Master of Arts (Writing and Literature)
2019 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2019 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) |
| Course Map | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2019. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2019. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 3 2019. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser. |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Cloud Campus | Yes |
| Duration | Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) is typically 1, 1.5 or 2 years duration.
Deakin courses can also be studied part time over a longer period. |
| Deakin course code | A764 |
| Approval status | This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Alternative exits
- Research information
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of specialisations
- Other learning experiences
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.
Career opportunities
This course is designed to broaden the skills of those working as teachers, librarians and writers, as well as professionals working in associated fields such as publishing and promotion. The course is also suitable if you are seeking a qualification to refocus your career options.
For more information go to 'DeakinTALENT
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
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.
Alternative exits
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 November 2018 | |
Course rules
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:
Option 1
6 credit points from one of the specialisation options (Children's Literature, Creative Writing, Literary Studies, Professional Writing);
Plus
- 4 credit points of capstone unite (Capstone A)
- 6 credit points of electives
or
- 6 credit points of capstone units (Capstone B)
- 4 credit points of elective units
Or
Option 2
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)
Plus
- 4 credit points of capstone unite (Capstone A)
- 6 credit points of electives
or
- 6 credit points of capstone units (Capstone B)
- 4 credit points of elective units
All students must also complete: AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Course structure
Capstone Units
Capstone A
| ALX705 | Critical and Creative Research Methods |
| ALX726 | Masters Research Theory A |
| ALX720 | Minor Research Project (2 credit points) |
Plus 2 electives
Or
Capstone B (Subject to course director approval)
| ALX705 | Critical and Creative Research Methods |
| ALX726 | Masters Research Theory A |
| ALX722 | Masters Research Project A |
| ALX723 | Masters Research Project B |
| ALX724 | Masters Research Project C |
| ALX725 | Masters Research Project D |
Course structure
Electives
Electives are to be 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.
Note: The internship unit ACC700 is also available.
Course structure
Units
Either;
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 of -
| ALW740 | Foundations in Professional and Creative Writing |
| ALL743 | Foundations in Narrative Theory |
Plus 2 credit points of Literature units (Children's Literature and/or Literary Studies)
Plus 2 credit points of Writing units (Creative Writing and/or Professional Writing)
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Details of specialisations
Professional Writing
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Cloud (online)
Units
Students must complete:
| ALW740 | Foundations in Professional and Creative Writing |
| ALW725 | Writing Manifestos |
And complete four of the following units:
| ALC708 | Blogging and Online Communication Techniques |
| ALJ728 | Feature Writing |
| ALW738 | Editing |
| ALW739 | Publishing |
| ACA715 | Creative Enterprise Project |
Note: Students may complete all five available units by taking the 5th unit as one of their electives
Details of specialisations
Creative Writing
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Cloud (online)
Units
Students must complete:
| ALW740 | Foundations in Professional and Creative Writing |
| ALW725 | Writing Manifestos |
And complete four of the following units:
| ALW730 | Creative Nonfiction: the Personal Essay |
| ALW732 | Fiction Writing: Story, Structure and Starting Out |
| ALW734 | Script Writing |
| ALW736 | Experiments in Writing |
| ALW738 | Editing |
Note: Students may complete all five available units by taking the 5th unit as one of their electives
Details of specialisations
Literary Studies
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Cloud (online)
Units
Students must complete:
| ALL743 | Foundations in Narrative Theory |
| ALL728 | Literary Narratives |
And complete four of the following units:
| ALL702 | Criticism of Literature for Children: A Variety of Approaches |
| ALL705 | Vision and Revision: Short Stories Now |
| ALL706 | Historical Fiction |
| ALL727 | Sex, the Body, and American Poetry |
| ALL784 | Writing and Film |
Note: Students may complete all five available units by taking the 5th unit as one of their electives
Details of specialisations
Childrens Literature
Campuses
Cloud (online)
Units
Students must complete:
| ALL743 | Foundations in Narrative Theory |
| ALL728 | Literary Narratives |
And complete four of the following units:
| ALL701 | Retelling Myths and Tales: Classic to Contemporary |
| ALL702 | Criticism of Literature for Children: A Variety of Approaches |
| ALL708 | The Picture Book: Reading and Writing |
| ALL721 | Writing Fiction for Young Adults |
| ALL722 | Texts for Young Adults |
Note: Students may complete all five available units by taking the 5th unit as one of their electives
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Other learning experiences
There will be opportunities throughout the course for students to engage with industry professionals. These experiences will be integrated into units where students will have external clients or industry representatives provide content to more closely connect the learning experience with industry practices.