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Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature

Postgraduate coursework

Learn how to inspire, engage and persuade your audiences. Develop advanced writing skills and unlock exciting roles in publishing and marketing.

Key facts

Duration

This course is 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent duration.

Locations

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 are closed.

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Learn how to inspire, engage and persuade your audiences with the Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature. Build on writing skills you’ve developed at the undergraduate level or in your current role and gain a deeper understanding of the theory and history behind great pieces of writing.

Want the advanced writing and analysis skills needed to unlock exciting roles in publishing, marketing and teaching?

The Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature attracts a broad spectrum of students, from aspiring authors looking to add polish to their storytelling, to editors striving for senior positions in the publishing industry. The common thread across our talented group of students is a deep love for reading and writing. Developing skills alongside students and teachers who share your passion is one of the highlights of this course.

Many students use this course as a pathway into the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature). As such, it includes two core units from the Masters' program.

The foundation units provide an introduction to the craft and conventions of creative writing, professional writing and publishing. Dive into the theory and history stemming from traditional literature and explore conceptual and practical approaches to creativity, craft, form and publication. These units challenge you to add discipline and structure to your creativity and the writing tasks you will complete simulate the same work you will be doing in your future role.

You’ll then choose your remaining six units from a broad list of writing, literature and elective study areas. This allows you to build specialist skills and design a degree based on your career aspirations.

Importantly, the course provides more than just writing expertise. The projects you work on train you in transferable skills, including critical analysis, communication, problem solving and research – incredibly valuable in every field of work. You’ll also get to debate literature, creativity and modern writing challenges with like-minded people from different corners of business and life. This exposure to new ways of thinking helps you grow as a writer and shows you how literature can be used to make sense of different aspects of culture, place and history.

The course provides lots of exposure to industry work, trends and opportunities, better preparing you for the current and future needs of the field. Many students take advantage of our industry partnerships to secure internships at well-known publications. Verandah Journal, an annual student-run publication, showcases the best work of emerging writers and artists while giving students the chance to develop expertise in selecting, editing and proofreading submissions for publication. Better still, our academics are actively involved with a number of prominent writing festivals, ensuring we’ve got our finger on the pulse of emerging writing trends and industry needs.

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Course information

Award granted
Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
A664
CRICOS code?
083988G 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 award of the Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature a student must successfully complete 8 credit points of study comprising of:

  • 2 credit points of core units
  • 2 credit points of Writing units
  • 2 credit points of Literature units
  • 2 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
  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin DAI001
  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Core Units

  • Foundations in Narrative Theory
  • Foundations in Writing
  • Writing and Literature Units

    Writing units

    Select 2 credit points not previously studied from:

  • Creating Your Arts Business
  • Social Media Content Creation
  • Writing the News
  • Creative Nonfiction: The Personal Essay
  • Fiction Writing: Story, Structure and Starting Out
  • Editing
  • Publishing
  • Vision and Revision: Short Stories Now
  • Life Writing Now
  • Sex, the Body, and American Poetry
  • Literature units

    Select 2 credit points not previously studied from:

  • Vision and Revision: Short Stories Now
  • Fantasy and Historical Fictions
  • Graphic Narratives
  • Writing for Children
  • Texts for Young Adults
  • Life Writing Now
  • Sex, the Body, and American Poetry
  • Elective units

    2 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:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)*
      • Online

      * Next intake available in 2027

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)*
      • Online

      * Next intake available in 2027

    * 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.

    Three pages of the postgraduate writing and literature PDF.

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    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 to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    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:

    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

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    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 and how to apply for credit.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
    $26,200for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
    Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

    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 fees and available payment options.

    FEE-HELP calculator

    What is FEE-HELP?

    FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.

    Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

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    • $* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature (8 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
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    *Disclaimer

    Deakin University (Deakin):

    • gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
    • advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
    • instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

    Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

    • does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
    • does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
    • assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
    • assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
    • assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
    • where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

    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.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    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.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    You’ll graduate from this course with more than just advanced writing skills. You’ll also have expertise in communication, problem solving, critical thinking and research – the kind of skills employers across all industries value.

    This course puts you in a strong position to explore a range of career pathways, including:

    • author
    • editor
    • literary critic
    • publisher
    • advertising executive
    • communications specialist
    • copywriter
    • journalist
    • public relations practitioner
    • English teacher

    For those looking to continue their studies, this course is an approved pathway into the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature).

    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 literary and creative writing theories, concepts, and approaches, and apply them to the study of literature and the production of written work.
    Communication Communicate through writing that employs advanced command of the critical and theoretical vocabularies and language required to interpret, argue and fluently and persuasively transmit ideas about writing and literature.
    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 scholarly work in writing and literature.
    Critical thinking Utilise theory and research to critically analyse and apply appropriate forms and conventions in writing and to evaluate the influence of narrative strategies, genre conventions and cultural assumptions on works of literature.
    Problem solving Apply a range of theoretical, historical and contemporary critical and analytical approaches to the design and execution of solutions to a range of scholarly, aesthetic and ideological problems that emerge from the analysis and writing of literature.
    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 and literature.
    Teamwork Actively contribute to peer feedback activities and make constructive, respectful and informed contributions to creative and critical collaboration in writing and literature.
    Global citizenship Identify, select, critically analyse, and apply culturally relevant literary theories, concepts, and approaches to writing and interpreting works of literature.

    Approved at Faculty Board September 2021