About the course

In the Master’s of Fine Arts (MFA) in Screenwriting degree program, students master cinematic storytelling concepts and techniques. Throughout this hands-on program, students work and study at the same pace as professional screenwriters, writing scripts and proposals for film, television, comic books, games, as well as web series.

　　Studying under the mentorship and guidance of our experienced faculty of active industry screenwriters, students grow individually as artists and write intensively, learning to adhere to project guidelines and take constructive criticism while retaining a unique artistic voice.

　　MFA students also learn to build strong, three-dimensional characters and develop compelling story worlds and franchises across multiple visual media. To round out their knowledge and experience in narrative storytelling, students also expand on their knowledge of filmmaking, acting, and editing. Due to the rigorous nature of this program, it’s a great opportunity for students with ambitious goals in film, media, and entertainment.

　　The curriculum for the MFA in Screenwriting program includes:

　　Intensive classes that help students advance their writing skills across multiple media, including film, television, short films, and web series, with electives in other media such as comic books, games, podcasts, reality/unscripted projects, and plays

　　Skill building classes and electives in story generation, rewriting, world building, scene study, genre studies

　　Business classes that teach students the ins and outs of the entertainment industry

　　 mentoring and instruction by faculty and staff that actively work in screenwriting and can prepare students for the challenges of the current industry Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 2 Year(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Spring (January), 2024	Burbank
Fall (August), 2024	Burbank
Spring (January), 2025	Burbank
Fall (August), 2025	Burbank
Fall (August), 2026	Burbank

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for New York Film Academy

An ideal applicant for the New York Film Academy Master of Fine Arts programs must demonstrate a sincere passion for motion picture storytelling and the ability and desire to collaborate with other artists in a creative environment. Applicants must submit a creative portfolio (supporting materials) that illustrate the applicant's ability to undertake graduate level study, accelerated level of talent, and potential for success within the profession.

　　Candidates for admission to the Master of Fine Arts programs must possess a Bachelor's Degree from a post-secondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education. No particular major or minor is required as a prerequisite for admission, but applicants with a strong background in storytelling, and/or the arts are preferred. While GPA will be taken into consideration, and is an important component of the admissions process, the strength of the candidate's creative portfolio is also a significant determining factor for admission. Special attention will be given to grades assigned in areas of study related to any aspects of storytelling arts such as the visual arts, creative writing, theater arts, fine arts, performing arts, and the humanities.

　　All students pursuing a graduate degree from the New York Film Academy must submit an official, final undergraduate transcript in order to complete their application. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 or higher (213 for computer-based test or 79 for internet-based test), IELTS 6.5, or the equivalent.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

　　Book IELTS

　　About IELTS

　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 79.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at New York Film Academy. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

What our students think

We’ve haven’t received any reviews for this institution yet.