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Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)

Undergraduate | CUR-CWG-DEG | 2024

For creative writers in the digital age

Explore styles including poetry and short fiction. Choose from electives including screen and digital. Prepare for real employment outcomes in writing, editing and publishing. Study creative writing online and transition to an online writing career.

Entry pathways available with no entry requirements

About this degree

What you'll learn.

At the completion of this degree students will be able to:

• identify, explain and apply the key disciplinary concepts in Creative Writing
• integrate theory and creative practice; conceive, develop and evaluate innovative new writing

access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information and synthesise key facts, themes and ideas in writing

communicate ideas to a range of audiences and in a variety of media and genres

use technologies to access resources, communicate effectively and develop writing and research skills

use disciplinary skills and knowledge to learn how to learn, and apply these insights to new writing and to the different intellectual and professional roles required of a writer in the broader community

acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national and global perspectives and the impact of this on writing and the creative industries

value a range of cultural knowledge and take care to represent these, where appropriate, in an ethical and professional manner

work independently and/or collaboratively to produce innovative and informed creative writing that contributes meaningfully to contemporary culture.

Description

If you like to express yourself creatively through writing, the Creative Writing degree will help enhance your skills across a range of writing styles, such as fiction, poetry and writing for performance, as well as emerging and experimental genres. You’ll be encouraged to improve your critical awareness and develop all the relevant professional skills required  of an author in the digital age. Each week, you will benefit from the advice and support of our tutors, many of whom are acclaimed authors, and through critical engagement with a talented peer group. Your lecturers and tutors will also advise you on processes that will prepare you to seek publication for your work.   Curtin’s creative writing graduates have had consistent success in national literary awards and publishing. The content of the major creates employment outcomes across a broad range of communications-related fields and will allow you to develop applicable language skills and conceptual understandings that will be useful across a range of other academic disciplines.

Degree structure details

Recommended study pattern.

• Two humanities core subjects;  APC100  and  COM155 ,
• Two Creative Writing major subjects;  CWG100  and  PWP110
• Four Elective subjects
• Four Creative Writing major subjects;  CWG200, CWG210, CWG220  and  CWG240,  and
• Four Creative Writing subjects ; CWG300 OR CWG320, CWG310  and  CWG340  (double subject) ,  and

Note: The OUA electives must be completed at an undergraduate level.

Award requirements

To obtain the award for the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing), students must complete a total of 23 subjects (22 single EFTSL and 1 double EFTSL subjects = 600 credits) as follows:

Level One (200 credits)

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communications (25 credits)
• COM155 Culture to Cultures (25 credits)
• CWG100 Creative Writing (25 credits)
•  PWP110 Introduction to Writing (25 credits)
• Four elective subjects (25 credit each = 100 credits)

Levels Two and Three (400 credits)

• Complete four level two major subjects (100 credits) AND
• Three level three major subjects (two 25 credit each = 50 credits, one 50 credits) AND
• Eight elective subjects (200 credits)

Subjects in this degree

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

Common Level 1 Subjects

Level 1 core subjects, level 2 core subjects, level 3 core subjects, registering in this degree.

We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact Curtin through the Ask Connect webform  and select the Admissions and Credit for Recognised Learning - Entry pathways and eligibility menu option.

Transition arrangements

Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.

2020 Changes:

Degree structure changes

From SP1 2020, students completing the Bachelor of Arts, (Creative Writing) major will be required to transition to the new degree structure as detailed below. 

• Two humanities core subjects; APC100 and COM155 ,
• Two Creative Writing major subjects; CWG100 and PWP110
• Four Creative Writing major subjects; CWG200, CWG210, CWG220 and CWG240, and
• Four Creative Writing subjects ; CWG300 OR CWG320, CWG310 and CWG340 (double subject) , and

Creative Writing Subject Changes

• Humanities Core Level 1 option subjects MCA100 and MED104 will be offered for the last time in SP1 and SP3, 2020. Students who have previously completed these have these subjects credited towards their degree.
• Humanities Core Level 1 option subjects MCA110 and MCA120 are no longer available as of SP1 2020. Students who have previously completed these have these subjects credited towards their degree.
• CWG330 has been restructured from a level 3 subject to a level 2 subject CWG240.

Existing students will need to select from the available subjects to complete the BA (Creative Writing) major.

Curtin University is committed to the fundamental principle that, no matter which major structure students choose to stay in or transition into, students will not be disadvantaged in their education. Curtin University is committed to discussion and consultation and would welcome your email or phone contact at any time to ensure you are fully informed and understand the changes. 

Students with enquiries please email:

MCASI Student services: [email protected]

About Curtin University

Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.

Learn more about Curtin University .

Explore Curtin courses .

• Entry requirements

Start small with no entry requirements

Yes, you can get into this degree!

Start with an undergraduate certificate regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:

Undergraduate certificate

Start with a certificate

Complete an undergraduate certificate in as little as six months. You'll gain a recognised qualification and credit to bring to the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing).

Continue to the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)

Enter the degree with full credit from your certificate. You'll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.

Higher education

• Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required).​

Higher education via OUA

Successful study through OUA – either:

• Successful completion of four OUA degree level subjects at pass level (this satisfies the English language proficiency requirement) OR
• Successful completion of two OUA degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.

Secondary education

• Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites

VET studies

• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.

Work and life

• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
• Finished secondary education more than two years ago
• Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
• Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.

Additional information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

English proficiency requirements

Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:

• Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
• Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements .

*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Recognition of previous work or study

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.

Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.

To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines .

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the  Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).

Career opportunities

Graduates will be equipped with relevant industry skills specific to careers as: writer, editor, publisher.

Career outlook Learn more about career outlook

Degree faqs.

That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.

There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.

As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.

If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.

If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.

If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.

Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.

You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.

Payment options are explained in Fees , and you can contact a student advisor for more information.

You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.

We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects , or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.

We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.

Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.

Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates .

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

You can enrol without entry requirements

We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.

