Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing

2027 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2027 course information

Award granted Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing
Deakin course codeA661
Course credit points8
Course version2
Faculty

Faculty of Arts and Education

Course information

For students who commenced from 2016 to 2025

Campus

Offered to continuing students only, at Burwood (Melbourne) and Online

Final intake

The final intake to this course was in 2025. Students should contact Student Central for course, course map and enrolment information. Further course structure information can be found in the handbook archive.

Duration1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS code095260E

Course sub-headings

Course learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes
Articulate specialist knowledge of a range of writing theories, concepts, and approaches, and apply them to the production of written work.
Communicate through writing that is technically and aesthetically proficient and demonstrates awareness of, or ability to extend, established writing conventions to produce works that communicate complex ideas effectively using suitable written forms and specialised techniques.
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.
Utilise theory and research to critically analyse and apply
appropriate forms and conventions in writing.
Analyse and respond creatively and professionally through writing to identify, solve or reframe complex aesthetic, theoretical or real-world challenges and limitations.
Act with autonomy and initiative while being accountable for working effectively, efficiently and to a high standard in order to achieve goals in writing.
Actively contribute to peer feedback activities and make constructive, respectful and informed contributions to creative and critical collaboration in writing.
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

Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.

Course structure

Core units

Compulsory 0-credit point module

To be completed in the first trimester of study:

DAI001Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin

Units

ALW740 Foundations in Writing [No longer available for enrolment]

Electives

List A

Complete four of the following units:

ALC708Social Media Content Creation

Students may choose to include the fifth unit listed above as one of the 3 electives

ACA715 Creating Your Arts Business [No longer available for enrolment]

ALJ716 Writing the News [No longer available for enrolment]

ALW738 Editing [No longer available for enrolment]

ALW739 Publishing [No longer available for enrolment]


Remaining electives

Choose 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.

Work experience

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.


Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Fees and charges

Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.

Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.

Estimate your fees