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Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing

Postgraduate coursework

Take your career to the next level and craft your ideas into storytelling. You'll be mentored by published authors as you develop work for publication.

Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

Key dates

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

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.

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Course 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 units

4

Course elective units

3

Elective units

8

Total

Core units

  • Foundations in Writing
  • Course Electives List A

    Complete four 1-credit point units chosen from the following course electives list A below:

  • Vision and Revision: Short Stories Now
  • Writing for Children
  • Life Writing Now
  • Creative Nonfiction: The Personal Essay
  • Fiction Writing: Story, Structure and Starting Out
  • Editing
  • Sex, the Body, and American Poetry
  • 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:
      • 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 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 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
    $26,200 for 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 Creative Writing (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.

    Pathways

    Alternative exits

    • Graduate Certificate of Writing and Literature (A535)

    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

    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