Certificate in Directing & Writing for Screen
Course Overview
Write It, Direct It, Pitch It: Screen Storytelling from Concept to Screen
Most people learn to write or to direct. Doing both changes how you work. This one-year part-time Certificate in Directing & Writing for Screen teaches you to develop a script, translate it into a visual story, and pitch it with the materials the industry actually asks for.
You'll move from story fundamentals and script formatting through to complex characters, subtext and long-form development for feature and TV. Alongside the writing, you'll direct short drama and documentary, covering camera movement, staging, performance, pacing, sound and tone. You'll finish with polished scripts, a portfolio of directed work and professional pitch materials.
Two evenings a week in Dublin, taught by working screenwriters, directors and producers.
Why Study Directing & Writing for Screen at Griffith College?
- Both Sides of the Story. Writers who understand direction write better scripts. Directors who understand writing make better films. You'll learn each one against the other.
- Taught by Working Professionals. Your tutors write, direct and produce for film and television, and teach practices that are current on real productions.
- Learn by Making. Analyse and recreate techniques from professional opening sequences, then apply them to your own drama and documentary work.
- Pitch Like the Industry Expects. Build loglines, synopses, treatments, lookbooks, and visual pitch documents that stand up in funding applications or commissioning meetings.
- Leave with a Portfolio. Polished scripts and directed work you can take to a funder, a producer, or the next stage of study.
What You'll Learn
- Story fundamentals, narrative structure and industry script formatting
- Character development, authentic dialogue and writing subtext
- Directing drama and documentary for screen
- Camera movement, staging, performance, pacing, sound and tone
- Production planning and workflow, from concept through to completion
- Long-form development for feature films and television series
- Industry deliverables: loglines, synopses, treatments, writer's notes, lookbooks
Who It's For
Aspiring screenwriters and directors starting out, and anyone already making work who wants to fill the gaps in their craft. It suits people building a portfolio for funding applications, professionals moving across from another creative discipline, and anyone preparing for further study in the screen industries.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Blended - October 2026
Related Courses
Course Details
Modules:
Screenwriting 1 (5 ECTS)
This module blends theoretical insights with practical, workshop-based exercises to introduce learners to the fundamental craft of screenwriting and support their development as emerging screenwriters. It guides learners from the core principles of storytelling to the practical skills of script formatting.
Visual Storytelling and Direction for Screen (10 ECTS)
In this module, learners demonstrate detailed knowledge of the key technical and creative skills required to direct short documentaries and drama for screen. The module is delivered through two parallel classes: a) a directing class, focused on creative, technical, and narrative skills for directing documentary and drama and b) a producing/Realisation class, focused on planning, coordinating, and managing production workflows to bring projects from concept to completion. Learners work independently and collaboratively to conceive, develop, produce, direct, and finalise short non‑fiction and fiction projects.
Screenwriting 2 (5 ECTS)
This module supports learners who wish to deepen their understanding and practice of screenwriting. The focus shifts from "what makes a story" to "how do I tell my story with greater sophistication and control?". The module is structured around a rigorous writing schedule, with the primary aim of having each learner complete two polished drafts: a 5-minute script and a 10-minute script, both of which may include dialogue. A key objective is the development of complex characters. Learners will explore techniques for writing authentic dialogue that reveals character and advances plot, and will learn to harness subtext—the unspoken thoughts and feelings beneath the words.
Advanced Screenwriting (5 ECTS)
Having engaged with two earlier screenwriting modules, learners may now build on these core screenwriting skills to craft more complex narratives and to master the industry materials required to support them. Learners are required to write loglines, synopses, treatments, writer’s notes and two drafts of a short drama of maximum 15 pages in length. Scripts written in this module may be produced in the Dissertation by Practice module. Submissions for this module are designed to mirror the industry-standard deliverables frequently required by, for example, funding applications.
Directing and Developing Long Form Content Feature or TV Series (5 ECTS)
This module looks at differences between short-form and long-form development and guides learners through a range of storytelling and directing techniques. Learners will critically analyse the differences between short-form and long-form screen storytelling, including narrative structure, world building, character development, and the demands of extended formats such as feature films and television series. They will also formulate and develop an original long-form screen idea by expanding a first concept into a coherent premise, thematic direction, story world and character framework suitable for feature or episodic production.
For further information, please contact professionalacademy@griffith.ie
Timetables
Timetable
This programme will be delivered two evenings a week from 18:30 - 21:30.
There will be one Saturday workshop from 10:00 - 16:00 every two months.
For further information, please contact professionalacademy@griffith.ie
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
The programme is intended for applicants who have completed their secondary education. Candidates applying on the basis of their Leaving Certificate must obtain a minimum of two H5 grades and four 4 O6/H7 grades, to include Maths and a language (English, Irish or another language).
English Language
The English language entry requirements for the programme are CEF B2+ or equivalent. Candidates with English language levels below CEF B2+ must first reach this minimum standard before enrolling on the academic programme.
Candidates with equivalent grades from other awards and mature learners (23+) are also considered.
If English is not a first language, proof of English proficiency is required. For more information, please visit here.
Fees
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin: €2990.00
Flexible Payment Options
Students wishing to avail of an instalment plan should contact professionalacademy@griffith.ie
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form(PDF file) and send this to professionalacademy@griffith.ie
Progression
Progress to the Level 8, BA (Hons) in Film, TV & Screen Media Production or step into directing and writing roles across film, television, streaming, advertising and online media.