You have total control over how you study Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.

You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.

We'll help you navigate the university world Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool , or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.

You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions .

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Master of Creative Writing

UAC CODE: 860221 (North Ryde), 860222 (Distance)

CRICOS CODE: 099160K

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About western.

• International

Master of Arts in Literature and Creative Writing

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By connecting creative writing practice to ideas and creative work from the arts and sciences, the Master of Arts in Literature and Creative Writing offers you the opportunity to think across creative, critical and disciplinary categories, and to produce either works of scholarship or creative writing (or related creative work that crosses into other areas including music, art, performance and film).

Full Time: 1.5 Years (Available Part Time)*

Next Start Date

03 March 2025

21 July 2025

Closing Date

Indicative annual fee from $11,885

Additional Information

Program Code: 1831

CRICOS Code: 092783B

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• FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS

Arts in Literature and Creative Writing at Western

Save Money on Course Fees

Postgrad study just got more affordable with subsidised Commonwealth Supported Places available for this degree and eligible domestic students. Apply Now! Places are limited.

What you can expect to study

The program structure is outlined in our handbook . Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

• Cultural analysis
• Communications

Entry requirements for domestic students

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about special requirements here.

Entry requirements for international students

**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.

You can read more about  international academic entry requirements here.

Indicative annual fee

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our  Student Services Hub  for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

Apply as a Domestic Student

If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.

Domestic students are:

• Australian Citizens
• New Zealand Citizens
• Australian permanent residents
• Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders

Scholarships

Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees. 

Apply as an International Student

If you are an international student, you can apply for free through our international student application system or through an agent representative . International students are:

• Not an Australian citizen;
• Not a New Zealand citizen; and
• Not a permanent resident of Australia.

Admission to Western Sydney University is on the basis of meeting minimum academic and English language requirements . For more information about tuition fees and other costs, visit the Fees and Costs page .

When you apply to Western, you’re automatically assessed for a Scholarship, no additional application required! We’re offering multi-year scholarships (for up to 3 years) valued at $6,000 or $3,000 and even 50% off tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.

Want to know more?

We're here to provide clarity. If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward. Australian students 1300 668 370 International students +61 2 9852 5499

OTHER STUDY OPTIONS

Bachelor of arts.

Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*

Bachelor of Creative Industries

Master of arts (tesol).

Full Time: 2 Years (Available Part Time)*

Master of Arts Translation and Interpreting Studies

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

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• Creative Writing

Creative Writing Courses

If you have a creative mind and a way with words, a career in the creative writing industry could be perfect for you. Creative writing professionals aren’t just limited to writing books. They produce content for a variety of mediums, including both print and digital publications and platforms. There’s a diverse range of creative writing courses available, focusing on everything from fiction, non-fiction and playwriting to creating engaging online content. And in today’s quickly growing freelance culture, a career in creative writing can be anything you make of it.

Want to study Creative Writing?

• Match your career goals with a qualification
• Find out about payment options, including possible government loans
• Fit study into your lifestyle

Free Creative Writing career guide!

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Creative Writing

With a range of courses available including undergraduate and postgraduate study options, CQU’s Creative Writing degrees develop and extend your creative and professional writing skills to give you a professional edge.

The flexible structure of our creative writing courses means you can specialise your study to your professional and creative interests. Whether you choose to major in creative writing via an undergraduate course or hone your skills and turn your interest into expertise with a postgraduate degree, you'll benefit from supportive teaching staff and smaller class sizes.

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Tailor your Arts qualification to your interests and equip yourself for a career as unique as you are.

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Get the skills to communicate across a range of formats and mediums in a professional context with a highly versatile qualification.

Pursue your love of journalism while adding complementary skills to your resume from a wide range of major and minor study options.

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Designed for busy professionals. Explore self-paced, 100% online postgraduate degrees with no group work or assessment deadlines.

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Creative writing

Make innovative contributions to contemporary literature

Creative writing at UNSW School of the Arts & Media will empower you to produce innovative contributions to contemporary literature. You’ll explore fresh, experimental writing across genres in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and ficto-criticism.

Your study in creative writing will balance literary study and creative practice, with a grounding in the development of new literary techniques, forms and genres throughout history. You’ll be taught by award-winning writers with internationally recognised expertise in teaching and creative writing. Through your study, you’ll achieve a thorough understanding of the critical and social contexts in which your work circulates.

Prepare yourself for a career in the creative arts

As part of UNSW School of the Arts & Media, you’ll analyse links between writing and other forms of art and media through elective courses in film studies, theatre and performance and media and communications. Learning to write creatively and effectively will allow you to apply these skills in various creative industries such as public relations, copywriting, social media and scriptwriting.

Learn from national leaders in research

You'll be taught by award-winning academics, scholars and writers in an innovative, creative and stimulating environment. We support a strong research culture, and our school is benchmarked with the highest global rating of 5 by Excellence Research in Australia (ERA). Our staff have received the Vice-Chancellor's and Dean's Award for Excellence in Postgraduate Research Supervision.

Connect with the wider literary community

UNSWriting runs a series of masterclasses and “in conversation” events with visiting local and international authors. These events enable students to connect with the wider literary community. UNSWriting cultivates ideas and good writing, giving you the chance to experience special events, workshops and public talks with professionals in the field.

Our network of writers, publishers and students gives you valuable industry connections, which will support your future career path – wherever that may lead.

Write for our student-run publication

The  UNSWeetened Literary Journal  is an annual publication run by students at Arc. It provides a voice for students, showcasing the university's creative writing talent and features poetry and prose from both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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The undergraduate major includes core courses in creative writing with a range of prescribed electives in English literary studies, media and communications, film studies and theatre and performance. During your study, you’ll produce your own body of creative work by developing practical skills in the craft of writing, and by learning how this craft relates to the history of literary forms.

