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Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing

Postgraduate coursework

Take your career to the next level and craft your ideas into storytelling. You'll be mentored by published authors as you develop work for publication.

Key facts

English language requirements

IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent

Duration

1-year full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Discover how to connect with audiences of all ages in Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing. In this one-year specialist course, you’ll be mentored by published authors as you develop and refine a body of work for publication. Explore and master a range of key writing techniques, such as the ability to edit, analyse a range of genres, and blueprint a draft and take a concept through various stages of revision.

Want the confidence, insight and creative control to bring your story idea to life?*

In core units, you’ll get to grips with the basics of constructing a great story. Learn in workshop-style classes and receive feedback as you discover how to manipulate time and perspective in narratives, experiment with genre, form and style, and refine your ability to create compelling characters and voices. In addition, you’ll be challenged to develop and employ regular writing structures, practices and modes of thinking – necessary skills for any working writer.

You’ll then tailor your studies to your preferred creative path by choosing from five writing specialisations:

  • short stories
  • creative nonfiction
  • life writing
  • writing for children
  • editing.

You’ll benefit from the chance to stretch your knowledge in electives from the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature), Master of Creative Arts and Master of Communication. Learn how to craft a compelling blurb, pitch a novel idea, or film a teaser trailer – skills that could apply to your novel or to a role in-industry.

This course attracts a wide range of students from all walks of life and all levels of experience, with an interest in writing. We encourage you to share your work and seek feedback, and look for opportunities to collaborate on creative projects.

We also encourage students to get involved with Verandah Journal, an annual student-run publication that showcases the best work of emerging writers and artists, and gives students the chance to develop expertise in selecting, editing and proofreading submissions for publication. You’ll also benefit from Deakin’s strong links with industry, with the opportunity to gain market knowledge and connections by securing an internship with one of our industry partners.

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Course information

Award granted
Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing
Year

2023 course information

Deakin code
A636
CRICOS code?
0100134 Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Course 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) or the Master of Communication or the core or electives of the Master of Creative Arts including ACC700 Communication and Creative Arts Internship
  • Academic Integrity AAI018
  • Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

6

Core units

2

Elective units

8

Total

Core units

  • Foundations in Writing
  • Electives

    3 credit points of electives chosen from units within the specialisations of the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or the Master of Communication or the core or electives of the Master of Creative Arts including ACC700 Communication and Creative Arts Internship.

    Course Electives List A

    Complete four 1-credit point units chosen from the following course electives list A below:

  • Vision and Revision: Short Stories Now
  • Writing for Children
  • Life Writing Now
  • Creative Nonfiction: the Personal Essay
  • Fiction Writing: Story, Structure and Starting Out
  • Editing
  • Sex, the Body, and American Poetry
  • Students may complete all available units by taking the additional units as electives


    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:
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Online

    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

    Admission Requirements Specific 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)

    IELTS / English language requirements

    Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.

    It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)

    Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.

    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

    Recognition of prior learning

    If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer. Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

    You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course in the same year they started. 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 eight 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 tuition fees.

    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.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    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.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply through Deakin

    Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

    Deakin International office or Deakin representative

    Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage
    If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.

    Entry pathways

    Alternative exits

    • Graduate Certificate of Writing and Literature (A535)

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Graduates develop their writing skills through exposure to a range of different forms and genres. They consider how their own writing sits alongside other similar forms and can articulate the similarities and differences. They develop high-level creative and critical writing skills and the capacity to undertake independent and collaborative research. Writing and literature graduates have gone on to win awards like the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award Melbourne Prize for Literature for their published works.

    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

    Articulate specialist knowledge of a range of creative writing theories, concepts, and approaches, and apply them to the production of written work.

    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 communicates complex ideas effectively using suitable written forms and specialised techniques. 

    Digital literacy

    Employ a range of technologies and make evaluative judgments in the use of research databases, bibliographic and digital communication technologies to research, produce and present work in writing.

    Critical thinking

    Utilise theory and research to critically analyse and apply 
    appropriate forms and conventions in writing.

    Problem solving

    Analyse and respond creatively and professionally through writing to identify, solve or reframe complex aesthetic, theoretical or real-world challenges and limitations.

    Self-management

    Act with autonomy and initiative while being accountable for working effectively, efficiently and to a high standard in order to achieve goals in writing.

    Teamwork

    Actively contribute to peer feedback activities and make constructive, respectful and informed contributions to creative and critical collaboration in writing.

    Global citizenship

    Identify, select, and critically analyse culturally relevant literary theories, concepts, and approaches to writing and interpreting works of literature.

    Approved by Faculty Board September 2021