom X" is an appointment viewing.

Saving Mr. Banks

"Saving Mr. Banks" recounts Walt Disney's efforts to woo author P.L. Travers to grant Disney the movie rights to her work. The work in question? The practically perfect-in-every-way "Mary Poppins." The movie's conflict revolves around Travers' (Emma Thompson) reluctance to let Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) turn her creation into a candy-coated Disney vehicle. The story is based on the real life production of "Mary Poppins." However, publications like Vulture pointed out that this film excludes a number of things from the true story and in doing so, warps what happened. This makes sense considering Disney Studios released "Saving Mr. Banks," likely had to ensure the story fit their company's squeaky clean brand.

That said, "Saving Mr. Banks" is still a worthwhile watch for fans of Traver's books, the movie adaptation of "Mary Poppins," or both. It delves into the differences between her book and the movie, and it also explores Traver's childhood as an inspiration for the original. Most interestingly, however, "Saving Mr. Banks" depicts a story about an author losing control over the work they put out into the world. It may have too neat an ending for some folks' taste, but it's still an interesting question for a movie to address nonetheless.

Director Jim Jarmusch's "Paterson" is a love letter to folks who find beauty in things like taking the bus or having a beer at the same bar every night of the week, and is a must-watch for the poetically inclined. Paterson (Adam Driver) lives and drives a city bus in Paterson, New Jersey. Paterson is a kind and quirky man, who's also a wonderful poet. There's not much more to the plot than that: Poetry, routine, and the occasional disruption of that routine.

While this may not sound like much of a story, Jarmusch is a master at communicating feelings. "Paterson" features lush sound design — like the distinct sound of a spoon hitting a cereal bowl in this scene — and marvelously composed shots that capture the granular details of each object in their frames. In other words, Jarmusch takes a movie about a poet and turns it into his own visual poetry.

"Paterson" is a beautiful movie to behold and its subtly meticulous crafting rewards multiple re-watches. Plus, the poetry in the film was written by established poet Ron Padgett (via PBS NewsHour ). It's an excellent showcase of the American author's work and lends the film a sense of authenticity that not many other movies about fictional artists have.

Set at the end of the 19th century, the 2018 biopic "Colette" charts the rise to prominence of the French female writing phenom Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (Keira Knightly), as well as her abusive relationship with her husband and publisher Henry Gauthier-Villars a.k.a. "Willy" (Dominic West).

For the unfamiliar, Colette penned a popular series of French novels about a teenager named Claudine, as she comes of age in France. The novels were largely based on Colette's own life and were enormously popular with young women upon release. However, Colette's husband took credit for her work and originally published the Claudine novel with his name on them (via TIME ). It's probably not too much of a spoiler to say that Colette and Willy eventually divorced.

How Colette eventually gets credit for her own novels is the driving conflict of the film — so we won't spoil that information here with more historical facts. Finding out how she did it in "Colette" is definitely worth any fan's time. Critic Nell Minnow writes for Roger Ebert that Knightley "gives one of her best performances as a girl with spirit and talent who becomes a woman with ferocity and a voice." Knightly and West ooze chemistry — even when they're furious with one another — and the whole movie is a sultry affair about an author, who lived the way she wanted and eventually got the credit for writing the way she wanted too. Cheers to you sister.

The Shining

Stanley Kubrick's 1980 classic "The Shining" is not only perhaps the best of the "isolated writer" movie sub genre, but for many, it's one of the best horror movies of all time . Based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King, "The Shining" sees failed writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) move his family into the remote Overlook Hotel for the winter. Torrance takes a job as the hotel's winter keeper as a means to find peace, quiet, and money, while he attempts to write his novel. This being a King story, things in the Overlook Hotel take a turn for the supernatural fairly quickly. This being a Kubrick movie, the scarier things take a turn for the striking as they appear on screen.

It's hard to stress the impact of "The Shining" enough. The 1970s were marked by grizzly low-budget exploitation horror films like "The Last House on the Left" and the iconic "Texas Chain Saw Massacre," and "The Shining" kicked off the new decade like a behemoth nobody asked for or understood. At the time of its release, the movie was widely critically dismissed and even Stephen King panned it (via IndieWire ).

