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.
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 perks such as a full-scale screenplay consultation (page limits apply).
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
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:
Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.
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
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:
Benefits exclusive to all UCLA Extension certificate students:
How to Apply - Establish Certificate Candidacy
*International Students studying in the U.S. with an F-1 visa must complete an additional applicational process. Learn More.
All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.
The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.
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.
Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.
Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.
