Study Guide

Qualification Awarded and the Level of Qualification

Master of Culture and Arts

Contact Information

Principal Lecturer Ari Koivumäki, firstname.lastname@tuni.fi, tel. + 358 50 590 9312
TAMK's Admissions Office offers help to those applicants who are applying to TAMK via the national joint application system or the transfer application process.
The Admissions Office is open mainly on Mon - Thur between 9.30 and 14.30 (Finnish time) and on Fridays between 10.00 and 14.30 (Finnish time).
TAMK Admissions Office
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
FINLAND
admissions.tamk@tuni.fi
tel. +358 3 245 2395
fax +358 3 245 2396

Special Admission Requirements

This mid-career Master’s degree requires 2 years (24 months) of work experience after Bachelor’s. General admission criteria, see https://www.tuni.fi/en/study-with-us/screenwriting

Recognition of Prior Learning

https://www.tuni.fi/studentsguide/handbook/tamk?page=3127

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

https://www.tuni.fi/studentsguide/handbook/tamk?page=2264

Profile of the Programme

The degree programme is for students who have a devotion to writing for film and television. It covers all the phases of screenwriting process. The programme is hands-on and workshop oriented. Classes are based on student’s own material as a work-in-progress. Reflective and critical approach is practiced throughout the programme. Professional mentors supervise periods of independent work. Understanding audience psychology in relation to the film viewing experience is emphasized.

Key Learning Outcomes

The studies can be completed within one year alongside work as blended learning. The extent of the programme is 60 credits, consisting of professional studies (30 cr) and master's thesis (30 cr).
For the professional studies, there are two modules: 1. Forms and Genres 2. Storytelling and the Moving Image.
The first module gives a hands-on introduction to storytelling tradition. It covers ideating, conceptualizing, pitching, outlining and step-outlining story as well as developing character arch and making use of turning points, understanding screenplay structure composed of acts, sequences and scenes and using film and screenplay analysis as screenwriter’s tool.
In the module Storytelling and the Moving Image, you will complete one feature length film script or a concept for tv-series and a script of at least two episodes. Writing memorable scenes with strong characters, describing essential action and writing dialogue as action of character, making use of subtext and understanding the deep structure of theme and metaphor as well as the use of visual arena and telling details are the key elements in this module.
The MA Script Project involves structured and supervised development of a full-length film script text (the minimum length is 90 minutes) or creating a concept for tv-series and a script of at least two episodes. The aim of the module is learning to edit one’s own text, rewriting and script-editing, making use of the feedback given and collaborative process with the mentor at each step of the script development process. There will also be a workshop to apply critical analysis and evaluation of the progressive development of the script. We are working actively towards bringing this MA Script Project up to an artistic and commercial standard that will allow it to compete in the European market,
Internationalization
The whole degree programme is an inspiring and multicultural learning environment. Other means of guaranteeing a truly international and multicultural study experience are to immerse yourself in language studies, peer tutoring for other international students, friend-family activities and international projects and themed weeks.
Co-operation with other parties
TAMK runs this Master's programme in cooperation with partner universities in Europe. Industry links form a significant component of the programme. Besides having connections with film and TV companies, the programme has strong ties with international associations like Cilect, Geect and Nordicil. It is also actively involved in Film Festivals and events all over Europe.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

Links to the global film and TV industry provide opportunities to network with key people and to have feedback on your work; to learn the demands the industry makes on writers; to be at the cutting edge of changes and developments in the industry; and to develop mentoring relationships that may persist beyond the programme.
Besides writing for the film or television industry, you may build a career in other satellite professions such as producer, script editor, storyliner, and script consultant.

Access to Further Studies

After graduation you can study further to PhD level. Academic analyses of the process of scriptwriting are now acknowledged as a field of academic enquiry. Other possibilities include PhDs in the field of the television and radio industry and/or cultural history.

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

https://www.tuni.fi/studentsguide/handbook/tamk?page=3127

Graduation Requirements

https://www.tuni.fi/studentsguide/handbook/tamk/4680?

Mode of Study

The language of the degree programme is English.You will be supported to work alongside your studies by using an online environment and distance education practices. A virtual learning environment is used, where supplementary material will be provided.

Development of the Programme

https://opinto-opas-ops.tamk.fi/index.php/en/171/en/49600