However, time has been kind to "The Shining." Today, the fingerprints of "The Shining" are everywhere. Its score, cinematography, and classic lines are endlessly honored, parodied, and copied in everything from contemporary horror movies to episodes of "The Simpsons. " In cultural currency, "The Shining's" credit is more than " fine " — it's a perfect 850.

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is an early 20th century romantic drama with a dash of modern sensibilities and a great admiration for the power of book clubs. Based on Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows' book of the same name, the WWII-era film follows author Juliet Ashton (Lily James) on her writing assignment to the island of Guernsey. It's 1945 and Juliet travels to a small British Channel isle to investigate its book club, "The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society," which is rumored to have been founded under Nazi occupation. Once Juliet arrives, she discovers intrigue, book lovers, and the dashing Dawsey Adams (Michiel Huisman).

While its plot is a tad predictable — Juliet is engaged before she embarks on her journey but that Mr. Adams is so handsome and charming that she may have to call her wedding off — the movie serves as a sweet love letter to literary fans. The story revels in the connection strangers find over their shared passion for great works of art. Anybody who's ever joined a book club or even an online fandom will appreciate "The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society" for what it is: a familiar conversation for friends of the genre. Books don't always need to be big unwieldy challenging works; sometimes they just need to offer comfort to their readers. Luckily, Juliet and the rest of the "Potato Peel Society" offer comfort in spades.

Gary Oldman stars in a wonderful performance as the man who penned "Citizen Kane” in David Fincher's 2020 biopic "Mank." The movie centers around writer Herman Mankiewicz (Oldman) a.k.a. "Mank" and the drama surrounding the creation of arguably the best movie of all time . Most of this drama stems from the screenwriter himself. Mank is too smart for his own good. When he's not being over-served in bars, he's a hair's breath away from insulting whichever benefactor is bankrolling his good time. Whether it's titan of industry William Randolph Hearst (Charles Dance) or "Citizen Kane ” star and director Orson Welles (Tom Burke), nobody is safe from Mank's biting wit.

Director David Fincher also uses the movie to shine a light on an odd period of Hollywood history. The movie mirrors the structure of "Citizen Kane:" It unfolds in a series of moments (some fictionalized according to Vulture ), which Fincher argues likely impacted the final script that Mank handed over to Wells. In doing so, the movie dives into early 20th century American politics and the idea that Hollywood has acted as a political machine since its inception.

It's all very heady stuff. It's also all complicated by the feud between Welles and Mank over who really wrote which part of the screenplay. In fact, movie critic Pauline Kael first raised the issue in her 1971 essay " Raising Kane ." The debate around contribution to the screenplay has since continued, but one thing's for sure: "Mank" is a fantastic film about movies and the people who write them.

A Mouthful of Air

Based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Amy Koppelman — who also wrote and directed the film — "A Mouthful of Air" explores the realities of living with postpartum depression. Julie ( Amanda Seyfried ) is a new mom and children's book author, who attempts suicide. The movie then explores Julie's day-to-day life of trying to balance her depression against her various personal and professional responsibilities.

Koppelman's various works have all dealt with mental health issues in different forms and her experience in depicting the topic in a thoughtful and multi-dimensional way shines through in "A Mouthful of Air." While the film's critical reception was mixed , critic Nick Schager pointed out that the movie's strongest element "is its refusal to propose a one-to-one explanation" for depression in his review for Variety .

"A Mouthful of Air" tackles its tough subject with an abundance of empathy. It also features a strong central performance from Seyfried, whose inner feelings and conflicts are at odds with what the outside world sees: a woman who "has it all" and writes books that help readers confront their fears. "A Mouthful of Air" is not easy to get through. However, Koppelman's efforts resist exploitative tropes and create a story about understanding and the potential for healing.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention LiLifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

My Brilliant Career

1979's "My Brilliant Career" is about an aspiring author named Sybylla Melvyn (Judy Davis) and highlights the not-so-glamorous part of the life of the aspiring writer in late 19th century Australia. Sybylla lives on a farm, where she dreams of being a writer, although her parents see this as just a flight of fancy. Unable to afford the cost of her care, they ship her off to live with her wealthy grandmother, where Sybylla experiences love, a world outside of what she knows, and the means of making her dreams come true.

