Graduate Certificate of Writing
The writing suite of programs builds on the expertise of Swinburne academics in areas including creative writing, electronic writing, information management, eCommunications and writing for learning technologies. These programs will give students access to the best materials in print and online as well as to experts in their field. Students will be supported by online mentors and tutors.
The Graduate Certificate of Arts (Writing) forms the first stage in a three-stage nested suite of programs consisting of:
- Graduate Certificate of Writing (GC-WRI)
- Graduate Diploma of Writing (GD-WRI)
- Master of Writing (MA-WRI)
Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 20% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Duration
6 Month/s
Intakes
Online (Study Period 1, Study Period 2, Study Period 3) - View application and start dates
Fees
A$13700 (total for 2023)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
- Graduate Certificate of Writing (GC-WRI)
- Graduate Diploma of Writing (GD-WRI)
- Master of Writing (MA-WRI)
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.
Course structure
- four core units (50 credit points).
The course is delivered entirely online and is supported with eTutors, tutorials, print materials, websites and CD-ROMs.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate of Writing is 25 credit points (normally two units)
Units of study
PWR60004 Journalism*
PWR60003 Research for Writers*
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- Apply cognitive skills to reflect critically on creative writing theory and professional writing practice or scholarship, including first nation storytelling and perspectives.
- Identify and provide practical solutions to problems related to the construction and interpretation of writing related texts
- Critically generate and evaluate ideas about one’s own writing and the writing of others
- Develop and apply technical and creative skills needed to generate industry ready texts

Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course fees
Entry requirements
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) can now be done on campus in Hawthorn at Room 132, Building TD. Book now or call +61 3 9214 3584 for more information.
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic Module): Overall 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne English Language Centre: EAP 5 Advanced level with overall 70% and all skills 65% or above
- Or equivalent measures available at http://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/international/apply/entry- requirements/
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)