Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing

Program summary

Program title: Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing
Award abbreviation: GCCreativeWriting
Degree type: coursework
Study mode: on campus
Duration: 6 months minimum full time, 2 years maximum part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2012: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 4
USC program code: AR514
CRICOS code: 058885A

Write and communicate in a strong, creative and clear fashion.

In the 4-course Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing, you have an opportunity to develop your skills and conceptual understandings in contemporary creative and professional writing. This program imparts knowledge and develops skills for literary writing and for communication generally, including drafting, revising and editing techniques.

You learn to identify and evaluate an audience to determine the appropriate style of written communication and delivery, and examine trade novel conventions and the reasons for economic success in the global market. Discuss your ideas and stories with an established creative writer in class.

The Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing allows you to enhance your creative and professional writing skills, especially those relevant to careers in the communications industry or other sectors requiring well-developed communications skills. It builds on the Graduate Certificate and you can apply units completed towards the higher award.

You gain knowledge and skills in creative writing, as well as competencies enabling you to work effectively across a range of jobs requiring strong writing skills. If you are pursuing the diploma for self-development, you will have a greater understanding of the creative writing genre allowing you to pursue personal writing projects and other opportunities.

Admission requirements

A student entering the Graduate Certificate program will normally be required to hold an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognised higher education institution. Entry by non-graduates who have extensive relevant industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Business
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

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

Program structure

Program requirements and notes

• Students are required to successfully complete the 4 required courses as listed below.
• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• The Graduate Certificate articulates into the Graduate Diploma. Students who undertake 48 units in the Graduate Certificate can apply those units to the Graduate Diploma.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.

Introductory courses

1 required course: 
CMN116 Introduction to Creative Writing

Advanced courses

Select 1 course from:
CMN238 Creative Writing D: Paperback Hero
CMN246 Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults

PLUS select 2 courses from:
CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN235 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
CMN238 Creative Writing D: Paperback Hero
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
EGL201 Reality Bites: An Exploration of Non-Fiction
EGL285 Wonderworlds: An Exploration of English Literature
HIS230 Talking History: Memory and the Past

TOTAL UNITS 48

Study Plan

The Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Required courses (4)

PLUS select 1 course from:

PLUS select 2 courses from:

TOTAL UNITS 48

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