What sets "My Brilliant Career" apart from similar stories of young adults confronted by the unrelenting reality of responsibility is its refusal to look away from Sybylla's faults. She's bright and creative, yes, but like everybody, she's flawed. It's a truly fantastic character portrait that's definitely worth a watch. Audiences at the time agreed too. "My Brilliant Career" won 6 Australian Film Institute awards in 1979 including Best Film and Best Actress for Judy Davis' performance.

Wonder Boys

Based on Michael Chabon's 1995 novel of the same name, 2000's "Wonder Boys" follows Professor Grady Tripp ( Michael Douglas ) over the course of a few eventful days. Tripp wrote a successful novel some time ago, but in the present, his wife has left him and he passes his time getting high and teaching creative writing. Tripp is stuck with writer's block, but a weekend with two of his students Hannah (Katie Holmes) and James (Tobey Maguire) helps him find the story that he needs to tell.

When the movie was released, it was met with great reviews from critics. Roger Ebert gave the movie four stars and felt Michael Douglas gave a career stand-out performance as Tripp. Douglas is usually enough reason to see any movie, but "Wonder Boys" also features fantastic turns from then upcoming stars like Toby Maguire and Katie Holmes. Francis McDormand also brings her singular personality to the movie as Tripp's love interest, and there's even a wonderful part for Rip Torn as an aging and mysterious writer named "Q."

A movie that's made with as much care as "Wonder Boys" shouldn't go unnoticed. Most folks who've spent time in a creative writing class will enjoy the movie's specificity; movie fans who haven't will simply enjoy the ride.

The Kindergarten Teacher

"The Kindergarten Teacher” is a pitch-black look at the pain of feeling like you have something to say but don't have the talent to say it well. The 2018 movie is a remake of a 2014 Israeli film of the same name and centers on Lisa ( Maggie Gyllenhaal ), an aspiring poet-turned-kindergarten teacher. Lisa is not a particularly good poet, but one of her students shows promise as a writer. Following in a long line of misguided anti-heroes, Lisa goes to extreme lengths to attempt to foster her student's talent.

Not surprisingly, Gyllenhaal is fantastic in this role, which Rolling Stone movie critic Peter Travers called a "new career peak" for the actress, who "[compels] us to understand a woman who maybe doesn't understand herself." Viewers be warned: "The Kindergarten Teacher ” is capital "D" Dark. Not since Salieri in "Amadeus" has a character so singularly captured the despair of a person coming to terms with their artistic limitations. It's an unfair fact of life that everybody isn't a genius. However, after "The Kindergarten Teacher,” the audience might feel blessed that at least they're better at coping with that reality than Ms. Lisa.

The bachelor party movie is a time-honored tradition in Hollywood. Most generations have their definitive version and some outings in the sub-genre even include Tom Hanks . Meanwhile, other takes like "Sideways" are helmed by director Alexander Payne, who seems to thrive on stories about human behavior that most audiences wish didn't exist.

Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Hayden Church) are two old college buddies, who set off to California's wine country for Jack's bachelor party. Miles is a broke divorced writer with a finished manuscript that he's afraid to let anyone read and a drinking problem. Jack is a small-time actor, who's marrying for money and looking for a few more illicit affairs before he gets married and his good looks fade away entirely. Neither man is happy and neither man is what you might call a good person. For example, Miles robs his mother to pay for the trip and Jack beds a wine server early on in the trip.

Admittedly, none of this sounds like a good time. However, Payne shines a light on average folks at their worst in a way that can make everybody laugh at just how low human beings can go. "Sideways," like the 2004 novel it was based on, is side-splittingly funny. It also has a ton to say about wine, relationships, and things that inspire people to take big swings, like finally dusting off that old manuscript and letting someone read it.

