Key facts
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Professional formation for ambitious writers within and across genres, preparation for industry, entrepreneurial projects and literary arts/publishing fields.
Deakin's Bachelor of Creative Writing provides a practice-based and theoretically strong preparation for professional writers working in specialised literary/publishing fields and industry, and for entrepreneurial contexts. Students engage in practice ranging from narrative-driven works to experimental innovations, editing, creative nonfiction and script writing, as well as new takes on traditional genres of poetry, and short and extended fiction writing. In the final year, students work on studio projects to develop and extend their style and craft, as well as doing creative research work and producing professional-standard publications for digital platforms and page.
The course encourages identifying and pursuing opportunities for writing/editing in new media, cross-genre experimentation and creative production with an awareness of entrepreneurial initiative and know-how. Collaboration, robust practice, professionalism and creative sustainability are emphasised at all levels. Students hone skills necessary to work with interdisciplinary teams in writing, film, drama and new technologies. The course prepares dedicated writers for fourth-year solo projects in Deakin's selective Honours program, and for postgraduate pathways in creative writing research and production.
Read MoreCourse structure
Students must complete 24 credit points as follows:
- 18 x credit points of compulsory core units
- 6 x credit points of open elective units
- no more than 10 credit points at level 1
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
18
Core units
6
Electives
24
Total units
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Course electives
Complete three 1-credit units chosen from the following list:
Complete five 1-credit point units chosen from the following list with at least 1 level 3 unit:
Electives
Complete six electives, of which at least two must be 2nd or 3rd level
We suggest students complete at least 4 units in a subject area different to their degree, preferably a linked sequence of study in the same area. This choice can include units from any degree in the University but is best chosen from the subject areas in the Bachelor of Arts. Electives can be used to:
- Explore fields of study and ideas that inspire you. You may consider history, literary studies, philosophy, creative arts such as photography, film and so on, gender studies, children's literature, journalism, design, language (other than English) or other fields.
- complete a 4 unit suite that complements the main study.
- complete a number of units that have some degree of coherency by completing at least two units in one area of study.
Key information
1400514121 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400614121 - Cloud (online), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Cloud Campus
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Cloud Campus
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud Campus
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
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. Click here for more information.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Entry for applicants with recent secondary education (previous three years) will be based on their performance in a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, with pre-requisite units 3 and 4; a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 20 in English other than EAL. Applicants will be selected in accordance with the published Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for that year.
Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Entry for applicants with previous Tertiary, VET, life or work experience will be based on their performance in:
- a Certificate IV in a related discipline OR
- a Diploma in any discipline or 50% completion of a Diploma in a related discipline OR
- successful completion of relevant study at an accredited higher education institution equivalent to at least two Deakin University units OR
- other evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent for example relevant work or life experience
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library.
In order to be considered for admission to an honours degree, applicants must have completed the requirements for an undergraduate degree or equivalent, and have results that indicate they are capable of undertaking an honours program.
Applicants are also advised to read further information and complete the requirements which is found at the School of Communication and Creative Arts web page.
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the QILT website.
Learn more about Deakin's special entry access scheme (SEAS - a way to help boost your ATAR in some circumstances).
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2018 students (PDF, 783.5KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Credit for Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
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.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
How to apply
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Applicant Portal if you're only applying for one course.
Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, visit the how to apply page.
Please complete the Register your interest form to receive further information about our direct application opportunities.
Entry pathways
Tap image to expand
Disclaimers:
Through Deakin College and TAFE: Completion of diploma and minimum academic requirements apply to enter Deakin University.
Through Deakin: Transfers within Deakin are subject to availability and meeting minimum academic requirements.
Credit for 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 and how to apply for credit.
Faculty contact information
Arts and Education Student Services and Enrolment Enquiries
Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Tel 03 5227 1359
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Burwood (Melbourne)
Tel 03 9246 8100
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply?
We provide step-by-step guidance online to make applying to Deakin easy. And, with three study periods a year, the next intake is never far away. Learn more about the application process and entry requirements by visiting our How to apply page.
When do applications close?
Application deadlines depend on the course and trimester you’re applying for.
Find out the application open and close dates for your course by visiting our Key dates page.
Missed the application cut-off? The good news is Deakin has three study periods a year, which means the next intake is never far away.
How do fees work?
Fees are paid according to the units you study each trimester.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to pay your course fees upfront. There are different loans available depending on the type of student you are and the course you’re applying for.
For more information on fees, including payment assistance, and understanding what type of student you are, visit our Fees hub.
If we haven’t answered your question, our student enquiries team is ready to help.
Why choose Deakin
Career outcomes
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Creative Writing, you may find employment in freelance editing and writing, in traditional/online publishing, in corporate and government organisations as a researcher and writer/editor, in media, entertainment and other arts organisations in a range of writing/editing roles, and in the education sector at various levels.
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply knowledge of creative writing modes and theories and their production in the context of professional, historical, cultural and stylistic frameworks, including skills in composition, editing, presentation and aspects of publication |
| Communication | Communicate through writing that is technically and aesthetically proficient and demonstrates awareness of, or ability to extend, established writing conventions to produce works that communicate effectively using suitable written forms and techniques |
| Digital literacy | Employ a range of generic and industry-specific digital technologies for the research, production and presentation of creative materials, including technologies for the innovative generation or dissemination of work, or those required in various professional contexts |
| Critical thinking | Demonstrate competencies in the production of texts and discourses informed by rigorous research, close reading, critical thinking and analysis, and by selecting and applying the appropriate creative writing forms and conventions |
| Problem solving | Analyse and respond creatively to editorial or publishing briefs or opportunities by employing creative and professional writing or communication strategies to identify, solve or reframe aesthetic, theoretical or real-world challenges and limitations |
| Self-management | Demonstrate responsibility for personal learning through autonomy, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development, as a reflective practitioner in the Professional and Creative Writing industry and scholarly and other contexts |
| Teamwork | Actively participate and make constructive contributions to processes of creative and critical collaboration within or across disciplines, sharing of peer feedback in writing workshops and online forums, and demonstrate professional and ethical negotiation with collaborators and colleagues |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate ethical global citizenship and awareness of cultural diversity and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and in professional roles and community collaborations |
| Approved by Faculty Board December 2014 | |