Screenwriting
Qualifications
Overview
A good story leaves a lasting impression, and can even transform the way we view our own lives. Having the ability to write engaging characters, riveting plotlines, and complex worlds is one of the most creative skills we can have.
Screenwriting studies will teach you to create your own screenplays, from structure and formatting to tying elements of a story together.
- Develop your own scripts and screenplays, including structure, character development, storyboarding, lore, and world-building.
- The final year of study is dedicated to creating a commercial quality creative project for the digital screen.
- You will have access to a range of filming, design, and computer lab spaces for you to collaborate with other students on creative projects.
Screenwriting major
For the major in the Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours, complete the following courses:
200-level
- DISC212 Screenwriting: Research and Story Development
- DISC220 Feature Screenwriting Project 1
- DISC222 Feature Screenwriting: The First Act
- DISC223 Creating Story Worlds
300-level
At 400-level your compulsory courses in the degree will focus on Screenwriting projects.
Screenwriting minor
For the minor in the Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours, complete the following courses:
- 75 points of courses chosen from these options, with 45 points above 100-level. A maximum 15 points can be chosen from these approved courses or any other 100 to 300-level ENGL courses
For the minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, Health Sciences, Product Design, Science, Social and Environmental Sustainability, Sport, or Youth and Community Leadership, complete the following courses:
- DISC101 Storytelling for the Digital Screen
- 60 points of courses chosen from these options, with 45 points above 100-level. A maximum 15 points can be chosen from these approved courses or any other 100 to 300-level ENGL courses
Your studies will develop your writing skills so you can cross genre and media platforms, and have the adaptability to work with other industry professionals.
Career pathways could include:
- screenwriting
- advertising and copy writing
- creative producing
- creative consultancy.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
Contact us
Digital Screen Campus
Email screencampus@canterbury.ac.nz
Browse related subjects to Screenwriting
Choose an area that you are interested in and learn how UC's extensive range of study options can let you study what you want to.

Game Development
Gaming is an exciting and ever-growing industry where you can contribute in many ways, from building an immersive world with characters and obstacles, writing ...

Cinematic Arts
Aotearoa has been put on the map with our internationally renowned expertise in visual effects and film technologies, filming locations, and the calibre of our ...