Julie & Julia

Hungry viewers beware, "Julie & Julia” puts a bevy of famous chef Julia Child's signature dishes on screen and will make anyone who watches come down with a searing case of hunger. Julie Powell (Amy Adams) is an aspiring author, who's feeling a bit directionless. So, Julie decides to make all 524 dishes from Child's cookbook "The Art of French Cooking" in a year and keep a blog of this massive effort. At the same time, the film follows Julia Child (Meryl Streep) in the years before she becomes a world-renowned chef, when she is just an American in Paris, who enrolls in French cooking school. The film cuts back and forth between Julie and Julia, as each woman faces her own seemingly endless well of challenges in pursuit of her goals of self-discovery, and sharing that self with the world.

Based on two true stories, "Julia & Julia" draws from Julia Child's autobiography "My Life in France," as well as Julie Powell's memoir "Julia & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously," which was the book that Powell published thanks to the popularity of her blog (via Variety ). Both Adams and Streep are marvelous actors in their own right, but it shouldn't be a surprise to hear "Julie & Julia" is very much Streep's vehicle. Her performance as Child plays like a loving tribute to a larger-than-life personality, who brought French cuisine to homes across the United States and world. This was the final film of writer-director Nora Ephron, and her assured hand plus the work of Streep and Adams all bring an infectious energy that is almost guaranteed to leave a smile on viewers' faces.

American Splendor

2003's "American Splendor" is all about the intersection of fact and fiction. The movie is based on a long-running comic series of the same name, which itself is based on the life of its author Harvey Pekar. The real-life Pekar narrates the film, while his on-screen counterpart is portrayed by Paul Giamatti.

While all of this may sound overly complex for a movie about a comic book writer, it's very in line with the spirit of "American Splendor." Unlike "Batman" or "X-Men" comics, Pekar is no superhero. In fact, his comics are very honest about what he is: a file clerk with a few ex-wives, who lives in Cleveland. This honesty is part of what makes his work so engaging. It also makes the movie a fairly unabashed look into the life and times of a very unique creator.

From the highs and lows of Pekar's moderate fame to his bout with cancer, "American Splendor" pulls no punches in covering its subject, which works considering its author never pulled any punches about himself either. The movie's style — a hybrid of documentary interviews with the real life Pekar and well-executed dramatic recreations with Giamatti as Pekar — place the film firmly in the indie category. However, its experimental style shouldn't be considered a barrier to entry. Much like its creator, "American Splendor" is shaggy and weird, but it's got a ton of heart.

2011's film adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel "The Help" was not only a smash hit with audiences , but also introduced a wide array of film viewers to the talents of Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer.

"The Help" is set during the early 1960s in the South, and kicks off in earnest when Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan (Emma Stone), a young aspiring writer, returns home from college. Since leaving home, Skeeter has discovered a new way of seeing things, and finds that she's deeply uncomfortable with the way that white families in her hometown treat their Black maids. Skeeter begins interviewing domestic workers Aibileen (Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer) in an effort to tell their side of the story. Soon, Skeeter's work causes trouble among the racist white community, particularly once the maids begin to demand better treatment from their employers.

Both the movie and novel have been widely criticized for centering the voices of its white characters. Davis herself told The New York Times in an interview that she regretted her role in the film because "it wasn't the voices of the maids that were heard." So, in respect to Ms. Davis, appreciate "The Help ” for making her and actress Octavia Spencer household names since they are both seriously fantastic in this movie, but don't come to "The Help" for a detailed or thoughtful exploration on race relations in America.

The Diving Bell & The Butterfly

"The Diving Bell & The Butterfly" is the incredible true story of one writer's ability to dictate his entire memoir through a series of blinks after suffering a stroke. Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathiew Amalric) is the French editor of the fashion magazine Elle. He's got a high-flying job, a loving family, and everything going for him until he suddenly has a stroke and wakes up to discover he has "locked-in syndrome." Jean-Dominque is almost entirely paralyzed, but his mental capacities remain as they were before, so he decides to write a book about his life.