At UNSW, you'll hone your practical knowledge of creative writing through participation in group workshops. You'll come to view yourself as a participant in the public life of literature and to understand the political and ethical dimensions of the aesthetic choices you’ll make as a writer.

We offer the below undergraduate courses with a major or minor in Creative writing: 

• Bachelor of Arts 
• Bachelor of Arts/Law
• Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce/Arts 
• Bachelor of Computer Science/Arts
• Bachelor of Economics/Arts
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Arts
• Bachelor of Environmental Management/Arts
• Bachelor of Fine Arts/Arts
• Bachelor of Media / Arts
• Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine/Arts
• Bachelor of Science/Arts
• Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics)(Honours)/Arts
• Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Arts

We offer the below undergraduate courses with a minor only in Creative writing: 

• Bachelor of Arts/Education (Secondary)
• Bachelor of Design
• Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Bachelor of Media
• Bachelor of Social Sciences

You’ll have the option to continue your studies into an honours year. Working closely with a supervisor, you’ll produce a thesis comprising of two complementary parts: a creative work and a scholarly essay. The honours degree provides a basis for further study at the postgraduate research level.

The PhD in creating writing supports students to produce a full-length creative work in any genre (novel, collection of poetry, short fiction, nonfiction, biography, ficto-criticism, etc.) and an accompanying scholarly dissertation of at least 30,000 words.

This original work will explore the flexible connection between the creative and the critical. Previous PhD students in creative writing include prize-winning and best-selling authors: Charlotte Wood and Anna Westbrook.

You can find more information on the variety of scholarships on offer at UNSW.

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Master of Arts (Writing and Literature)

Hone your creative writing skills and gain practical tools in critical analysis, editing and research by producing a published piece of work.

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The time and cost could be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years, or even 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.

*The next available Burwood (Melbourne) intake will be for 2027

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 close 27 October 2024

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the  handbook

Course overview

Hone your expertise in writing and literature and gain practical tools in critical analysis, editing and research. Whether you want to develop the skills to analyse literary works, build your creative writing practice, or craft publishable pieces of professional writing, the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) will help fulfil your career aspirations. Want to see where a mastery of the written word can take your career?

If you want to turn your lifelong passion for writing and literature into a professional career, this course gives you the practical experience to make your goals a reality. Equally, if you’re already working in the industry and looking to take the next step – whether that be in a new role or finally breaking through as a published author – we provide a high performing environment that allows your creativity to reach its full potential. Ultimately, the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) aims to inspire you, so you can inspire audiences of your own.

Choose from four study specialisations to create a unique degree that matches your interests:

• Children’s literature
• Creative writing
• Literary studies
• Professional writing

Our specialisations cater for many writing and literature professionals – from marketing professionals looking to boost sales through carefully crafted copy, to aspiring authors hoping to turn their book idea into a reality, and teachers wanting to add a new level of depth and rigour to their classroom. Alternatively, you may wish to study cross-disciplinary units that provide a broader spread of learning topics. With this option, you will gain a deep understanding of the conventions of professional non-fiction writing, as well as the theory and craft stemming from traditional literature, all in the one degree.

Importantly, the course provides more than just writing expertise. The projects and assessment tasks you work on train you in transferable skills, including critical analysis, communication, problem solving and research – incredibly valuable in every field of work. You’ll also debate literature, creativity and modern writing challenges with like-minded people from different corners of business and life. This exposure to new ways of thinking helps you grow as a writer and shows you how literature can be used to make sense of different aspects of culture, place and history.

For many students, a desired outcome of the course is to produce a published piece of work. Our academic staff are published authors and leading international scholars, so they know the process inside out, from first draft all the way to hitting the shelves.

Draw upon their experience and utilise their extensive network of writers, editors and publishers to get a foot in the door. Your thesis project, a highlight of the course, pairs you with one of our brilliant teachers. Your thesis might provide commentary on a classic piece of literature, or it could be an original piece of work. We’ll find you the ideal mentor based on your goals, interests and the writing you’re working on.

The course provides lots of exposure to industry work, trends and opportunities, better preparing you for the current and future needs of the field. Many students take advantage of our industry partnerships to secure internships at well-known publications. Verandah Journal , an annual student-run publication, showcases the best work of emerging writers and artists while giving students the chance to develop expertise in selecting, editing and proofreading submissions for publication. Better still, our academics are actively involved with a number of prominent writing festivals, ensuring we’ve got our finger on the pulse of emerging writing trends and industry needs.

Course information

2025 course information

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course structure

To qualify for the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature), a student must successfully complete 16 credit points of study comprising:

6 credit points of study in either of the following configurations:

• 6 credit points from one of the specialisation options (Children's Literature, Creative Writing, Literary Studies, Professional Writing);
• 4 credit points of capstone units (Capstone A)
• 6 credit points of electives
• 6 credit points of capstone units (Capstone B)
• 4 credit points of elective units
• 6 credit points of cross-disciplinary study comprising ALW740, ALL743, 2 credit points of Literature units (Children's Literature and/or Literary Studies), and 2 credit points of units of Writing units (Creative Writing and/or Professional Writing), including ALL728

All students must also complete: DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Capstone Units

• Fundamentals of Research ALX705
• Minor Research Project (2 credit points) ALX720
• Masters Research Literary Theory ALX726

Plus 6 credit points of elective units

Capstone B (Minimum 70% WAM and subject to course director approval)

• Masters Research Project A ALX722
• Masters Research Project B ALX723
• Masters Research Project C ALX724
• Masters Research Project D ALX725

Plus 4 credit points of elective units

Electives are to be chosen from units within the specialisations of the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or the Master of Communication or the core or electives of the Master of Creative Arts.

