General Information

Overview

The constant need for content in print, digital, film, and broadcast media means that writers are in greater demand than ever before. The Graduate Diploma of Writing builds on your existing skillset, preparing you for creative, professional, and academic publication opportunities at a high-level industry standard.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Writing requires students to complete units of study to the value of 100 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
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Reading and Writing
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR70001
Writing History: People, Places and Times
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR70004
Scriptwriting
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR70005
Writing for Digital Media
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR70002

Learning outcomes

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

  • apply cognitive skills to demonstrate critical integration of theoretical writing–related knowledge in creative works and to reflect on the integration of creative writing theory and professional writing practice or scholarship in the work of others, including first nation storytelling and perspectives.

  • identify and provide solutions to complex creative problems related to the construction and interpretation of writing related texts in specific and specialized forms

  • apply specialised technical and creative skills needed to generate industry ready texts in specific forms 

  • review and think critically about the writing of self and others through provision of constructive industry standard feedback

  • apply knowledge and skills to make high level, independent judgements in a range of technical or management functions specific to creative practice in varied specialised contexts related to specific writing forms.

Career opportunities

Career outcomes include but are not limited to:

  • writer
  • journalist
  • editor
  • written content creator
  • media content developer, and scriptwriter.

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 Diploma of Writing students must complete 100 credit points comprising 

  • eight [8] core units.

Graduate skills

The Swinburne graduate attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching courses assist all its graduates to be:

  • capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas

  • entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community

  • effective and ethical in work and community situations 

  • adaptable and able to manage change

  • aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Diploma of Writing is 50 credit points (normally four units).

Admission criteria

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

Interested in the Graduate Diploma 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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