Special Programs

Television Writing in London

Get an international perspective on episodic writing. 

Double-decker bus with the Houses of Parliament in London in the background

Photo by Aron Van de Pol/Unsplash

Program Overview

Dive into the craft of TV writing while studying in the UK. Explore British and international techniques and practices for the role of writer and show creator. Learn how to develop long form concepts into series for the international market. Identify your personal voice and develop skills to address inclusion, equity, and representation on the page, in the writer’s room, and in your career for an international audience.

Core Curriculum

Students selected to the program will enroll in the following 4-unit course and have the opportunity to take additional NYU London courses or enroll in the NYU London Academic Internship. 

Writing the TV Pilot: London

IFMTV-UT 1071 / IDWPG-UT 1071 | 4 units | Instructor: Yolanda Mercy

This course is an introduction to the basic craft of writing original pilots.

Students will read and analyze produced pilots from recognized British series. They will write their own original pilots, which will be analyzed and discussed in a workshop environment. Lectures will emphasize both pilots and the series that emerge from those pilots.

The class will be taught by a British instructor and British examples will be used as reference throughout the semester. Students can choose to write pilots intended for US, British, or international audiences.

The purpose of this class is for students to take their first venture into writing generative work in the episodic form. The work may range across hour and half-hour, comedy and drama, as well as advertiser supported, subscriber supported series and local, national public service broadcaster series.

Aerial view of London at sunset

Photo by Benjamin Davies/Unsplash

Program Dates

Spring 2025 

Student Arrival: January 16, 2025
Student Departure: May 10, 2025

Arrival and departure dates are subject to change.

Admissions

Space in this program is limited and will be based on:

  •  Course prerequisites:
     

    • Collaborative Arts majors: Making a Scene: Screenwriting (COART-UT 13) and Making a Scene: Playwriting (COART-UT 3)

    • Dramatic Writing majors: Craft (DWPG-UT 20) and Episodic Writing I (DWPG-UT 1042)

    • Film/TV majors: Introduction to TV Writing (FMTV-UT 1017) or Preparing the Teleplay & Screenplay (FMTV-UT 1015). No exceptions will be made for the prerequisites. Prerequisites will not be waived.

    • NYU Students: Introduction to Screenwriting (OART-UT 35) or Playwriting Practicum (OART-UT 1040)

    • Visiting students: College-level or equivalent dramatic writing experience
       

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0

  • Quality of application materials

  • Interview with Tisch Special Programs staff

Students interested in applying for Television Writing in London must first submit an interest form, selecting NYU London as their first choice option. Only applicants who have selected NYU London as their first choice will be considered for this program track.

Shortly after submission, students will have access to the Enrollment Portal which will include the application for the Television Writing in London program and additional opportunities, including the application for the  NYU London Academic Internship.

The spring 2025 application is closed.

For more information please view our Admissions Calendar.

Note: Students should wait to receive their admissions notification and confirmation that the program is running prior to purchasing airline tickets. Students accepted to the program should purchase refundable airline tickets and/or travel insurance in the event the program is canceled or program dates are changed due to world events. It is strongly recommended that students purchase insurance for trip cancellation, flight cancellation, luggage loss or damage, as well as medical and accident coverage.

Expenses

Spring 2024*

  • Academic Year 2023-2024 Full-time Tuition, 12-18 unit flat rate per term: $33,194

Additional Fees Include:

  • Theatre in London Fee: Approximately $510* 
  • NYU Housing: Visit the NYU London website for options and costs

Please review the Tisch Special Programs cancellation policy.

Visit the Office of Global Programs for additional study abroad costs.

*spring 2025 rates TBA

Apply

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are opportunities for financial assistance to study abroad.

Please review the Scholarships and Financial Aid for Study Abroad page for more information.

Housing

Visit the NYU London website for housing options and descriptions.