Based on Bauby's 1997 memoir of the same name, "The Diving Bell & the Butterfly" deals with a subject matter that is often wildly moving and sometimes hopelessly upsetting. However, director Julian Schnabel deftly keeps the movie from falling into utter despair. It goes without saying, but anybody who can dictate an entire book just by blinking one eye to a speech therapist was born with an indomitable human spirit. It's this spirit and unbelievable energy that Schnabel, Amalric, and company bring to the screen. Come for the story's enrapturing hook and stay for a deep dive into a writer's soul.

Moulin Rouge!

Few people make movies like Baz Luhrmann. The director's more is more approach to filmmaking has produced visually striking movies like "The Great Gatsby” and "Romeo + Juliet," which are difficult to compare to much else and his 2001 musical "Moulin Rouge!" is no exception.

"Moulin Rouge!" follows Christian (Ewan McGregor), a young writer who sets off to find artistic fame and fortune with the Bohemian movement in turn of the century Paris. Christian doesn't find those things, but he does find an impassioned love affair at the Moulin Rouge with a theater singer and courtesan named Satine ( Nicole Kidman ). However, their love must be kept secret from the man who can save the Moulin Rouge from bankruptcy, but will only do so if he can have Satine all to himself.

This plot may sound clichéd, but Luhrmann's gift is to take clichés and infuse them with colors, movement, and set design so loud that any unoriginality is immediately drowned out by its fantastic surroundings. Plus, "Moulin Rouge!" is a jukebox musical. So, while there are a few original songs written for the movie, Luhrmann also repurposes anachronistic popular songs for this 1900 setting, like The Police's "Roxanne." The audience sees this world through naïve writer Christian's eyes, as he finally experiences love, a subject that he'd written about but never known for himself. Like the best airport romance novels, "Moulin Rouge!" turns the ridiculous into a great time.

The End of the Tour

David Foster Wallace's seminal talent dominated the American literary field throughout the '90s. Chances are anybody who hasn't read his work has heard a portion of his famous "This is Water" speech or perhaps has some ideas about the type of guy who lionizes Wallace, as Deirdre Coyle describes in "Men Explain David Foster Wallace to Me" for Electric Lit . With all of that reputation preceding him, 2015's "The End of the Tour" is faced with the Herculean task of bringing Wallace from an idea into an intimate, human form.

Based on a true story, the movie is framed around a days-long interview in 1996 between Wallace (Jason Segel) and Rolling Stone contributor David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg). Lipsky accompanies Wallace on the last leg of his book tour for "Infinite Jest," and gets a surprising insight into the writer's life, at the moment when Wallace's life changes forever.

In reality, Lipsky wrote about this time with Wallace for Rolling Stone , which Lipsky later turned into his memoir "Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself." The memoir is the basis for "The End of the Tour," which is about two strangers connecting. Both Segel and Eisenberg are fantastic in this movie that's entirely carried by their ongoing riveting conversation. The movie isn't without its faults, as writer and former friend of Wallace Glenn Kenny wrote for The Guardian that "it gets everything wrong" about the writer. While the movie's not perfect, it's an interesting attempt to portray a singular artist on screen.

An Angel at My Table

Internationally renowned New Zealand author Janet Frame takes center stage in Jane Campion's 1991 biopic "An Angel at My Table." The film draws from the author's three autobiographies for its story: "To the Is-Land," "An Angel at My Table," and "The Envoy from Mirror City." Each book takes place in a different stage in the author's life and the movie follows suit with Alexia Keogh, Karen Fergusson, and Kerry Fox playing Frame in her childhood, teenage, and adult years. "An Angel at My Table" begins with Frame's childhood growing up in an impoverished household. In adolescence, she gets institutionalized for a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia, and finally finds fame on the page in adulthood.

With such a bevy of rich material to pull from, it's no surprise this movie is fantastic. It also doesn't hurt that it's directed by Oscar-winning director Jane Campion, whose characteristic empathy for her subjects radiates through "An Angel at My Table." In Roger Ebert's review, he says the movie gives "great attention to human detail." As usual, Mr. Ebert is dead-on. Campion does away with typical biopic clichés by simply focusing on the movie's one-of-a-kind protagonist and tell Frame's life story, which combines horror, perseverance, and brilliance.

