Graduate Diploma
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.
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:
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
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:
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 system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.