Certificate in Writing Television Drama
Delivery Mode
Full online
Start Date
2026-09-08
End Date
2026-12-17
Level
EFQ Level 7 / NFQ Level 9
Fee
€1 700
ECTS
20
Overview
TV drama has changed radically since the arrival of streaming platforms. 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. Dates + Times The course is delivered online in small seminar type classes. Tuesdays | 7pm – 9.15pm: 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th September 2026 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th October 3rd, 17th November Saturdays: 3rd October (9.30am – 1.30pm) 7th November (Students will be allocated a 20 minute time slot during the day to pitch to a panel)
What You'll Learn
The course will: - Enable you to recognise the elements of an idea to succeed in episodic format - 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.
Requirements
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.
Course Outcomes
Graduates from this course and the MA in Screenwriting 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.