• Communication and Creative Arts Internship ACC700

Specialisation Units

Either; 6 credit points from one of the specialisation options ( Children's Literature , Creative Writing , Literary Studies , Professional Writing ) Or

6 credit points of cross-disciplinary study comprising of -

• Foundations in Writing ALW740
• Foundations in Narrative Theory ALL743

Plus 2 credit points of Literature units ( Children's Literature and/or Literary Studies ) Plus 2 credit points of Writing units ( Creative Writing and/or Professional Writing )

including -

• Studies in the Discipline ALL728

Specialisations

Children's Literature

Literary Studies

Professional Writing  

Creative Writing

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Trimester 1 - March

• Start date: March
• Burwood (Melbourne)*

* Next intake available in 2027

Trimester 2 - July

• Start date: July

* The next available Burwood (Melbourne) intake will be for 2027

Additional course information

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services .

Work experience

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

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Download the postgraduate writing and literature course guide

Entry requirements.

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent).

Academic requirements

1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 8 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
• completion of a bachelor honours degree in a related discipline
• completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma in the related discipline

1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
• completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline

2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:

• completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline

^Recognition of prior learning into the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate postgraduate level studies. Related disciplines which may be considered include: Editing, English Literature, Literary Studies, Children's Literature, Professional Writing, Publishing, Creative Writing, Writing.

Relevant work experience which may be considered include: Editor, Publisher, Author.

*Recognition of prior learning will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
• IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
• other evidence of English language proficiency ( learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements )

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

Recognition of prior learning

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning. 

You can refer to the  recognition of prior learning (RPL) system  which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information.

The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.  

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook .  Learn more about  fees and available payment options .

FEE-HELP calculator

What is fee-help.

FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $51,550.

Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2024 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

Estimate your FEE-HELP

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Your estimated FEE-HELP repayments

• $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) ( 16 credit points), based on the 2024 fees.
• is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
• of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP

*Disclaimer

Deakin University (Deakin):

• gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
• advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
• instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with  Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

• does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
• does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount );
• assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
• assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
• assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
• where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

Search or browse through our scholarships

Postgraduate bursary

If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

Some of our courses have limited places available - to browse those still open for application, visit courses by trimester.

To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal , enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video , or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry .

Apply through Deakin

For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage . If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

Research Information

Students will undertake at least 5 credit points of research units consisting of research methods, theory and research-based project units where they will be required to complete either a creative thesis with a critical component or a critical thesis.

Entry pathways

Alternative exits

• Graduate Certificate of Writing and Literature (A535)
• Graduate Diploma of Children's Literature (A641)
• Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing (A636)
• Graduate Diploma of Literary Studies (A635)
• Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing (A661)
• Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature (A664)

Contact information

Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

• Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
• Live Chat : Monday - Friday
• Submit an online enquiry
• Help hub  find common and trending questions and answers

Career outcomes

You’ll graduate from this course with more than just advanced writing skills. You’ll also have expertise in communication, problem solving, critical thinking and research – the kind of skills employers across all industries value.

This puts you in a strong position to explore a range of career pathways including:

• literary critic
• advertising executive
• communications specialist
• public relations practitioner
• English teacher (combined with an initial teaching qualification).

For more information go to  DeakinTALENT .

Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

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Which best describes you?

Domestic student

• an Australian citizen;
• an Australian permanent resident;
• an Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder;
• a New Zealand citizen.

International student

• a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia;
• a permanent resident (visa status) of New Zealand;
• a resident or citizen of any other country, intending to study on a student visa.

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Creative Writing

Major overview.

Available in these courses

If you love reading, this major offers you the opportunity to explore your feelings, thoughts and ideas in the written form. Unleash and explore your creative potential across the avant-garde, cross-genre and experimental forms of writing.

You’ll also be encouraged to critically test contemporary theoretical and philosophical schools of thought in all forms of writing.

Gain focused knowledge on: fiction, poetry, non-fiction, autobiography theatre and screen - and more.

Related study areas

• Arts, humanities and social sciences
• Culture and communication
• Music, visual and performing arts

Contact-support How can we help?

• Study with UniSQ
• Arts and Humanities degrees
• Creative Writing

Creative Writing degrees

If you dream of building a career as a professional writer, or have an active imagination and a way with words, you will develop and refine your writing skills with UniSQ’s Creative and Critical Writing major. 

You will learn the foundations of writing effective and engaging prose, and once you have the basics, you’ll experiment with a number of different forms, genres, and styles. You’ll learn how to transform your story ideas into compelling works of fiction and non-fiction, and you’ll discover how to prepare your work for editing and publication.

UniSQ Creative and Critical Writing students have the opportunity to produce online and print publications, and to work closely with other writers, editors, and publishers. By the end of your studies, you’ll have the skills and knowledge required to work in a constantly changing industry.

Creative and Critical Writing students often combine their studies with English Literature, History, Anthropology, Journalism, and Contemporary Media Studies.

Explore UniSQ's Creative Writing degrees

• Springfield

Graduating with Creative Writing degree from UniSQ can lead to a range of career options, including:

• professional writer
• publisher 

The skills you will learn will vary depending on your choose degree, the education provider you choose and if you study an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. When studying Creative Writing at UniSQ you will learn:

• character development
• plot structuring
• preparing manuscripts for publication
• writing engaging narratives. 

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Course overview

• Why study with ECU online

Learning outcomes

What you will study, entry criteria.

• Teaching team
• Frequently asked questions
• Speak to an advisor
• Download Course Guide

Whether you aspire to elevate your writing capabilities or embark on a writing-focused career, this Diploma equips you with the essential tools to excel in the realm of creative storytelling.

With the Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing, you can choose to explore six pivotal units within the course structure provided to equip you with indispensable skills needed to craft compelling narratives.

After completing your Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing, you can continue your studies to gain a Master of Creative Writing to refine your storytelling and literary finesse and reach audiences across various mediums.

*Duration depends on individual study path and unit availability. Please speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor for advice.

For more information about our fast-tracked master degree, contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 707 760 or request a call-back.

Why study a Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing with ECU Online?

Taught by top industry experts, enhance your writing craft, diverse forms of writing.

Don't just take our word for it, read the written works of our most notable staff and alumni, and feel inspired.