In a Lonely Place

Humphrey Bogart does his noir thing in the 1950 classic "In a Lonely Place." Dixon "Dix" Steele (Bogart) tries to clear his name in a murder investigation, but it turns out, he has more problems than just being a murder suspect. He's a screenwriter who hasn't sold anything in a few years, his experience in WWII has left him prone to flights of rage, and he's not sure if his best girl actually wants to go through with their engagement.

Saying anything else ruins what makes film noir so special: the twists and turns. However, it's no spoiler to say that this is a classic of the genre. The movie is based on a novel of the same title by Dorothy B. Hughes. It was directed by studio system stalwart Nicholas Ray. Bogart's love interest and co-star in "In A Lonely Place" is played by Gloria Grahame Hallward, who brings a fantastic sense of "been there, done that" energy on screen that makes the movie that much more interesting. While this may be the oldest film on the list, it's not to be missed. They really, truly don't make 'em like this anymore.

"Spotlight" is named after the investigative team at The Boston Globe, and masterfully follows the newspaper's real 2002 investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse and systemic cover-ups within the Boston Catholic Church. This work won a Pulitzer Prize for The Boston Globe and set off a reckoning within the Catholic Church.

The movie — featuring a cast that includes Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Stanley Tucci, and Liev Schrieber — is a masterclass in focusing on details. Director Tom McCarthy zeroes on the minutiae of investigative journalism. It captures everything from pouring over personnel files to interviewing victims to waiting for records to be made public to beating down doors to get answers. The actors are all fantastic from top to bottom and everybody gets a moment to shine.

While the movie is not entirely without moments of very loud, very righteous indignation, for the most part, it trades fireworks for the facts of the real investigation. It's a wise choice that highlights the impact that hard-nosed local journalism can still have on the world at large, which is partly what makes it one of the greatest movies about journalists ever. For many, it's the 21st century's "All the President's Men." If all that wasn't enough to convince anybody to check it out, it also won Oscars for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay in 2016.

Elisabeth Moss gives a powerhouse performance in "Shirley," which adapts Susan Scarf Merrell's 2014 novel of the same. Like the book, the movie tells a fictionalized story about famed horror author Shirley Jackson. For the unfamiliar, Jackson's works include the novel "The Haunting of Hill House" and the short story "The Lottery." Her writing is terrifying and claustrophobic in equal measure. Jackson was a master at saying the quiet part out loud and could turn social anxiety into a reason to hide under the bed.

The movie follows a fictional couple, who move in with Jackson (Elisabeth Moss) and her husband Stanley Edgar Hyman (Michael Stuhlbarg), and are quickly brought into the strange and surprising world of Shirley Jackson. This framing of the story around outsiders who are brought into Jackson's home allows the audience to see various sides of the writer and her precarious approach to life. It also gives Moss the opportunity to put on an absolute show. Moss is never not fantastic but this role of Shirley Jackson gives her the opportunity to be mean, wounded, drunk, empathetic, brilliant, and anxious, all within the same scene. It should be in the conversation for some of her best work. Moss stans and horror fans, do yourselves a favor by putting "Shirley" on the top of your queue.

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5-Minute Film Festival: 7 Video Writing Prompts for Young Authors

Looking for a new way to spark creativity in your students’ writing? Try these video writing prompts.

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is coming up, but the time is always ripe for encouraging students of every age to write. And how better to pique their interest and power up their pencils (or keyboards!) than with a video writing prompt? Just about any short, intriguing video can be made into a great writing prompt with the addition of a choice question or two, but I've put together a list of favorites discovered around the web. Happy writing!

Video Playlist: Video Writing Prompts for the Classroom

Watch the first video below, or watch the whole playlist on YouTube .

Short student films can provide ample fodder for creative work as illustrated by this whimsical thesis animation by Yezi Xue . Plus, it's free of dialogue, so students can write their own!

Arts educator Denise Cassano creates short films filled with ambiguous images meant to encourage critical thinking. Check out this worksheet of questions to accompany her illustrations and this article she wrote for Edutopia about using art to inspire creative writing .

