Key facts
1 year or part-time equivalent
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
The Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing provides students with the skills to write across a range of genres and writing styles. Students will graduate with a portfolio of writing showcasing their knowledge and skills in Creative Writing.
The Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing will advance and consolidate knowledge of Creative Writing theories, practice and skills for the conception, crafting, production and dissemination of creative writing outputs. Students will understand the complexities and opportunities of industries, which employ creative writers and possible careers within an international and domestic context.
The units in the program will be valuable for those experienced in writing but who may feel the need for further guidance, or those interested in beginning a career in writing. The School adopts the philosophy that writing and editing should be taught by published writers and practitioners. The teaching staff includes well-known writers and editors, and the program draws on the talents of other publishing professionals as guest speakers.
Read MoreCourse structure
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing, students must complete 8 credit points of study comprising:
- 1 core unit
- 4 course electives from list A
- 3 credit points of electives chosen from units within the specialisations of the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature), Master of Communication or Master of Creative Arts
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
6
Core units
2
Elective units
8
Total
Core units
Course Electives List A
Complete four 1-credit point units chosen from the following course electives list A below:
Students may choose to include the 5th unit listed above as 1 of the 3 electives
Electives
3 credit points of electives chosen from the units offered in the specialisations of Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or Master of Communication or Master of Creative Arts
Key information
2020 course information
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)
- Cloud Campus
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud Campus
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 postgraduate 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 will be based on performance in:
- a Bachelor Degree in any discipline OR
- a Graduate Certificate in any discipline OR
- at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
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 and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above.
Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:
- If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
- If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning.
* One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. 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 your course.
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.
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 $45,881.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2020 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
Estimate your FEE-HELP repayments
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- $* is the 2020 estimated tuition fee for a Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing (8 credit points) at Deakin
- 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 15% Deakin Alumni Postgraduate Course Fee Bursary);
- 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 15% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees. Your Immediate Family Members may also be eligible to apply for this bursary.
Apply now
How to apply
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Course and Scholarship Applicant Portal. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the how to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
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.
Please complete the Register your interest form to receive further information about our direct application opportunities.
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
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
Career outcomes
Graduates of this course will find employment opportunities in a broad range of organisations or will be able to pursue freelance or self-employment opportunities. Throughout the course, students will be exposed, not just to knowledge pertaining to their discipline, but also to practices and ways of understanding creative writing as a cross-disciplinary activity which intersects with other creative and communication fields in digital, promotional and multimedia landscapes.
Creative writers have never been more in demand. Writers use the most flexible and powerful of technologies - language and the ability to tell stories. Graduates may embark on careers in the industries of online media, gaming, as communications officers in organisations of many kinds (both arts-based, corporate and within government), may contribute to the literary field as editors, online curators, prose or poetry writers, may continue on to jobs within academe or the TAFE sector, may strengthen their profile as secondary teachers, copywriters or within the changing field of print media.
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 general and specialised knowledge of creative writing modes and theories and their production in the context of professional, historical, cultural and stylistic frameworks, including technical 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 complex ideas effectively using suitable written forms and specialised techniques. |
| Digital literacy | Employ a range of generic and specialised industry digital technologies for the research, production and presentation of creative materials, including technologies for the innovative generation or dissemination of complex ideas and works, or those required in various specialised professional contexts. |
| Critical thinking | Demonstrate specialised 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 to provide solutions to complex problems or specialised writing briefs. |
| Problem solving | Analyse and respond creatively and professionally to editorial or publishing briefs or opportunities by employing specialised creative and professional writing or communication strategies to identify, solve or reframe complex aesthetic, theoretical or real-world challenges and limitations. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate personal and professional responsibility for learning through autonomy, accountability and a continued commitment to specialised learning and skill development, as a reflective practitioner in the Professional and Creative Writing industry, scholarly and other contexts. |
| Teamwork | Actively participate in 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 November 2018 | |
* Application close dates vary. Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.