Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
Overview
Use your creativity to craft copy and edit manuscripts for a range of professional publications and businesses. The Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing teaches you to write in a range of contexts; to plan, coordinate and evaluate writing, and to edit your own and others’ work. Graduate ready to seek work across a broad scope of professional industries.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Skills you’ll learn
- Writing
- Editing
- Ethical thinking
- Legal thinking
Your career opportunities
- Professional writer
- Journalism
- Marketing
- Copywriter
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
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McKinley Valentine
From hospitality to acclaimed writer
With a day-job as a copywriter, a newsletter that boasts over 4000 subscribers, and guest appearances on Australian and American podcasts, McKinley Valentine has firmly cemented her career as a writer.
After graduating in 2012, McKinley transitioned from hospitality to freelance writing, now working at design studio, Paper Giant. Her newsletter, The Whippet, was featured on Inside Hook’s list of the 80 Best Single-Operator Newsletters on the Internet.
‘I couldn’t have done it without the skills I learned in the PWE course. While I always had a knack for spelling and grammar, there’s so much more to writing professionally.’
Admissions
To enter this qualification, individuals must provide evidence (by submitting a folio) of their technical skills in writing and editing and ability to:
- Write short works (approximately 1,000 words) suitable for publication in any media.
- Edit other people’s written work for grammar, punctuation and appropriate use of language.
- Provide an objective critique of other people’s written work in a positive manner to assist re-writing.
- or attainment in CUA40118 Certificate IV in Professional Writing & Editing (or equivalent)
Skills may have been acquired through personal or work experience, or through formal study.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing
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Diploma of Social Media Marketing
Course structure
Completion of the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing requires face to face tutorials and workshops, practical writing tasks. The successful completion of all seven core units and six elective units.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Undertake project work
Core unit |
BSBPMG522 |
|
Provide freelance services
Core unit |
CUAIND402 |
|
Maintain and apply creative arts industry knowledge
Core unit |
CUAIND502 |
|
Perform advanced editing tasks
Core unit |
CUAWRT504 |
|
Perform advanced writing tasks
Core unit |
CUAWRT505 |
|
Develop nonfiction works for publication
Core unit |
CUAWRT506 |
| Elective units | |
|
Collaborate in a creative process
Elective unit |
BSBCRT402 |
|
Explore the history and social impact of creativity
Elective unit |
BSBCRT403 |
|
Develop a social media engagement plan
Elective unit |
BSBMKG537 |
|
Write persuasive copy
Elective unit |
BSBWRT501 |
|
Research history and theory to inform own arts practice
Elective unit |
CUARES403 |
|
Write extended stories
Elective unit |
CUAWRT402 |
|
Edit scripts
Elective unit |
CUAWRT602 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$12,040
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$7,980
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$18,838
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
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Staff spotlight
Spiri Tsintziras
Spiri Tsintziras is an award winning-author, creative writing teacher and business writing trainer.
She has had articles and stories published in newspapers, magazines and anthologies, and is the author of several non-fiction books published in Australia and abroad.
She’s written content for community, business and government organisations for over 25 years.
In the spirit of lifelong learning, she is trying her hand at writing a crime novel as part of a Master of Arts at Swinburne University.
