Key facts
Duration
The time and cost could be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years, or even 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Course overview
Hone your expertise in writing and literature and gain practical tools in critical analysis, editing and research. Deakin’s Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) gives you the skills to analyse literary works, build your creative writing practice and craft publishable pieces of professional writing.
Designed for emerging and established writers alike, the course helps you refine your craft, deepen your literary knowledge and take the next step in your career. Undertake core discipline study in Literature and Writing including graphic narratives, writing for children, crime fiction and film and more. Learn from published authors, build skills in research, communication and critical analysis, and complete projects shaped by contemporary industry practice. Debate literature, creativity and modern writing challenges with like-minded people. With mentoring, internships and work-integrated learning opportunities you will graduate ready to write, publish and make your mark.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Arts (Writing and Literature)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- A764
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 083999E Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
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Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 16-credit point Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of Literature discipline core
- 4 credit points of Writing discipline core
- 4 credit points of capstone units chosen from the following:
- Capstone A (4 credit points)
- Capstone B (4 credit points)
- any remaining credit points can be chosen from course electives.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Literature Discipline Core
Writing Discipline Core
Capstone A
Or
Capstone B
(Minimum 70% WAM and subject to Course Director approval)
Electives are to be chosen from units within the specialisations/disciplines of the Master of Communication, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Film and Television or Master of Artificial Intelligence for Design and Creative Practice.
The internship unit
Please Note: Course elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)*
- Online
* Next intake available in 2027
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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. More information available at Disability support services.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent).
1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 8 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a bachelor honours degree in a related discipline
- completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma in the related discipline
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
^Recognition of prior learning into the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate postgraduate level studies.
Examples of related discipline areas include, but not limited to: Editing, English Literature, Literary Studies, Children's Literature, Professional Writing, Publishing, Creative Writing, Writing.
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Editor, Publisher, Author.
*Recognition of prior learning will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Online studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) 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
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$41,800 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Deakin alumni discount
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Research information
Students will undertake at least 5 credit points of research units consisting of research methods, theory and research-based project units where they will be required to complete either a creative thesis with a critical component or a critical thesis.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Writing and Literature (A535)
- Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature (A664)
Career outcomes
You’ll graduate from this course with more than just advanced writing skills. You’ll also have expertise in communication, problem solving, critical thinking and research – the kind of skills employers across all industries value.
This puts you in a strong position to explore a range of career pathways including:
- author
- editor
- literary critic
- publisher
- advertising executive
- communications specialist
- copywriter
- journalist
- public relations practitioner
- English teacher (combined with an initial teaching qualification)
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Articulate specialist knowledge of a range of literary and creative writing theories, concepts, and approaches, and apply them to the study of literature and the production of written work |
| Communicate through writing that employs advanced command of the critical and theoretical vocabularies and language required to interpret, argue and fluently and persuasively transmit ideas about writing and literature. |
| 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 scholarly work in writing and literature. |
| Utilise theory and research to critically analyse and apply appropriate forms and conventions in writing and to evaluate the influence of narrative strategies, genre conventions and cultural assumptions on works of literature. |
| Apply a range of theoretical, historical and contemporary critical and analytical approaches to the design and execution of solutions to a range of scholarly, aesthetic and ideological problems that emerge from the analysis and writing of literature |
| Act with autonomy and initiative while being accountable for working effectively, efficiently and to a high standard in order to achieve goals in writing and literature. |
| Actively contribute to peer feedback activities and make constructive, respectful, and informed contributions to creative and critical collaboration in writing and literature |
| Identify, select, critically analyse, and apply culturally relevant literary theories, concepts, and approaches to writing and interpreting works of literature. |
Approved at Faculty Board September 2021
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
