Access work placements in publishing and media
Learn from academic staff who are published authors
Explore opportunities to have your work published
Key facts
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Want to use your knack for writing in a pathway to a fulfilling career and life-long creative satisfaction? Deakin’s Bachelor of Creative Writing can show you how. Finesse your writing and gain expertise across a range of genres and styles. You’ll explore contemporary approaches and their histories in areas like creative nonfiction, scriptwriting, poetry, as well as short and extended fiction writing.
Do you have an eye for detail and an idea for a good story?
Under the tutelage of staff who are published authors themselves, you’ll study the craft of writing, art of storytelling, creativity and the process of editing and revision. You’ll explore narrative-driven works, experimental innovations, creative nonfiction and script writing, as well as new takes on traditional genres of poetry, and short and extended fiction writing.
You’ll benefit from unique opportunities to:
- gain industry experience
- work on studio projects
- conduct creative research work
- produce content for professional-standard digital and print publications.
Collaborate and improve your skills working with peers in interdisciplinary teams for writing, film, drama and new technologies. You’ll gain insight into writing and editing for new media, cross-genre experimentation and creative production.
Through this course, you’ll have access to internships in magazine and book publishing houses, as well as within broadcast and print media, helping you to develop important industry connections and drive your creative practice forward.
We also encourage you to pursue opportunities for writing and editing in new media, including for our own international writing journal, Verandah.
Read MoreCourse structure
Students must complete 24 credit points as follows:
- 18 x credit points of compulsory core units (includes course electives from Lists A, B and C)
- 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 point units chosen from List A below:
Complete four 1-credit point units chosen from List B below:
Complete one 1-credit point unit chosen from List C below:
Electives and Majors
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.
Note: Regarding majors, students who wish to graduate from the Bachelor of Creative Arts with a parallel major can be in consultation with the course director to plan the necessary course structure. Ideally, this is done in the early trimesters of your degree and before completion of any course electives or general electives.
Key information
2020 course 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.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
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
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 ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you're from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements.
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 2019 students (PDF, 746.6KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
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 Recognition of Prior Learning 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
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 Recognition of 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 through VTAC have now closed.
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Course and Scholarship Applicant Portal.
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
View pathways into the Bachelor of Creative Writing with our pathways finder.
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
What are the key study start dates?
Browse all start and finish dates for Deakin’s main study periods. You’ll also find dates relating to applications and prospective student events, plus a list of all public holidays and study breaks.
How much does it cost to study at Deakin?
Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are, the course you study and the year you start. Fees are based on an annual amount; they don't cover the entire duration of the course.
Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
Can I speak to someone in person about my study options?
Yes! We regularly host a range of events including 1:1 consultations and information sessions, to assist you with your study options and career planning. Check out our upcoming events or contact our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 for more information.
Am I eligible for a scholarship with this course?
Scholarships are available for domestic and international students at all study levels. Find a scholarship that works for you.
Can I claim recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this course?
In some courses, you can reduce your overall study time and tuition cost by getting your work and previous study experience recognised as recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Why choose Deakin
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
As a creative writing graduate, you will have the practical skills to work with interdisciplinary teams in writing, film, drama and new technologies. Career opportunities include:
- author
- book editor
- copyeditor
- copywriter
- journalist
- magazine editor or writer
- publisher
- scriptwriter
- speechwriter
- technical writer.
You may also choose to transition into fourth-year solo projects in Deakin's selective Honours program, or postgraduate studies in creative writing research and production.
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 | |
Events Explore more events
*ARWU Rankings 2019
^QS Stars University Ratings 2016–2017
#Mid-year intake is not available for all courses and some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.
* Application close dates vary. Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.