The Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology Graduate Certificate in Scriptwriting
The Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology

The Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology

Graduate Certificate in Scriptwriting

Ottawa, Canada

Graduate Certificate

1 year

English

Full time

Sep 2026

On-Campus

Key Summary

    About: The Graduate Certificate in Scriptwriting focuses on the fundamentals of writing for film, television, and other media. This program covers story development, character creation, and dialogue crafting over a one-year period. Students engage in various writing exercises and critiques to refine their skills and develop a professional portfolio.
    Career Outcomes: Graduates often pursue careers as screenwriters, script consultants, or content creators. Some may work in film production, television, or digital media, developing scripts and narratives for a range of projects.

Author your own career - study writing for film, television, theatre, video, and digital media.

The one-year Scriptwriting Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the knowledge, writing experience, and hands-on skills necessary to become a writer in the ever-expanding fields of film, television, theatre, streaming, and digital media content.

Discover your style and voice, as well as how to develop characters and write stories for any audience. By the end of the program, you possess an extensive professional-quality portfolio of work.

By analyzing issues and trends in film and media, you learn how to market your skills effectively and work professionally in our industries. Faculty are up-to-date, experienced professionals who help guide your projects. Guest speakers are regular visitors to your class and provide tips and advice on your potential career paths.

At the end of the program, you have the opportunity to pitch your film or TV/Streamed series ideas to local producers and writers, and later to major broadcasting and production companies based in Toronto both in person and virtually. You will also meet agents and successful graduates of the program as part of this pitch experience. It is a great opportunity to connect with important players in the industry and get their feedback on your projects.

You also expand your real-world experience with a 40-hour work placement. These placements can be online, writing-based, or non-writing positions that allow you to learn more about how the production process works, make industry contacts, and broaden your skill set.

Another opportunity that you will participate in is the Hothouse Reading Series, which showcases your short plays read by professional actors and Performing Arts students. You receive feedback from the audience that provides you with invaluable insight to strengthen your writing.