Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing

2016 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Course rules
• Course structure

Course overview

The Graduate Diploma in Professional Writing provides students with an understanding of the publishing industry and of the requirements involved in writing and editing for different audiences.  It hones students’ ability to write in, and for, a range of contexts including freelance writing.

The Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing offers studies in various forms of professional writing and editing for graduates with major sequences in other disciplines. The emphasis is on the development of skills required to prepare work for publication. In each area of study, from editing to publishing and our cutting edge unit on blogging, students receive practical experience in the process of writing and revision. The program will develop students’ understanding of the requirements of writing and editing for different readerships.

The units in the program will be valuable for those experienced in writing but who may feel the need for further guidance, or those interested in beginning a career in writing. Study at this level can also assist those who are engaged in writing in their employment area and wish to enhance their skills in written communication. The editing unit introduces students to the key skills required for employment in publishing books and magazines. The School adopts the philosophy that writing and editing should be taught by published writers and practitioners. The teaching staff includes well-known writers and editors, and the program draws on the talents of other publishing professionals as guest speakers.

Course rules

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing, a student must successfully complete 8 credit points of study comprising of:

• 6 credit points of core units 
• 2 credit points of elective units chosen from within the specialisations of the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or Master of Communication

Course structure

Core Units

Course structure

Course Map

Course map

Course structure

Course structure

Electives

2 credit points of electives chosen from units within the specialisations of the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or Master of Communication