Images sourced from Amazon Australia .

The Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing is for students looking to enhance their writing skills. Students will learn modern writing principles and practices - empowering them to thrive as skilled wordsmiths.

• Build a contemporary toolkit of creative writing techniques allowing you to generate fresh ideas.
• Unleash your artistic potential and;
• Write the stories you're burning to tell.

Write your own story

• Tailor your skills to the forms of writing that inspire you with our dynamic course.
• Apply new learnings to passion projects and work towards personal writing goals.
• Choose electives that best align with your interests.

The online Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing consists of 6 units from a pool of 8.

Writing Fiction

• This unit introduces the fundamentals of writing fiction through reading a range of short stories.

Writing Realities

• This unit explores writing based on actual events, including history, biography, true crime and stories of place and family.

Writing for Performance

• This unit introduces skills for writing drama or monologue for performance.

Writing and Audience

• This unit cultivates a writer's understanding of their work with consideration of genre and readership, including online audiences.

Editing and Publishing

• This unit explores the business of writing, editing, and publishing, including processes and workflow for professional editing, seeking publication, and presenting the professional author platform.

Writing for the Planet’s Future

• This unit takes an ecocritical approach to writing about place and environment in the production of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.

Writing and Empathy

• This unit explores the core practice of writing and embodiment - including writing about love and characters outside our own viewpoint.

Writing Fiction that Scares and Unsettles

• This unit explores the darker aspects of fiction including genres such as horror and gothic, as well as thematic concerns like violence, trauma, and conflict.
• Managing People and Organisations
• Marketing for Leaders
• Financial Performance, Accountability and Risk
• Data Analytics and Organisational Decision Making
• Strategic Management and International Competitiveness
• Responsible Management
• Managing Change
• Transformative Leadership
• Business Innovation Project

Admission requirements:

To gain entry to the Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing, applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline; OR
• Equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience or students must submit a piece of published work.​​

Meet the teaching team

Donna Mazza

Associate Professor

Donna, a notable fiction writer and researcher, specialises in environmental and feminist speculative fiction. Her recent novel "Fauna" (2020) was shortlisted for Aurealis Best Science Fiction Novel. She's the author of "The Albanian" (2007), winning the TAG Hungerford Award. Donna is a prominent figure in conferences, festivals, and radio discussions, while also contributing to public art projects.

Dr. Aksel Dadswell

Aksel Dadswell is an award-winning West Australian horror and weird fiction writer. Holding a PhD in creative writing, his work explores race and belonging, featured in anthologies like "Test Patterns: Creature Features" (2018) and "Hymns of Abomination: Secret Songs of Leeds" (2021).

To find out more about our teaching team download the course guide.

Fees and FEE-HELP

The cost of our Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing is $21,600* for all 6 units.

To assist with some or all of your tuition fees, FEE-HELP is available for eligible students. This government-supported loan scheme is designed to help eligible full-fee paying students pay their postgraduate tuition fees.

To find out if you are eligible for FEE-HELP, you can contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 707 760.

*2024 student fees are shown and are subject to change.

Our Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing comprises 6 units and is a great option for students looking to enhance their writing skills through the application of modern principles and practices and apply these new skills to reach their creative and professional goals. Our Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing comprises 3 units and provides students with a foundational understanding of the techniques of creative writing practice.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for the Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing if you have equivalent prior learning, including at least two years of relevant professional experience or you arrange with ECU Online to submit a piece of published work. To find out more we recommend contacting our Student Enrolment Advisors to provide a tailored assessment of your eligibility.

After successfully completing your Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing, you can continue your studies by pursuing a Master of Creative Writing. Alternatively, you can apply the skills you gain from this postgraduate diploma to advance your current career or open the door to new opportunities in content creation management and editing, brand storytelling and as a writer for media, advertising, not-for-profit sectors or in pursuit of your personal writing goals.

Whether a Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing is worth pursuing depends on your personal and professional goals. It’s important to consider:

The Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing offers a unique platform to showcase advanced writing prowess, cultivate the essential skills for successful publication, and craft captivating written material. Graduates can unlock pathways to elevated roles in writing and editing within their selected domains.

Through the Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing, students can refine their creative voices, communication expertise, and purpose-driven strategies. Graduates often find a deeper connection with their personal goals and are equipped to integrate their passions into their careers, fostering positive change and personal fulfillment.

In addition to gaining a comprehensive understanding of various writing techniques, students learn to creatively apply them to achieve their own unique career and personal objectives. They become adept at crafting impactful messages that resonate with diverse audiences while addressing the broader needs and values of the community.

At ECU Online we understand that everyone has different work arrangements, family responsibilities, locations and learning styles. This is why our postgraduate courses are offered 100% online, so you can balance your study with other commitments. As an ECU Online student, you will have access to academic and non-academic support.

Our accelerated online courses are developed by industry experts and engaged academics. You can easily connect with learning facilitators and course coordinators through our easy-to-use online learning environment to gain feedback and ask academic questions. You can also reach out to a Learning Advisor who can help with things like assessment writing, study skills and more.

You will have a dedicated Student Success Advisor available to you from when you start studying through to graduation. They will be available to provide non-academic support, such as assistance with scheduling time to study and more.

As an ECU online student, you also have access to all the support offered by ECU, both on-campus and online:

• Access and inclusion services
• Student health services
• Psychological counselling support
• Careers and employability services
• Student Guild, clubs, and associations

No, the Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing is 100% online and does not include any on-campus components. We have designed this course to be flexible so you can tailor your studies to fit your lifestyle.

Interested in accelerated online study at ECU?

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are ready to answer your questions. Send us an email or schedule a call-back at a time that best suits you.

• Eligibility & enrolment
• Course duration & fees
• How to fit study into your schedule
• Course entry and study pathways

Download course guide Enquire now

ECU is committed to reconciliation and recognises and respects the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ communities, cultures and histories. ECU acknowledges and respects the Noongar people as the traditional custodians of the land on which our campuses are located.

