Screenwriting: Film and TV Comprehensive
Screenwriting: Film and TV Comprehensive
Write feature film and TV scripts, and learn about production in this comprehensive program designed primarily for international students who want to study in the entertainment capital of the world.
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What you can learn.
Study screenwriting where it all started.
The UCLA Extension Screenwriting: Film and TV Comprehensive Certificate program offers a focused, results-oriented environment where enrollees can work on feature film and TV scripts, and learn essential skills and information of the trade.
Students can benefit from professional exposure and industry connections, and are eligible for other perks.
Courses are taught by produced writers and/or experienced entertainment industry professionals, many of whom are Writers Guild of America (WGA) members.
For those who qualify, an intermediate or advanced level track is available. Required introductory courses may be waived upon departmental approval, however, to earn the certificate, candidates must still complete the required number of units and specific course requirements.
Eligible for Veterans Administration Education Benefits.
Format: In Person or Online
The full certificate curriculum is listed further down on this page.
For those who meet certain requirements, an intermediate or advanced level track is also available.
Required introductory courses may be waived upon departmental approval, however, to earn the certificate, candidates must still complete a minimum of the sum total of required core course units and elective course units listed for this Writers’ Program certificate.”
Previously completed courses in another UNEX Certificate program may apply in a limited quantity of units to a Writers’ Program Certificate if the course is eligible for the requirements. Please contact an advisor for more details at writers@uclaextension.edu.
This certificate is approved for international students to study full time in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.
International students must meet English language proficiency requirements for admission into the program.
While most certificate programs begin each quarter, some have limited intakes for students studying on F-1 visa. Find this program on the Browse Certificate Programs page to confirm entry quarters before applying.
Learn more:
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Cost and Fees
International Student Fees
How to Get Started
Courses in this program are open enrollment, and each course is paid for individually.
Sequential courses should be taken in numerical order, starting from the lowest course number and progressing to higher numbers. This program is designed to be completed on half-time or full-time student status, over 2 years or 1 year, respectively. A student advisor can help provide a thorough curriculum example in chronological order by quarter.
You may take Feature Film and Television Writing courses without committing to the entire program.* However, by establishing candidacy in the program, you will receive many benefits exclusive to our certificate students such as priority placement on waitlists and access to the UCLA Career Center's job board.
Need assistance? If you have any questions or need advice on course selection, feel free to reach out to us at writers@uclaextension.edu.
Benefits exclusive for Writers' Program certificate students:
- Advising: Receive a 30-minute, one-on-one goal-setting consultation with a Writers’ Program advisor. During this consultation, the advisor will customize a certificate program curriculum tailored to your experience, interests, and writing goals.
- Enrollment Advantages: Receive quarterly notice when Writers’ Program courses open for enrollment each quarter and receive preferential placement on wait lists.
Benefits exclusive to all UCLA Extension certificate students:
- Career Resources: Access UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online career coaching, workshops, networking events, and other resources. Learn More.
- Handshake Access: Explore thousands of job and internship postings through UCLA Career Center’s online job board. Learn More.
- UCLA Alumni Association Membership: Upon completing your certificate, join the nationwide Bruin family as a member of the UCLA Alumni Association. Learn More.
- Graduation Celebration: Attend the annual UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony on campus to celebrate your achievements. Learn More.
- UCLA Recreation Facilities: Enjoy access to UCLA Recreation facilities as a student affiliate. Learn More.
- Bruin ID Card: Obtain an affiliate/Guest UCLA Bruin ID Card for additional student-related benefits. Learn More.
How to Apply - Establish Certificate Candidacy
- Click the Apply Now button below
- Login or create a new student account
- Once you are logged into the student portal, you can select “My Applications” from the left side menu at any time to return to your application. Click the yellow “Start” button to proceed.
- On the Certificate Application page, follow the instructions and click save. Then submit your application.
- Proceed to checkout and pay the nonrefundable candidacy fee to finalize your application.
*International Students studying in the U.S. with an F-1 visa must complete an additional applicational process. Learn More.
Required Courses
First Requirement
Pre-Production and Production for Film and Television
Post-Production for Film and Television
Second Requirement
The Business of Entertainment
The Language of Filmmaking
Third Requirement
Feature Film I
Feature Film III
Feature Film IV
Feature Film II
Fourth Requirement
Half-Hour TV I
One-Hour TV I
Fifth Requirement
One-Hour TV II
Half-Hour TV II
Sixth Requirement
Half-Hour TV III
One-Hour TV III
Seventh Requirement
Half-Hour TV IV
One-Hour TV IV
Elective Courses
Electives - Feature Film or Television Writing
In addition to the required courses, students must complete an additional 12 units from Feature Film Writing or TV Writing, with the option of taking no more than one course from the Development program and/or 4 units in internship credits. Browse courses by selecting the links below.
Beginning Television, Intermediate Television, or Advanced Television
Beginning Feature Film, Intermediate Feature Film, or Advanced Feature Film
An internship in film and television can provide you with practical experience in a variety of job functions. Certificate students must complete a minimum of 12 units of program curriculum (typically 3 courses) before completing the application for approval to enroll in an internship.
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