Graduate Certificate of Writing
The rapid pace of change in the ways in which information is accessed, utilised and converted into knowledge means that there is a growing need for graduates with both traditional and electronic professional and creative writing skills. The goal of Swinburne's writing programs is to draw together print and performance-based texts, while exploring the local and global opportunities of electronic media.
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)
Duration
6 months full-time or 1 year part-time
Intakes
Online (Study Period 1, Study Period 2, Study Period 3) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Online
2023 Start Dates
Study Period 3 -
28 August 2023
2024 Start Dates
Study Period 1 -
26 February 2024
Study Period 2 -
27 May 2024
Study Period 3 -
26 August 2024
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Writing well is a skill required in all occupations. The rapid pace of change in the ways in which information is accessed, delivered and utilised means that there is a growing need for graduates with both traditional and digital professional and creative writing skills. The goal of Swinburne's writing programs is to teach the writing skills that are needed for success in today’s publishing environment and to expose students to opportunities for publication.
The Graduate Certificate of Writing is designed to gives students specialised knowledge in the craft of writing. Graduates will have specialised technical skills for professional practice in writing.
The Graduate Certificate of 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)
Note: This course is available to local students and off-shore international students who are studying in a country other than Australia; this course is not available to on-shore international students on a student visa.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Writing students must complete 50 credit points comprising of:
- four core units (50 credit points).
Units normally carry 12.5 credit points (credit points). A standard annual full-time load comprises eight units (100 credit points), or part-time equivalent.
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
PWR60001 Critical Friends: The Real and Virtual Support of Writers*
PWR60004 Journalism*
PWR60003 Research for Writers*
PWR60004 Journalism*
PWR60003 Research for Writers*
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Career outcomes include writer, journalist, editor, written content creator, media content developer. The course also prepares students for roles in arts and culture event development, education, publishing, and all fields that require storytelling skills.
Aims and objectives
On successful completion of this programme the learner will be able to:
- 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
Graduate skills
The Swinburne graduate attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching courses assist all its graduates to be:
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- effective and ethical in work and community situations
- adaptable and able to manage change
- aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.
Pathways and scholarships
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2023 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
Entry requirements
A recognised bachelor degree in any of the fields of: creative arts, society and culture, education, health, and management and commerce.