Key facts
Duration
This course is 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent duration. Please see the Pathways section below for more information.
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2024 close 23 June 2024
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 close 27 October 2024
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
The Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) gives candidates the opportunity to undertake advanced study in the disciplines of Writing and Literature. Students undertake both relevant coursework to their specialisation and a substantial research project (thesis) under the supervision of an academic with a professional research record.
The Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) offers study in a unique combination of literary, professional and creative writing options, together with the possibility for cross-disciplinary explorations. Students can choose between specialisations in the areas of Children's Literature, Creative Writing, Literary Studies and Professional Writing. Students are paired with an academic or professional staff member working – and nationally recognised – in their specialist field. This partnership provides students with mentoring through the extended research project (thesis), which is one of the highlights of this course. The unique research pathway in the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) provides candidates with a new level of intellectual stimulation and personal enrichment and gives them the opportunity to contribute to a wider debate within their field, often through publication. The research training and skills acquired in this course enhance students’ future career prospects in a broad range of occupations and ensures they are eligible to apply for entry to higher research programs.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Arts (Writing and Literature)
- Year
2016 course information
- Deakin code
- A764
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
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); or
- 6 credit points of crossdisciplinary 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)
- 7 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of elective units
Core units
Electives & Course Map
Electives are to be chosen from units in the specialisations of the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or Master of Communication.
Note: The internship unit
Specialisations
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
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud (online)
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Download course guideEntry requirements
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Credit for Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
Under the present legislation, a Commonwealth supported place is one for which the University receives some Government funding. Students enrolled in these places are required to contribute part of their course costs. To be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place you must be an Australian citizen, or New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your study.
The Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) indicative course fee shown in the table above is provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2015, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking full-time study within the specified discipline. The actual fees charged by Deakin University, will depend on the individual unit discipline and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2016 can be viewed from the Unit Search.
Full-fee paying place
A full-fee paying place is one which the University does not receive any Government funding. Students enrolled in these places contribute the full cost of their course. Domestic full-fee paying places are available to Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of a permanent visa.
The actual course fee charged by Deakin University, is based on the course and the study load being undertaken. The annual fee above is based on eight credit points (which equals one Equivalent Full Time Study Load - EFTSL). If your study load for the year is less than or more than eight credit points, your fees will be adjusted accordingly. The credit point and EFTSL value of each unit can be viewed by looking up your units in the Handbook Unit Search. To calculate the fee for each unit, take the applicable course fee above, divide it by eight, then multiply it by the credit point of the unit you are studying.
Fee information for all domestic students
The fees per course/unit/credit point may be otherwise subject to an annual increase due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
This information is provided as a guide only. No representation is made that the information provided is current or accurate. Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on indicative course fee to calculate the total future cost of their course. Applicants can email enquire@deakin.edu.au for more information about 2016 fees.
Study load
Eight credit points is considered a standard full time load for one year, which equals one Equivalent Full Time Study Load - EFTSL. The annual fee displayed for this course is based on eight credit points.
Fee payment assistance
Australian citizens or holders of a permanent humanitarian visa, enrolling in a CSP or full-fee paying place, may be eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP respectively. For more information about HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP visit the Study Assist website.
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.
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- $* 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.
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.
Apply now
Some of our courses have limited places available - for the latest on courses still open for application, visit Courses by trimester.
Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, 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.
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.
Entry pathways
A shorter course duration is available to students entering from a same discipline background. A 'same discipline' background award for this course is any tagged Bachelor degree (min 3 years) or Bachelor degree (min 3 years) with a major sequence in Editing, English Literature, Literary Studies, Children's Literature, Professional Writing, Publishing, Creative Writing or Writing.
Highest same discipline award held at point of Masters entry | Reduction in course duration | Remaining course duration |
Bachelor, same discipline | 0.5 year (4 credit points) | 1.5 years full-time, or part-time equivalent (12 credit points) |
Bachelor (Honours), same discipline | 1 year (8 credit points) | 1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent (8 credit points) |
Graduate Certificate, same discipline | 0.5 year (4 credit points) | 1.5 years full-time, or part-time equivalent (12 credit points) |
Graduate Diploma, same discipline | 1 year (8 credit points) | 1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent (12 credit points) |
Alternative exits
Contact information
Arts and Education Student Services and Enrolment Enquiries
Burwood (Melbourne)
Tel 03 9246 8100
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Cloud (online)
Tel 03 5227 1359
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Careers
Career outcomes
This course is designed to broaden the skills of those working as teachers, librarians and writers, as well as professionals working in associated fields such as publishing and promotion. The course is also suitable if you are seeking a qualification to refocus your career options.
For more information go to My Course My Career