Learning Screenwriting in the UK: My Experience and the Best Courses to Consider

When I first decided to take screenwriting seriously, I found myself wading through a sea of courses, books, YouTube channels, and masterclasses. The options were overwhelming — from universities offering full degrees to free online tutorials promising to "unlock your inner Tarantino." But what I kept coming back to was this: I didn’t want just theory — I wanted to learn from people who actually work in the industry.

Real writers. Real feedback. Real experience.

That became my guiding principle. Screenwriting isn’t just about formatting or three-act structure — it’s about telling emotionally honest stories that resonate on screen. And the best way to learn that is from those who’ve done it for a living.

After a lot of research, I enrolled in the 3-month online “Introduction to Screenwriting” course at Central Film School in London, taught by Nico Tatarowicz, a professional screenwriter with credits on some of the UK’s most original comedy and drama shows.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made on my writing journey.

What made the course stand out was not just the insightful weekly lessons, but also the opportunity to have our short screenplays read aloud by professional actors during live online session. That was the moment the words on the page came alive — and it changed the way I saw my own writing.

As part of the course, I wrote Black Mask — a short screenplay set in a dystopian world where masks are mandatory. The story follows a man who finds a photograph of unmasked people and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about humanity, guided by the haunting voice of an opera singer.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Central Film School also offers 1-year and 2-year programs in screenwriting and filmmaking — ideal for students who want to go deeper into the craft and gain hands-on experience in the industry.

If you're looking to study screenwriting in the UK, you're in luck. The country is home to a wide range of institutions and programs that cater to different levels, styles, and career goals.

YOU MAY KNOW NICO TATAROWICZ FOR...

Nico Tatarowicz is a British screenwriter, actor, and podcast host known for his darkly comic tone and emotionally resonant storytelling.

✅ Co-writer of The Armstrong and Miller Show (BAFTA-nominated)

✅ Writer on Murder in Successville, Crackanory, and Very Important People

✅ Host of the podcast Stupid Hearts Club, where he explores creativity, comedy, and personal struggles

✅ Known for combining sharp humor with character-driven narratives

His teaching style was refreshingly honest, full of practical tips, and grounded in his real-world experience in television writing. Rather than abstract theory, he offered a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to write for screen — deadlines, rewrites, feedback, and all.

WRITING BLACK MASK: FINDING THE STORY DURING THE COURSE

When I started the Introduction to Screenwriting course, I had only a vague idea for a story — something about a masked society and a man who begins to question it. But with each weekly assignment, the idea began to take shape.

We explored structure, character, dialogue, and visual storytelling — not just as abstract concepts, but in direct relation to our own developing scripts. The course pushed me to ask better questions of my characters:

✅ What does he want versus what does he need?

✅ What’s the internal conflict hidden behind the dystopian setting?

✅ Can I make the world feel familiar but still unsettling?

As I worked through these questions, Black Mask began to emerge as more than just a sci-fi idea — it became a human story about memory, control, and the longing for truth in a world that suppresses it.

One of the most exciting parts of the course was submitting our first drafts and getting constructive, targeted feedback — not just from Nico, but from fellow students who brought different perspectives and genres into the mix. It created a mini writer’s room, one that was safe, smart, and collaborative.

The climax of the course was hearing our screenplays performed by professional actors. It was surreal to watch my characters come alive — the pauses, the tension, the moments of vulnerability — delivered with skill and emotion. That reading changed how I understood tone, pacing, and subtext in a script. It also gave me a huge boost of confidence.

By the end of the course, I didn’t just have a finished short screenplay — I had a clearer voice as a writer and a deeper understanding of how the craft actually works when it meets production.

If you're writing alone and unsure of your next step, I can't recommend this kind of guided, real-time experience enough.

TOP SCREENWRITING COURSES IN THE UK

✅ Central Film School (London) – Offers short courses like Introduction to Screenwriting as well as full-time BA and MA programs. Industry professionals teach most classes, and the school has a strong emphasis on practical experience.

✅ National Film and Television School (NFTS) – One of the UK’s most prestigious film schools. Its MA in Screenwriting is extremely competitive but offers high-level training, mentoring, and industry exposure.

✅ London Film School (LFS) – Offers an MA in Screenwriting focused on writing craft, script development, and collaborative storytelling. Located in the heart of London, it connects students with the city’s film scene.

✅ MetFilm School (London, Leeds, Berlin) – Offers BA and MA degrees in Screenwriting, as well as short and part-time courses. Focused on real-world industry experience.

✅ University of the Arts London (UAL) – Screenwriting at London College of Communication – Offers a BA (Hons) in Screenwriting with a focus on visual storytelling, genre, and the screen industries.

✅ Falmouth University – Offers both on-campus and online MA programs in Screenwriting. Known for flexibility and accessibility for remote learners.

SHORT COURSES AND ONLINE OPTIONS

✅ Raindance Film School – Offers weekend, evening, and online screenwriting classes in central London. Practical and industry-led.

✅ Curtis Brown Creative – An elite writing academy offering screenwriting courses online. Taught by professional writers and agents, often with feedback on scripts and pitch materials.

✅ BBC Writersroom – Free online resources, script libraries, and occasional open submission windows for new writers to pitch scripts or join development schemes.

✅ FutureLearn & ScreenSkills – Hosts free and paid courses from UK film institutions. Great for beginners and for supplementing formal education.

WHY INDUSTRY STANDARDS — AND THE RIGHT SOFTWARE — MATTER

One of the most important lessons I learned early on is that a great story isn’t enough if your script doesn’t look professional.

In screenwriting, formatting is not just a formality — it’s part of the language of the industry. Producers, agents, script readers, and even actors expect a script to look and read a certain way. If it doesn’t, it signals inexperience and can lead to your work being dismissed before anyone even gets to the story.

That’s why it’s crucial to use professional screenwriting software from the start — not just for polishing later.

✅ Final Draft is the industry gold standard — widely used in film, TV, and by production companies around the world.

✅ Fade In and WriterDuet are also excellent options, especially if you want cloud-based collaboration or a more affordable tool.

✅ Celtx is great for beginners, though its formatting can be slightly less precise for high-level submissions.

My advice? Buy the software (or at least use a trial) before you start a course or submit anything. Learn the basics — how to write scene headings, dialogue, action lines, parentheticals. That way, you can focus on the writing itself without being distracted by technical issues.

During the course at Central Film School, we were expected to format our work professionally. It prepared us for the real world — where your script needs to walk into the room looking ready for production, even if you’re not there to pitch it yourself.

If you're serious about screenwriting, treat your script like a calling card. And in this industry, how it looks is part of how it speaks.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE

✅ Know your goals – Do you want to write features, TV, shorts, or web series? Some schools focus on specific formats.

✅ Consider flexibility – Online vs in-person, full-time vs part-time. Find what suits your lifestyle.

✅ Look for industry exposure – Guest speakers, actor table reads, and script pitching sessions are invaluable.

✅ Check alumni success – The best programs showcase graduates who are now working in film and television.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whether you're just beginning or looking to sharpen your storytelling skills, the UK offers a rich environment for screenwriters. From world-renowned institutions to flexible online platforms, there’s something for everyone.

Starting with a course like Introduction to Screenwriting at Central Film School can ignite your passion and give you a solid foundation. And who knows — your short film idea might be the first step toward a full-length feature or even a series.

Write boldly. Rewrite often. And never stop learning.