Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Discover how to connect with audiences of all ages in Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing. In this one-year specialist course, you will be mentored by published authors as you learn how to create a body of work for publication. Explore and master a range of key writing techniques, such as the ability to edit, analyse a range of genres, blueprint a draft, and take a concept through the various stages of revision.
Want the confidence, insight and creative control to bring your story idea to life?
In core units, you will get to grips with the basics of constructing a great story. Learn in workshop-style classes and receive feedback as you discover how to manipulate time and perspective in narratives, experiment with genre, form and style, and refine your ability to create compelling characters and voices. In addition, you will be challenged to develop and employ regular writing structures, practices and modes of thinking – necessary skills for any working writer.
You’ll then tailor your studies to your preferred creative path by choosing from five writing specialisations:
- short stories
- creative nonfiction
- life writing
- writing for children
- editing.
You’ll benefit from the chance to stretch your knowledge in electives from the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature), Master of Creative Arts and Master of Communication. Learn how to craft a compelling blurb, pitch a novel idea, or film a teaser trailer – skills that could apply to your novel or to a role in-industry.
This course attracts a wide range of students from all walks of life and all levels of experience, with an interest in writing. We encourage you to share your work and seek feedback, and look for opportunities to collaborate on creative projects.
We also encourage students to get involved with Verandah Journal, an annual student-run publication that showcases the best work of emerging writers and artists, and gives students the chance to develop expertise in selecting, editing and proofreading submissions for publication. You’ll also benefit from Deakin’s strong links with industry, with the opportunity to gain market knowledge and connections by securing an internship with one of our industry partners.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- A636
- CRICOS code?
- 0100134 Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing, students must complete 8 credit points of study comprising:
- 1 core unit
- 4 course electives from list A
- 3 credit points of electives chosen from units within the specialisations of the Master of Communication or Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or the core or electives of the Master of Creative Arts including ACC700 Communication and Creative Arts Internship
- Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
1
Core units
4
Course elective units
3
Elective units
8
Total
Core units
Course Electives List A
Complete four 1-credit point units chosen from the following course electives list A below:
Students may complete all available units by taking the additional units as electives
Electives
3 credit points of electives chosen from units within the specialisations of the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or the Master of Communication or the core or electives of the Master of Creative Arts including ACC700 Communication and Creative Arts Internship.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
* The next available Burwood (Melbourne) intake will be for 2027
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer. Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning. One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Alternative exits
- Graduate Certificate of Writing and Literature (A535)
Careers
Career outcomes
Graduates develop their writing skills through exposure to a range of different forms and genres. They consider how their own writing sits alongside other similar forms and can articulate the similarities and differences. They develop high-level creative and critical writing skills and the capacity to undertake independent and collaborative research. Writing and literature graduates have gone on to win awards like the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award Melbourne Prize for Literature for their published works.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Articulate specialist knowledge of a range of creative writing theories, concepts, and approaches, and apply them to the production of written work. |
| Communication | Communicate through writing that is technically and aesthetically proficient and demonstrates awareness of, or ability to extend, established writing conventions to produce works that communicates complex ideas effectively using suitable written forms and specialised techniques. |
| Digital literacy | Employ a range of technologies and make evaluative judgments in the use of research databases, bibliographic and digital communication technologies to research, produce and present work in writing. |
| Critical thinking | Utilise theory and research to critically analyse and apply appropriate forms and conventions in writing. |
| Problem solving | Analyse and respond creatively and professionally through writing to identify, solve or reframe complex aesthetic, theoretical or real-world challenges and limitations. |
| Self-management | Act with autonomy and initiative while being accountable for working effectively, efficiently and to a high standard in order to achieve goals in writing. |
| Teamwork | Actively contribute to peer feedback activities and make constructive, respectful and informed contributions to creative and critical collaboration in writing. |
| Global citizenship | Identify, select, and critically analyse culturally relevant literary theories, concepts, and approaches to writing and interpreting works of literature. |
Approved at Faculty Board September 2021