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You must have an APAC Accredited 3 year Psychology degree or equivalent to be eligible for this course.

If you have not studied Psychology before, you may be interested in our Online Accelerated Graduate Diploma of Psychology.

You must be a Qualified Teacher to be eligible for this course.

If you’re not currently a Qualified Teacher, you may be interested in our on-campus Teacher Education course.

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Our eBook ‘5 Trends Shaping the Future of Human Resource Management’ will give you valuable industry insights

Our Master of Education (Early Childhood Education) is designed for existing teachers, educators, directors and team leaders who wish to develop their skills.

This course does not provide students with the required registrations to become a qualified teacher.

If you want to become a teacher, you might be interested in ECU’s Master of Teaching courses

Apply for Creative Writing Major (BA)

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• Apply for Semester 1, 2025 via TISC
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Creative Writing

Undergraduate major.

Develop your writing skills in fiction, poetry, and experimental and emerging genres.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is used to determine eligibility for places in university courses.

• Qualification Creative Writing Major (BA)

A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.

Select your preferred degree

This course belongs to multiple degrees. Select the single degree or double degree below to see the application deadlines.

Do you enjoy expressing your creative side through writing? Are you an aspiring author or poet? The standout feature of a creative writing career is the ability to contribute to and influence culture through an understanding of writing conventions and literary techniques.

In this major you will gain the knowledge and techniques that writers need in the age of digital communication and entertainment. You’ll develop skills across various writing styles, including fiction, poetry and experimental and emerging genres.

You’ll benefit from the advice of Curtin’s experienced tutors (many of whom are acclaimed authors) and through critical engagement with your creative peer group.

Creative writing is offered as part of the Bachelor of Arts . You can enhance your studies with a second major or choose from a range of elective units that support your career goals.

You can also study this major as part of a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce double degree.

What jobs can the Creative Writing course lead to?

• Copywriter / writer
• Advertising
• Creative arts

What you'll learn

• identify, explain and apply the key disciplinary concepts in Creative Writing
• integrate theory and creative practice; conceive, develop and evaluate innovative new writing
• access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information and synthesise key facts, themes and ideas in writing
• communicate ideas to a range of audiences and in a variety of media and genres
• use technologies to access resources, communicate effectively and develop writing and research skills
• use disciplinary skills and knowledge to learn how to learn, and apply these insights to new writing and to the different intellectual and professional roles required of a writer in the broader community
• acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national and global perspectives and the impact of this on writing and the creative industries
• value a range of cultural knowledge and take care to represent these, where appropriate, in an ethical and professional manner
• work independently and/or collaboratively to produce innovative and informed creative writing that contributes meaningfully to contemporary culture

Why study Creative Writing

Transferable skills.

Humanities courses teach transferable skills for international careers. 

Get the Curtin edge

You’ll have opportunities to publish short stories and poems in the China Australia Writing Centre’s yearly anthology or the Curtin Student Guild’s Grok Magazine.

Industry links

Graduates of this course have gone on to have successful writing careers and won national literary awards. Our alumni include Ruth McIver, Tim Winton, Jon Doust, Deborah Robertson, Brooke Davis and Tracy Ryan.

Get the latest Curtin updates

For invitations to events, study tips and info on navigating your way to uni, join the Curtin community.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

Recently left high school

Work and life experience

TAFE or apprenticeship

Current or previous University experience

I’m not sure

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

• Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
• Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR.

Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp grants additional ATAR points to help eligible students qualify for admission.

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

Written English and either verbal or quantitative

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown .

Other requirements and notes for this course

Applicants are required to choose one of the Bachelor of Arts majors when applying. If you with to study a double major, you elect the second major once you have been accepted into the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria . Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’ ‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

• AQF Certificate IV - Separate evidence of English language proficiency is required; or
• AQF Diploma; or
• AQF Advanced Diploma.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to Curtin course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to other higher education course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

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Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Please view the Bachelor of Arts degree for indicative fees.

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How to apply.

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Frequently asked questions

There are 3 different categories of acceptance due dates:

• For countries listed here ( Country List ), acceptance due date is 7 weeks before course start date, as stated on your Offer Letter. If you have a GTE Finance or GTE Interview condition on your offer, you must submit the GTE documentation 2 weeks before the acceptance closing date.
• For all other countries which are not listed in the list, the acceptance due date is 3 weeks before the course start date.
• If you are currently in Australia on a valid visa, the acceptance closing date is 1 week before the course start date.

Curtin has a duty of care to ensure all international students have sufficient time to have their student visa issued and to arrive in Perth in time for the Orientation Week and the start of classes. The timeframes stipulated above allows Curtin to process your completed documents and for the Department of Home Affairs to issue your student visa in time. For more information on visa processing times, please refer to the Visa Processing Times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

For international application deadlines, please refer to: Key dates and university application deadlines | Curtin University

The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

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• Curtin course code:  MJRU-CRWRI
• Last updated on:  27 August 2024

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Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialisations

Business specialisations available in the BBA:

• Accounting for Business Decisions Specialisation
• Business Law and Policy Specialisation
• Business Project Management Specialisation
• Business Strategy Specialisation
• Corporate Governance Specialisation
• Social Media and Digital Marketing Specialisation
• Event Management Specialisation
• Fashion Marketing Specialisation
• Information Systems in Business Specialisation
• International Management Specialisation
• Marketing Foundations Specialisation
• Property Investment Specialisation
• Public Relations Specialisation
• Small Business Start-Up Specialisation
• Social Leadership and Ethics Specialisation
• Taxation Law Specialisation
• The Business of Advertising Specialisation
• Tourism and Hospitality Essentials Specialisation
• User Experience for Business Optimisation Specialisation
• Workforce Management Specialisation

Specialisations available from Humanities and Science:

