Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into this course, you must:

• Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) or equivalent in a cognate (relevant) discipline.
  
  Cognate (relevant) disciplines include: screenwriting, film studies, screen studies, theatre and film arts, creative writing.
  
  Please note this is not a complete list of possible disciplines. Relevance is always assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Or

• Have completed a bachelor honours degree (AQF8) or equivalent in any discipline.

Or

• Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) or equivalent in any discipline.
  
  And
• Have completed at least 50 credit points, or equivalent, of graduate study (AQF8 or above) in any discipline.

Or

• Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) or equivalent in any discipline.
  
  And
• Have two years of documented relevant experience.

Or

• Have six years of documented relevant experience related to film and television, with evidence of artistic ability and achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in relevant disciplines.

The University of Melbourne is committed to maintaining a transparent admissions policy by clearly communicating all entry scores to prospective students. Entry requirements to the University of Melbourne are regularly reviewed to ensure they align with the University's Selection and Admissions Policy. The entry requirements published for this course will apply from the start year 2027 intake onwards.

Relevant experience is measured in full-time years but may be completed within a part-time equivalent timeframe.

Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

About selection

As part of your application, you must also:

• Provide a curriculum vitae (CV) detailing relevant education, work experience, skills and achievements
• Attend an interview (if shortlisted)
• Provide a folio demonstrating skills relevant to the program

For full details on folio and interview requirements, see the Creative Application Requirements for this course.

Missing information or documents may result in your application being deemed ineligible.

When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance
• Relevance of previous study
• Assessment of folio
• Performance at an interview
• Relevant prior experience, if relevant

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Additional information

Supplementary creative application information

• This course has a folio and, if shortlisted, an interview requirement. See what is required, how to prepare and how you will be assessed on the Master of Screenwriting Creative Application Requirements page.
• Fine Arts and Music applicants must complete a supplementary creative application to submit Selection tasks via our Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom), in addition to your direct application via the University’s course application portal.

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)

We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.

GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.

Advanced Standing

Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).

For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.