Master of Arts (Writing and Literature)

2017 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2017 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2017 course information
Award granted	Master of Arts (Writing and Literature)
Course Map	This course map is for new students commencing from 2017. If you require a course map from a previous year, please contact a Student Adviser.
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Cloud Campus	Yes
Duration	1-2 years full time or part time equivalent depending on your entry point
Deakin course code	A764
Approval status	This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Quality Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

The Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) gives candidates the opportunity to undertake advanced study in the disciplines of Writing and Literature. Students undertake both relevant coursework to their specialisation and a substantial research project (thesis) under the supervision of an academic with a professional research record.

The Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) offers study in a unique combination of literary, professional and creative writing options, together with the possibility for cross-disciplinary explorations. Students can choose between specialisations in the areas of Children's Literature, Creative Writing, Literary Studies and Professional Writing. Students are paired with an academic or professional staff member working – and nationally recognised – in their specialist field. This partnership provides students with mentoring through the extended research project (thesis), which is one of the highlights of this course. The unique research pathway in the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) provides candidates with a new level of intellectual stimulation and personal enrichment and gives them the opportunity to contribute to a wider debate within their field, often through publication. The research training and skills acquired in this course enhance students’ future career prospects in a broad range of occupations and ensures they are eligible to apply for entry to higher research programs.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Writing and Literature (A535)
Graduate Diploma of Children's Literature (A641)
Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing (A636)
Graduate Diploma of Literary Studies (A635)
Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing (A661)
Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature (A664)

Research information

Students will undertake 7 credit points of research units consisting of research methods, theory and research-based project units where they will be required to complete a thesis comprising a creative production AND exegesis of 8000 words OR a written dissertation of 18000-20000 words.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities	Acquire an integrated knowledge of a range of relevant writing and literature theories, concepts, and approaches to the critical analysis, creation and/or production of texts. Acquire advanced understanding of the cultural, historical, professional and/or stylistic differences and contexts of the domains of writing and literature, which include Creative Writing, Children’s Literature, Professional Writing and/or Literary Studies.
Communication	Demonstrate specialised command of the technical and aesthetic elements of different forms of writing, including proficient use of critical, theoretical and professional vocabularies and language to create, define, interpret, argue and fluently transmit ideas in scholarly, professional and/or creative texts produced for a variety of audiences and contexts.
Digital literacy	Master generic, academic, bibliographic and industry-specific digital communication technologies to research, produce and present scholarly and creative works. Use judgement and discrimination in the identification and selection of relevant and credible information sources and with regard for their ethical use.
Critical thinking	Produce creative and critical works which address complex issues and ideas with rigor in the conduct of supporting research and presentation of evidence; Use mature critical judgment in the synthesis and application of theory; and mastery of the critical, technical and creative skills required to generate and evaluate texts produced by self and others.
Problem solving	Employ expert knowledge and skills in the use of specialist theoretical, historical and contemporary analytical and creative approaches to writing and literature that is reflected in the design and execution of creative and scholarly solutions to a range of technical, professional, aesthetic, critical and/or ideological problems.
Self-management	Demonstrate high-level initiative and independence, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development in writing and literature and as a reflective learner and practitioner in scholarly, industry and/or professional contexts.
Teamwork	Demonstrate commitment to ethical and collaborative participation in scholarly, learning and/or industry settings and active contribution to the accomplishment of mutual learning and professional goals.
Global citizenship	Develop and informed knowledge of the ethics of writing and interpreting textual representations of diverse groups, and insight into the influence of changing social, cultural and ideological factors on the production and consumption of creative, critical and professional texts. Use the highest standards of ethical conduct and social responsibility when engaging in scholarly, creative and/or professional practice in the local, national and international community.
Approved by Faculty Board October 2015

Course rules

To qualify for the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature), a student must successfully complete 16 credit points of study comprising:

6 credit points of study in either of the following configurations:

- 6 credit points from one of the specialisation options (Children's Literature, Creative Writing, Literary Studies, Professional Writing); or

- 6 credit points of cross-disciplinary study comprising ALW740, ALL743, 2 credit points of Literature units (Children's Literature and/or Literary Studies), and 2 credit points of units of Writing units (Creative Writing and/or Professional Writing)