Bachelor of Creative Writing

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Creative Writing
Award abbreviation: BCreativeWriting
QTAC code: 011171
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-18 / Rank-63
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places 
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR348
CRICOS code: 074093M. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Pursue a career as a professional communicator in the creative industries with a Bachelor of Creative Writing.

This program provides you with advanced skills in writing narrative. It is taught by industry professionals and features hands-on teaching by published authors. Aimed at those seeking careers within publishing, editing and affiliated industries, the program explores a variety of styles and genres in creative writing, offering options in writing for children and young adults, and contemporary and traditional adult fiction. You have an opportunity to further complement your studies by undertaking a minor in another discipline, such as communication studies or computer-based design.

Career opportunities

Depending on courses selected, creative writing, advertising, editing, copywriting, professional writing, publishing, journalism, teaching (with further study).

Admission requirements

Please refer to the English language entry requirements.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice

Program Leader
Associate Professor Gary Crew
Tel: +61 7 5430 1130
Email: gcrew@usc.edu.au

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 14 required courses, a minor study area (4 courses) from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences area and 6 electives.
• Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses including, core courses.
• Complete no more than 6 courses from the Faculty of Business or Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
• Register selected Minors with Student Administration.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Electives may be used to complete an additional minor.
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 core courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses

2 required courses: 
CMN102 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN116 Introduction to Creative Writing

Advanced courses

8 required courses:
CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN238 Creative Writing D: Paperback Hero
CMN246 Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults
CMN247 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
CMN260 Creative Writing B: Novel Ideas
CMN266 Creativity and Literature: Chaucer to Romantics
CMN267 Creativity and Literature: Victorians to Moderns
CMN320 Creative Writing and Editing for e-Publication

PLUS select 2 courses from:
EGL120 The Text Files: An Introduction to Literary Studies
EGL201 Reality Bites: An Exploration of Non-Fiction
EGL285 Wonderworlds: An Exploration of English Literature
CMN228 The Writer and the Law

Minor courses

Select a minor (4 courses) from the School of Communication or School of Social Sciences

Elective courses

Select 6 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Creative Writing Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester

Year 1

• Two (2) core courses:
  One core course should be studied in your first semester and one in your second semester
• Four (4) required courses
• Two (2) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Core courses (2)

Select 2 core courses from:

Required courses (4)

PLUS select 1 course from:

Elective courses (2)

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 2

• Four (4) required courses
• Two (2) courses towards your chosen School of Communication or School of Social Sciences minor
• Two (2) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Required courses (4)

Minor courses (2)

Select 2 courses from your chosen School of Communication or School of Social Sciences minor study area.

Elective courses (2)

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 3

• Four (4) required courses
• Two (2) courses towards your chosen School of Communication or School of Social Sciences minor.
• Two (2) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Required courses (4)

PLUS select 1 required course from:

Minor courses (2)

Select 2 courses from your chosen School of Communication or School of Social Sciences minor study area.

Elective courses (2)

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business