• Actuarial Financial Mathematics Specialisation
• Advertising Design Specialisation
• Animation and Game Design Specialisation
• Anthropology and Sociology Specialisation
• Asian Studies Specialisation
• Chinese Language Specialisation
• Construction Management Specialisation
• Creative Writing Specialisation
• Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
• Designing Fashion Specialisation
• Digital Design Specialisation
• Digital and Social Media Specialisation
• English and Cultural Studies Specialisation
• Environmental Planning Specialisation
• Fashion Design Specialisation
• Fine Art Specialisation
• Geography Specialisation
• Graphic Design Specialisation
• Graphics Specialisation
• History Specialisation
• Illustration Specialisation
• Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
• Interior Architecture Specialisation
• International Development Specialisation
• Journalism Specialisation
• Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
• Photography Specialisation
• Principles of Planning Specialisation
• Professional Writing Specialisation
• Screen Production Specialisation
• Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
• Social Justice Specialisation
• Surveying and Spatial Sciences Specialisation
• Theatre Arts Specialisation
• Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
• Web Media Specialisation
• Web Presence Specialisation

Bachelor of Commerce Specialisations

Business specialisations:

• Applied Finance Specialisation
• Banking Specialisation
• Employment Relations Specialisation
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Specialisation
• Corporate Screen Production Specialisation

Bachelor of Innovation Specialisations

Specialisations available from Humanities, Science and the Centre for Aboriginal Studies:

• Biological Diversity Minor
• Climate Change Science Minor
• Environmental Management Minor
• Food Science Minor
• Forensic Studies Minor
• Geophysics Minor
• Geospatial Technology Minor
• Go Global – Internship Specialisation 1
• Go Practice – Internship Specialisation 1
• Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies Specialisation
• Landscape Restoration Minor
• Mapping and Land Planning Minor
• Metallurgy Minor
• Mining Minor
• Optimisation Minor
• Strategic Studies Specialisation

Domestic students

You are considered a domestic student if you are:

• a citizen of Australia or New Zealand
• a permanent resident of Australia
• an Australian Permanent Humanitarian visa holder

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Certificate in Creative Writing

Explore your creativity. Creative writers are always in demand, to write fiction and non fiction; and anything from marketing material to books.

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All prices in Australian Dollars.

• Description
• Course FAQs
• Meet the Academics
• Related Ebooks

Nurture your Creativity and Become a Successful Writer

Note that each module in the Certificate in Creative Writing is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.

HERE'S WHAT A TYPICAL CERTIFICATE MIGHT COVER

Module  Creative Writing The nine lessons are as outlined below:

• Introduction
• Basic Writing Skills
• Being Concise and Clear
• Planning what you write
• Non Fiction
• Newspaper Writing
• Magazine Writing
• Writing Books
• Special Project
• Scope & Nature of Fiction
• Components of a Story – beginning, middle and end
• Technique…The Creative Process – conception, developing a plot, Writing a Draft, Editing and rewriting; Method Writing
• Conception and Research
• The Short Story
• Introduction: Understanding Children, their thoughts, needs, development.
• Overview of Children’s Writing: Categories (fiction & non fiction), understanding the market place; analyse & understand what is needed for the different categories, etc.
• Conceptualisation: Conceiving a concept…where & how to find inspiration/influence. Developing a concept … how to plan.
• Children’s Writing for Periodicals: Children’s pages in magazines, newspapers, etc.
• Short Stories
• Non-Fiction: Texts (writing to satisfy curriculum. Other (eg. nature, history, biography, hobbies).
• Fiction: settings, characterisation, fantasy, science fiction, adventure.
• Picture Books and Story Books
• Editing your work: Grammar, spelling & punctuation. Improving clarity. Cleaning out clutter; expansions.
• Project - write a short story, picture book or kids page for a (hypothetical) periodical.
• Introduction to Editing
• The Mechanics of Clear Writing
• Assessing Manuscripts
• Copy Editing I
• Copy Editing II
• Preparing Copy for Printing
• Proof Reading
• The Final Stages
• Introduction.
• Characters –Developing the characters
• Theme & Genre
• Plot Development
• Weaving a Story
• Writing a Dramatic Short Story
• Developing Sub Plots
• Writing a Chapters for a Dramatic Novel
• Brief description of the many different types of poetry, poetry forms and terminology.
• Famous poets.
• Encouraging your creativity.
• Developing different styles of poetry a
• Developing different styles of poetry b
• Developing different styles of poetry c
• Developing different styles of poetry d
• Getting your work published – how and where
• The next phase – how to continue to improve

SOME THOUGHTS ON GETTING STARTED WITH CREATIVE WRITING

If starting to write presents a problem, try the following suggestions:

• Plan each chapter in advance.
• Start with an easy chapter or section, or one that particularly interests you at that moment. You do not need to write in sequence. In fact, it is best to write what you can cope with at the moment and postpone more challenging parts till you have more time or are thinking more clearly. The preface and introductory chapter are often best written last.
• When you stop writing each day, leave a note for yourself about how and where you intend to restart. Jot down the first few words or sentence of the proposed section, or outline the ideas you want to put down.
• If really stuck, read a bit from a similar or related book. It may help you start your own line of thought to see how someone else dealt with the subject.

ESTABLISH A THEME

Every piece of writing, no matter whether it is a novel or a business letter, should have a dominant theme or underlying idea. In a business letter and in technical writing, the theme should be immediately obvious and clear and should be stated. In a piece of creating writing it might be gradually revealed through the development of the work and may only be fully apprehended by the reader at the very end. Nevertheless, the theme should be present from the beginning, and should exist as a unifying thread through every chapter or paragraph. Every piece of the writing should, in some way, relate to that theme. It is what unifies a piece of writing and lets it stand alone as a meaningful expression.

The theme of a creative piece may never be directly stated. For instance, the underlying theme of Boris Pasternak’s Dr Zhivago is personal integrity, being true to one’s self in thought and action. This is never stated, but is exhibited in the behaviour of the main characters, each of whom draws upon hard-won inner truth for the strength and courage to maintain integrity in a vicious, chaotic, and seemingly unprincipled world.

