General Information

Overview

Our Master of Writing gives you the tools to refine your voice through theory, research, and creative long-form projects. You’ll learn to understand the principles and concepts related to professional writing and apply these skills to create a broad portfolio. Our writing programs are designed to give you access to the best materials in print and online as well as to mentors and tutors who are experts in the field. 

Study structure

Successful completion of the Master of Writing requires students to complete units of study to the value of 150 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Critical Friends: The Real and Virtual Support of Writers
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR60001
Journalism
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR60004
Research for Writers
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR60003
Real Life Writing
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR60002
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Reading and Writing
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR70001
Writing History: People, Places and Times
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR70004
Scriptwriting
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR70005
Writing for Digital Media
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR70002
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Writing and Praxis: Publication Folio A
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR80005
The Creative Artefact: Publication Folio B
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR80003
Creative Industry Enterprise
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR80006
Creativity for Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PWR80001

Aims and objectives

On successful completion of this programme the learner will be able to:

  • Apply cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical writing–related knowledge and to reflect critically on creative writing theory and professional writing practice or scholarship, including first nation storytelling and perspectives.

  • Engage technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories related to writing practice and research, and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice across a range of writing genres, styles, and research approaches

  • Experiment with creative application of complex ideas and abstract concepts within creative and professional texts

  • Use communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences related to professional and creative content production industries

  • Develop technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship in the field of creative and professional writing

  • Evaluate approaches for the application of knowledge and skills, with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional writing and publishing practice and/or for further learning

  • Apply a high level of personal autonomy and accountability across a range of professional and creative interactions and projects. 

Career opportunities

Career outcomes include writer, journalist, editor, written content creator, media content developer, and scriptwriter. The course also prepares students for roles in arts and culture event development, education, publishing, and all fields that require storytelling skills.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Writing is 50 credit points (normally four units).

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in the Master of Writing?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

View course page