General Information

Overview

The rapid pace of change in the ways in which information is accessed, utilised and converted into knowledge means that there is a growing need for graduates with both traditional and electronic professional and creative writing skills. The goal of Swinburne's writing programs is to draw together print and performance-based texts, while exploring the local and global opportunities of electronic media.

The writing suite of programs builds on the expertise of Swinburne academics in areas including creative writing, electronic writing, information management, eCommunications and writing for learning technologies. These programs will give students access to the best materials in print and online as well as to experts in their field. Students will be supported by online mentors and tutors.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Writing requires students to complete units of study to the value of 50 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure 

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Critical Friends: The Real and Virtual Support of Writers
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR60001
Journalism
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR60004
Research for Writers
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR60003
Real Life Writing
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR60002

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this programme the learner will be able to:

  • apply cognitive skills to reflect critically on creative writing theory and professional writing practice or scholarship, including first nation storytelling and perspectives.

  • identify and provide practical solutions to problems related to the construction and interpretation of writing related texts

  • critically generate and evaluate ideas about one’s own writing and the writing of others 

  • develop and apply technical and creative skills needed to generate industry ready texts

Career opportunities

Career outcomes include writer, journalist, editor, written content creator, media content developer.

The course also prepares students for roles in arts and culture event development, education, publishing, and all fields that require storytelling skills.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Writing students must complete 50 credit points comprising:

  • four [4] core units.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate of Writing is 25 credit points (normally two units).

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in the Graduate Certificate of Writing?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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