In a novel, we often find that a theme branches out into several sub-themes. Because of its length, the novel allows for this kind of interweaving of themes and ideas. So, in Dr. Zhivago, there is plenty of room for developing a critique of the rise of Communism, of war and aggression in general, of different kinds of power, and of love. But these must and do return in some way to the dominant theme, to enrich our understanding and experience of that dominant idea.

In comparison, the short story or poem might focus entirely on one theme, though even then, there are usually subtle or even overt references to other ideas and themes, for no one idea or experience is self-sufficient, but inevitably relates to and rests on other ideas and experiences.

We can develop themes any means, and often through a variety of means, such as:

• thoughts and speech of characters
• actions of characters
• contrasting societies or generations within a society
• identifying shared values and experiences between groups or generations
• ways to dealing with and coping with the environment
• symbolic use of landscape and nature
• repetition of ideas in different forms
• repeated symbols or cultural items
• contrast of values

One way to plan your writing is to establish a central theme, then consider how to develop it, and how to display its complexity and facets through different sub-themes. Ask yourself, “What do I want to say?”, then ask yourself over and over, “What else do I have to say about that?” This constant meditation on a theme can yield a rich trove of ideas.

Who can benefit from taking this course?

Amateur and aspiring writers seeking to build confidence in their abilities, or improve their fundamentals. This certificate is also well-suited to writers wanting a deeper understanding of genre, modes, and writing types, or an introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of creative writing.

Writers seeking helpful and informative critiques or a supportive introduction to workshopping. This course will help writers of all levels build confidence in their abilities, or improve their fundamentals..

Writers wanting to try something new with their work in a supportive environment.

Anyone seeking a better understanding of story and story fundamentals, narrative arc, and the general theory and craft of writing.

At the end of this course you will:

• Know the difference between several genres and types of writing
• Understand how to apply good writing practice and theory to create well-written, engaging stories and other creative works
• Understand how to revise and improve your work
• Write engaging fiction and non-fiction stories within different genres
• Understand how to create good writing habits and develop concepts into drafts

ENROL or Use our FREE Course Advice Service to Connect with a Tutor

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines. Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete. If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.

Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans. We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).

What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone. If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program. We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments. If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course is aimed at providing you with a solid understanding in your selected discipline. It has been designed to take 600 hours, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and more. When you complete the course, will have a good understanding of the area/ industry you want to work in.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later. There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam. Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam. More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exams (6 exams) and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Certificate. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email [email protected].

Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years. We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future. We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience. You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace. We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.

How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.

What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email ([email protected]) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.

Take a look at their testimonials here.

What if I change my mind?

Our terms and conditions of enrolment are here.

Please get in touch with [email protected] if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( [email protected] ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.

Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Christine Todd

University lecturer, businesswoman, photographer, consultant and sustainability expert; with over 40 years industry experience B.A., M.Plan.Prac., M.A.(Social). An expert in planning, with years of practical experience in permaculture.

Tracey Jones

Widely published author, Psychologist, Manager and Lecturer. Over 10 years working with ACS and 25 years of industry experience. Qualifications include: B.Sc. (Hons) (Psychology), M.Soc.Sc (social work), Dip. SW (social work), PGCE (Education), PGD (Learning Disability Studies).

Writer, Manager, Teacher and Businessman with over 40 years interenational experience covering Education, Publishing, Leisure Management, Education, and Horticulture. He has extensive experience both as a public servant, and as a small business owner. John is a well respected member of many professional associations, and author of over seventy books and of over two thousand magazine articles.

Meet some of the tutors that guide the students through this course.

Lyn has 35 years of experience in the Fitness, Health and Leisure Industries. She has a string of qualifications that are far too long to list here; being qualified and registered to teach, coach or instruct a wide range of different sports and other skills. Lyn established and managed Health clubs at three major five star resorts on Australia's Gold Coast, including The Marriott. She was a department head for a large government vocational college (TAFE), and has conducted her own aquafitness business for many years. Lyn has among her other commitments worked as a tutor for ACS for almost 10 years, and over that time, participated in the development or upgrading of most courses in her fields of expertise.

Nicola Stewart

Nicola worked in publishing before changing direction to teach Anatomy, Physiology and various complementary therapies in the UK’s post-compulsory sector for 16 years. She is the published author of 10 books, plus a range of magazine articles and has also ghost-written across a number of genres. When she is not working for ACS, she provides specialist literacy tuition for children with dyslexia.

Tracey has over 20 years experience within the psychology and social work field, particularly working with people with learning disabilities. She is also qualified as a teacher and now teaches psychology and social work related subjects. She is a book reviewer for the British Journal of Social Work. Tracey has also written a text book on Psychology and has had several short stories published.

English Grammar

Grammar demystified -Learn the rules of grammar, punctuation, sentence construction; etc, for writing or editing. Grammar provides a coherent structure for the expression of thoughts and ideas. By following grammatical rules we are able to construct logical sentences that make sense to the receiver.

Professional Writing

Professional writing is any writing that you are being paid for. It can include fiction writing, a best-selling book, articles in a magazine, articles in a newspaper, blogs for companies, technical manuals or procedure manuals, copy for catalogues, newsletters, text books and other academic material and so on.

Psychological Profiling

Psychological profiling is used to assess anyone from potential new staff and school children to serial killers. It helps you to determine someone’s personality, neuroses, mental health and career suitability. This book provides an excellent overview of psychological profiling techniques and pitfalls.

Unsure about which course is best for you?

It has been a truly invaluable learning experience for me. I want you to know that I have learnt so much from all of your constructive input and guidance throughout each lesson of the course. You have helped me to understand where my strengths and weaker aspects lie, and what areas of my answering questions I need to pay attention to. Thank you for getting my assignments back to me as promptly as you have, and thank you for making this course so enjoyable.

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