Master of Arts (Writing and Literature)
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) |
| Deakin course code | A764 |
| Course credit points | 16 |
| Course version | 3 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Education |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2026 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Online,Burwood (Melbourne)* |
| Campus note | *The next available Burwood (Melbourne) intake will be for 2027 |
| Duration | The time and cost could be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years, or even 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information. |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | The course map for students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 will be available soon Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS code | 083999E Burwood (Melbourne) |
| 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
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Hone your expertise in writing and literature and gain practical tools in critical analysis, editing and research. Deakin’s Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) gives you the skills to analyse literary works, build your creative writing practice and craft publishable pieces of professional writing.
Designed for emerging and established writers alike, the course helps you refine your craft, deepen your literary knowledge and take the next step in your career. Choose from children’s literature, creative writing, literary studies or professional writing, or take a cross-disciplinary path. Learn from published authors and leading scholars, build skills in research, communication and critical analysis, and complete projects shaped by contemporary industry practice. With mentoring, internships and work-integrated learning opportunities you will graduate ready to write, publish and make your mark.
Career opportunities
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 puts you in a strong position to explore a range of career pathways including:
- author
- editor
- literary critic
- publisher
- advertising executive
- communications specialist
- copywriter
- journalist
- public relations practitioner
- English teacher (combined with an initial teaching qualification)
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
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
| Graduate Certificate of Writing and Literature (A535) | |
| Graduate Diploma of Writing and Literature (A664) |
Research information
Students will undertake at least 5 credit points of research units consisting of research methods, theory and research-based project units where they will be required to complete either a creative thesis with a critical component or a critical thesis.
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Articulate specialist knowledge of a range of literary and creative writing theories, concepts, and approaches, and apply them to the study of literature and the production of written work |
| Communicate through writing that employs advanced command of the critical and theoretical vocabularies and language required to interpret, argue and fluently and persuasively transmit ideas about writing and literature. |
| 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 scholarly work in writing and literature. |
| Utilise theory and research to critically analyse and apply appropriate forms and conventions in writing and to evaluate the influence of narrative strategies, genre conventions and cultural assumptions on works of literature. |
| Apply a range of theoretical, historical and contemporary critical and analytical approaches to the design and execution of solutions to a range of scholarly, aesthetic and ideological problems that emerge from the analysis and writing of literature |
| Act with autonomy and initiative while being accountable for working effectively, efficiently and to a high standard in order to achieve goals in writing and literature. |
| Actively contribute to peer feedback activities and make constructive, respectful, and informed contributions to creative and critical collaboration in writing and literature |
| Identify, select, critically analyse, and apply 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 rules
To complete the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 16-credit point Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of Literature discipline core
- 4 credit points of Writing discipline core
- 4 credit points of capstone units chosen from the following:
- Capstone A (4 credit points)
- Capstone B (4 credit points)
- any remaining credit points can be chosen from course electives.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin |
Literature Discipline Core
| ALL706 | Fantasy and Historical Fictions |
| ALL708 | Graphic Narratives |
| ALL728 | Studies in the Discipline |
| ALW727 | Clued In: Crime Fiction and Film |
Writing Discipline Core
| ALL721 | Writing for Children |
| ALL722 | Texts for Young Adults |
| ALL784 | Writing Beyond Boundaries: Finding Form |
| ALW732 | Fiction Writing: Story, Structure and Starting Out |
Capstone Units
Capstone A
| ALX705 | Fundamentals of Research |
| ALX724 | Masters Research Project C |
| ALX725 | Masters Research Project D |
| ALL743 | Foundations in Writing and Literature |
Or
Capstone B
(Minimum 70% WAM and subject to Course Director approval)
| ALX705 | Fundamentals of Research |
| ALX723 | Masters Research Project B |
| ALX724 | Masters Research Project C |
| ALX725 | Masters Research Project D |
ALX720 Minior Research Project [No longer available for enrolment]
Course electives
Electives are to be chosen from units within the specialisations/disciplines of the Master of Communication, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Film and Television or Master of Artificial Intelligence for Design and Creative Practice.
The internship unit ACC700 is also available.
Please Note: Course 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.
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.
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.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.