Graduate Diploma of Writing
Graduates will have advanced knowledge of industry and creative practices and be able to critically apply this knowledge and skills across a range of specialisations in the field of professional and creative writing.
The Graduate Diploma of Writing forms the second 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 30% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
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Duration
1 Year/s
Intakes
Online (Study Period 1, Study Period 2, Study Period 3, Study Period 4) - View application and start dates
Fees
A$26500 (annual for 2022)*
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)
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.
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
- eight core units (100 credit points)
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Diploma of Writing is 50 credit points (normally four units)
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Course aims and objectives.
Aims and objectives
The program objectives are to allow students to:
- apply analytical skills to evaluate, review, consolidate and synthesise knowledge of writing theory and practice in specific forms
- identify and provide solutions to complex creative problems related to the construction and interpretation of writing related texts in specific and specialized forms,
- apply specialised technical and creative skills needed to generate industry ready texts in specific forms
- review and think critically about the writing of self and others through provision of constructive industry standard feedback
- use industry applicable communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical concepts related to writing and criticism needed to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences of creative works.
- demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to make high level, independent judgements in a range of technical or management functions specific to creative practice in varied specialised contexts related to specific writing forms
- demonstrate responsibility and accountability for writing-related personal outputs and aspects of working with others within specialized fields, including through the development of sustainable and independent writing practices.

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.
- A recognised bachelor degree
- Graduate Certificate of Writing or Graduate Certificate of Arts (Writing) or equivalent
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65%
- Or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)