Writing Television Drama - Micro-credential
Learn how to develop, write and pitch an industry standard TV drama treatment.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 9 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | Institute of Art Design and Technology |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 9 NFQ) | Special Purpose | Institute of Art Design and Technology | Level 9 NFQ |
Duration
10 weeks delivered over three months. The course is delivered online in small seminar type classes.
Entry Requirements
Who can apply?
• This course is suitable for students who have an undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Honours Degree level.
• Applicants without a Level 8 qualification may be considered provided they can demonstrate Honours Degree equivalence which can be verified through the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.
• IADT may ask for the contact details of a referee in some instances. You may also be asked to attend an online interview.
Careers / Further progression
Future Careers
Graduates from the MA and Certificate have gone on to work as full-time screenwriters, script-editors, development executives, producers, directors and third level teachers in film and on writing programmes.
Further information
Register your interest in the September 2026 intake by emailing microcreds@iadt.ie
15
€950 or €1,700.
Creative Futures Academy are delighted to collaborate with Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet to offer a special partnership rate of €950 for qualifying candidates, which include those resident in the Republic of Ireland and not already in receipt of a bursary, grant aid or a scholarship for this course and not participating in a CE scheme or in receipt of Unemployment Benefit.
This Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland & the European Union. www.eufunds.ie
Fees for those who do not meet the Skillnet criteria are €1,700.
What is it?
TV drama has changed radically since the arrival of streaming platforms over 10 years ago. Audiences are hungry for drama in hybrid genres, where the quality and richness of the writing is key to the success of the series. Writers have become the creative drivers of productions – the showrunners – the creative leaders of productions where in film the director is often that person. Production companies, broadcasters and streamers are always looking for the next new idea that will capture audience. This course explores current trends and how to ensure ideas, regardless of genre, standout as authentic. Working with Eilish Kent, a recognised educator in this area with extensive industry expertise in writing and commissioning for television, we have developed this course to focus on developing and writing TV Drama.
What will I do?
The course follows an industry standard, development process that underpins a professional approach to a career in screenwriting for TV. You will be taught the craft of TV drama writing that will enable you to complete a pilot episode of a TV drama. You will be required to evaluate a personal and professional strategy for the development of any work in the context of the screen industries.
The course will:
• Enable you to write a compelling one-page pitch for an original TV drama idea
• Enable you to write a TV drama pilot script to a professional standard
• Provide a supportive and critical environment for the development and creation of new work
• Develop a disciplined and professional approach to writing for TV drama
• Enable you to develop a personal strategy for the development of your work
• Familiarise you with the process and business of writing for television – including matters relating to contracts and copyright, career opportunities and career pathways.
What modules will I study?
This is a single module certificate. This ten week course, delivered over three months, has been running for five years. Several graduates have got their projects into development with production companies. It sits alongside our MA in Screenwriting for Film + Television which has been running successfully for over 20 years.
How will I be assessed?
• Assignment 1 (40%): Analysis of a TV Drama. Submission deadline: 0102/2025
• Assignment 2 (60%): Submission of an original TV drama by 01/05/2025 (revised one-page pitch and first 10 – 15 pages, at revised 2nd draft stage of pilot episode). Students will submit drafts throughout the course and have feedback by email and in person.
Admissions Queries
Phone: +353 1 239 4612
Email: admissions@iadt.ie