Key facts
UNE unit code: THEA521
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Before the curtain rises or the camera rolls, there is the script: the foundation from which a director, cast, and production crew work together to engage, move, and delight an audience.
In this unit you’ll be introduced to the foundational elements of writing for performance, including the transferable skills and key differences between writing for the stage and screen.
Through a series of practical workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to hone a range of dramatic writing skills, including plotting, structure, dialogue, character, visual storytelling, and script editing, and gain valuable insights into working for the stage and screen industries.
While there are important differences between each medium, the building blocks of drama are the same, no matter which medium you’re writing for. This unit will give you the tools to recognise those building blocks, and apply them for yourself.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
offered in even-numbered years
Microsoft Word is sufficient for playwriting tasks. For screenwriting components, students can either format in Word, or download the free Celtx software program, or choose to purchase Final Draft.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an applied comprehensive knowledge of different stage and screen narratives, structures, and genres;
- apply advanced expertise, independent creative thinking, and critical evaluation to the development of their own scripts, tailoring work to a particular medium;
- demonstrate advanced skills in writing dialogue and scenes within a clear structure incorporating character, action and ideas;
- apply a complex understanding of the relationship between text and performance and script and production; and
- apply expert creative judgement and critical analysis to their own outputs and the work of others.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Script Exercise 1 and Exegesis | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Script Exercise 1 and exegesis. No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 2: Script Exercise 2 and Exegesis | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Script Exercise 2 and exegesis. No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 3: Major Script and Exegesis | Yes | 45% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 |
| Assessment 4 (On Campus): Workshop Tasks | Yes | 15% | Trimester 2, On Campus, Armidale Campus | No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 4 (Online): Structured Forum Tasks | Yes | 15% | Trimester 2, Online | No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
THEA321/521 Collected Readings
Theatre Studies Staff (eds), School of HASS, UNE
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting
ISBN: 9780385339032
Field, S., Delta Revised 2005
Text refers to: All offerings
Playwriting: Structure, Character, How and What to Write
ISBN: 9781848427907
Jeffreys, S., Nick Hern Books 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