RSA Shorts are animated snapshots of big ideas from speakers that pose big questions. This one, from education luminary Sir Ken Robinson , is a particular favorite of mine. Ask your high school students: What would enable you to find your passion?

Chris Van Allsburg's The Mysteries of Harris Burdick is a classic source for visual writing prompts. Check out this student-produced video that describes why these timeless, eerie illustrations provide such fertile ground for young writers.

Popular advertisements, like this cell phone ad out of Thailand with more than 20 million views, can be great for writing prompts if they get kids thinking. This one has a twist that tugs on the heartstrings.

John Spencer is a professor and author who is passionate about creativity in the classroom, and he also makes sketch videos, including this list of nine animated writing prompts to use with students.

TeachHUB offers a bounty of video writing prompts and accompanying lesson ideas by grade band for recent movie trailers, videos about current events and holidays, and even popular ads. Here are lesson ideas to go with Education Is .

More Resources to Encourage Creative Writing

The list above shows that you can turn almost any short video into a solid writing prompt. Of course, video is only one of hundreds of ways you can motivate and inspire young writers. I've gathered a few resources below if you need fresh ideas for videos and beyond. What are your favorite ways to engage kids in creative writing? Share in the comments section below.

Resources for Educators via NaNoWriMo
30 Ideas for Teaching Writing via National Writing Project
Twenty-Five Ways to Motivate Young Authors via TeacherVision
Video Writing Prompts via TeachHUB
Writing Prompts for Video Viewing via Channel One News
Video Writing Prompts: Keeping Kids Engaged in Those "Between Units and Right Before Vacation Days" via Two Writing Teachers

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Alumni news screenwriter rod barr ’86 has learned to trust his creative instincts.

Six years ago, Rod Barr ’86 was approached by an executive producer and financier, Eustace Wolfington, asking if he had interest in writing the script for a film about Maria Francesca Cabrini, an Italian nun whose philanthropic work spawned a vast network of missionary institutions that housed, cared for, and educated tens of thousands of poor immigrant children around the world. Mother Cabrini, as she came to be known, was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XII in 1946 — almost 30 years after her death. She became the first American citizen to achieve sainthood. Four years later, the pope recognized her as the patroness saint of immigrants.

Barr, a screenwriter and creative wunderkind dating to his days as a Princeton English major, was duly impressed by the scope of Cabrini’s good deeds but wasn’t sold on Wolfington’s idea.

“I didn’t want to make a nun movie,” Barr says. “I thought it was going to be a boring, pious, typical fairy-tale thing about a saint.”

And then Barr, a deeply spiritual man, says he had an epiphany, calling on him to “‘pay attention to this project, despite what you think.’ So, I did.” Barr realized Cabrini’s story was not so much a “nun movie” as it was a movie about a remarkable woman who happened to be a nun. He came to see it as the quintessential underdog story, based on the life of a brave and indefatigable social crusader who grew up as a frail, sickly girl, one of 13 children born to a poor farm family in the Lombardy region of Italy. She and a coterie of other women formed the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and set out for New York in 1889, determined to be champions of love, compassion, and hope for newly arrived immigrants, mostly Italian, who lived like vermin amid abject squalor and disease, widely viewed as an olive-skinned plague at the bottom rung of New York’s socioeconomic ladder. The more Barr learned about Mother Cabrini’s life, the more he admired her willingness to take on anyone and anything in her way — whether it was the Catholic Church hierarchy, the mayor, a hard-hearted city bureaucracy, even the pope himself — in pursuit of her Christian values and service.

“If you were a suffering human being, she felt called to help,” Barr says.

Directed by Alejandro Monteverde for Angel Studios, an independent media company, Cabrini offers cinematic testimony not only to the difference one person can make, but to the idea of female empowerment in the face of unrelenting condescension and paternalism by a parade of powerful men.

“It’s a shame you are a woman, Mother. You’ve would made an excellent man,” says the New York City mayor (played by John Lithgow) to Cabrini near the end of the film.

That Cabrini premiered on March 8, International Women’s Day, was not an accident.

