Overview

The Dramatic Writing programme at The University of New Mexico offers an immersive environment for playwrights and screenwriters to refine their craft. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to produce a diverse portfolio of professional work while benefiting from the university's vibrant artistic community.

This three-year course is structured around a core of intensive writing seminars that explore the principles of dramatic structure and the resources of the writer’s world. Participants are expected to complete a minimum of six scripts, including three full-length stage plays, a full-length screenplay, and a short piece, alongside their final dissertation work.

Why Dramatic Writing at The University of New Mexico?

The institution provides exceptional opportunities for students to see their work staged through the Linnell Festival of New Plays. This annual event presents new work over three weeks in multiple venues, allowing writers to collaborate with the local theatre community and gain professional exposure.

Students also benefit from the student-led season at Theatre X, a dedicated black-box performance space. The success of the department is reflected in its national recognition, with several students winning prestigious playwriting awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for work developed during the programme.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 29146 per year
National fee: USD 29146 per year
Local fee: USD 10084 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is built upon a Writing Core that involves four intensive semester-long seminars. These sessions focus on the craft of dramatic writing and the development of a professional portfolio. Modules may include:

Dramatic Writing
Writing Seminars
Principles and Craft of Dramatic Writing
Resources of the Writer’s World
Stage Playwriting
Screenwriting
Short Screen or Stage Piece
Dissertation

Careers with Dramatic Writing

Graduates from this programme are prepared for professional careers across the performing arts and media industries. The portfolio-based approach ensures that students leave with a body of work ready for submission to theatres, film production companies, and television networks.

The experience gained through the Linnell Festival and Theatre X prepares writers for roles as playwrights, screenwriters, and script editors. Alumni have successfully transitioned into the professional theatre community, securing national awards and seeing their scripts produced on professional stages and screens.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Dramatic Writing

Principles of Crafts in Writing

The Writer’s Stage

Screenwriting

Topics in Dramatic Writing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Albuquerque, United States

Disciplines

Creative Writing Literature Drama View 349 other Masters in Literature in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To be considered for admission to any of our graduate programs, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.*
For the MFA in Dramatic Writing, a specific undergraduate major is less important than a demonstrated and sustained commitment to creative writing.
We require a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (B) or better.
Professional experience may compensate for uneven academic preparation.
Letter of Intent clearly expressing your ability to undertake graduate study.
Letters of Recommendation (3)
A full-length script (stage, screen television play; drama or comedy or two one-act plays)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29146 USD / year

≈ 29146 USD / year
Out-of-State

29146 USD / year

≈ 29146 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10084 USD / year

≈ 10084 USD / year

Living costs

Albuquerque

United States

870 - 1360 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Dramatic Writing.

Available Scholarships

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Albuquerque

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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