Growing up in Cincinnati, Barr manifested a diverse set of creative skills long before he got to Princeton. Apart from his love of writing, he was an accomplished musician who composed and recorded a jazz song when he was 17 years old, performing all of the tracks — guitar, bass, piano — himself. At Princeton, he teamed up with two of his best friends, Dave McShea ’85 and Bruce Judge ’86, to form a band called 3 Guys Named Burt. The band included nobody named Burt but did have regular gigs around campus, playing original compositions that showcased Barr’s virtuoso guitar skills, especially at one memorable appearance on the lawn behind Spelman Hall in May 1985.

After graduation, Barr wrote young adult novels and then formed a video game company, coming up with characters and storylines, before he felt compelled to be a full-time screenwriter. “[He’s] creative in a way that’s mind-boggling,” McShea says.

Few people know more about how Barr’s mind works than Monteverde, a Mexican director who has known him for close to 20 years and collaborated with him on a number of films, most notably Sound of Freedom , a 2023 release about child trafficking that became a surprise, and hotly controversial, blockbuster, grossing almost $250 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful independent films in history. No small part of that success, especially in the U.S., came from the way it was embraced by the far right, who viewed it as an affirmation of QAnon’s conspiracy ideologies. A web of conspiracy theories about the film itself took root, with people’s perspective on Sound of Freedom becoming a litmus test of their political beliefs.

The controversy surrounding the film has abated. “It’s not a red state phenomenon anymore,” Barr says, but he believes it was completely baseless, and manufactured, to begin with.

“We had never even heard of QAnon [when we were making this film]. It didn’t exist for us. The idea that it had something to do with that is impossible on top of being absurd. It just shows how the deeply divided nature of our culture exacerbates the way people respond to things.”

In a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter last summer, Monteverde and Barr dismissed the notion that the film had any political agenda. “The movie ... was not made for Republicans or Democrats. It was made for human beings, because child trafficking is an issue whose moral imperative is obvious to the human heart,” they wrote.

It’s Barr’s heart and humanity, according to Monteverde, that powers the quality of his work. “He’s an incredible writer who is connected to his emotions, and that shows in the depth of his characters,” Monteverde says. “He has found a way to make a screenplay read like a piece of literature.”

Trusting his instincts is ultimately what’s led to his success.

“At a certain point, the projects choose you — and your job is to consent to the ride,” Barr says.

Local Creative Writer and Producer Talks His Project The Funeral Photographer

The Funeral Photographer is a short film about a woman who's been hired to photograph a funeral, until she figures out the real reason she's there. (Courtesy of Mark Strauss.){ }

Sawyer, Michigan local Mark Strauss is one of the brain's behind The Funeral Photographer, a film following a woman hired to photograph a funeral only to find out her job has a twist. Strauss is the Creative Writer and Producer of the project, which is a short 16 minutes but packs a full punch in its plot.

Starring Tara hazel Walsh as the main character Julie, the film begins as she arrives to the funeral and takes in the scene. The film shortly becomes emotional, as Julie discovers the real reason she's there. Strauss says the process took about six years to finally release, beginning in 2018 when he wrote the story. It's only been in the hands of the public for about four weeks now, but the YouTube video boasts nearly 30,000 views and hundreds of comments. The film can be seen at this link , Strauss says there's lots of dialogue in the comments and to not be shy to join.

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Chris Van Allsburg's The Mysteries of Harris Burdick is a classic source for visual writing prompts. Check out this student-produced video that describes why these timeless, eerie illustrations provide such fertile ground for young writers. Popular advertisements, like this cell phone ad out of Thailand with more than 20 million views, can be ...
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Six years ago, Rod Barr '86 was approached by an executive producer and financier, Eustace Wolfington, asking if he had interest in writing the script for a film about Maria Francesca Cabrini, an Italian nun whose philanthropic work spawned a vast network of missionary institutions that housed, cared for, and educated tens of thousands of poor immigrant children around the world.
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Strauss is the Creative Writer and Producer of the project, which is a short 16 minutes but packs a full punch in its plot. The Funeral Photographer is a short film about a woman who's been hired ...
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