Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing
| Duration | 2 years part-time |
| Location | Online |
| Next start term | Anytime |
| Study mode | Online |
| Course code | CM14 |
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing will provide you with the skills to write engaging works across different genres for various audiences and markets. You will have the opportunity to think critically about the craft of writing and apply techniques in crafting fiction and non-fiction pieces. The Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing also offers you the chance to practice the art of storytelling using experimentation and innovation.
The course presents you with a literary tool kit of stylistic writing techniques across various genres, including traditional fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry and scriptwriting, as well as hybrid genres such as flash fiction, speculative fiction, personal essays, narrative journalism, and concrete poetry, among others. You will also develop, apply and fine-tune the knowledge and skills you will need as a creative writer in the digital age. The Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing encourages you to explore the possibilities that technology provides the creative writer in crafting 'born digital' works.
A standout feature of the Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing is that each unit provides you with genre-specific opportunities to create a sustained piece of creative writing applying signatures of the genre. This feature makes the Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing an invaluable entry-point into the Master of Creative Writing.
The Master of Creative Writing is available to study via our flexible online Be Different platform, making it easier for you to fit study around your work and lifestyle. Enjoy the flexibility to study anytime, any place and at your own pace. You have up to three years to complete the course.
Study experience
- Authentic Learning Experiences
- Flexible Online Study
- Seamless Pathways
- Self Paced
- Start Anytime
Career Opportunities
This course provides professional development for beginning and amateur creative writers, as well as teachers, academics and other professionals who would like to complete studies in a flexible yet structured learning environment to gain literary and stylistic expertise in creative writing practices. Undertaking this course provides a pathway option for students to exit or progress forward to the Master of Creative Writing course. For other graduates, the course may contribute to industry requirements and/or professional practice.Structure & Availability
Wondering how a self-paced postgraduate course in creative writing works? Find out more about the course structure, units, assessments and more, below.
Course structure
The Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing is comprised of four core units. Your first four units are broken down into 12 modules with each module focusing on a particular topic and skills development. Each unit is six credit points and designed to require a time commitment of a total of approx 144 hours.
Assessments
Assessments are completed at your own pace - no deadlines or due dates. Assessment tasks include quizzes, interactive activities, writing activities, and short answer questions. You will also complete assessment tasks that comprise the following - The Pitch/Proposal, The Final Creative Piece (the creative artefact), and a Critical Reflection Journal.
Unit information
For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab. You will progress through your units in the below sequence:
| HUMT28001 | Elements of Creative Writing I |
| HUMT28002 | Elements of Creative Writing II |
| HUMT28003 | Creative Non-Fiction: True Stories Told Well |
| HUMT20015 | Writing Poetry and Short Dramatic Pieces |
Credit transfer information
If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
Online Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| Hyperflexible Annual Term, 2023 | Available Online |
| Hyperflexible Annual Term, 2024 | Available Online |
Majors and minors are not applicable to this course.
This course has no residential schools.
Requirements
Recommended study
As per entry requirements.
To be eligible for entry into this course, applicants must hold one of the following:
- A completed Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree, or higher equivalent qualification with a minimum cumulative course Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.0; or
- A completed AQF Bachelor degree, or higher equivalent qualification with a minimum cumulative course GPA of at least 4.0 with a minimum of 2 years’ employment experience which demonstrates the use of professional or creative writing skills; or
- A minimum of 5 years’ employment experience which demonstrates the use of professional or creative writing skills.
Employment experience must be shown in a letter of employment which is presented on a company letterhead as well as signed and dated by a delegated authority. The letter must contain position title, duties performed and length of service. Applicants being admitted on the basis of employment experience may be referred to the Head of Course to confirm employment experience meets the course requirements.
English Language Proficiency Requirements:
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University. Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:
- A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
- An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
- Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0 Completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores as below:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 overall with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall & minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or - Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.
Each student will be assessed individually.
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative Fees
| Fee Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee | $7,794 |
2024 Indicative Fees
| Fee Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee | $8,418 |
Indicative first-year fee
The fees listed are indicative only and based on enrolling in a full-time study load for one academic year (generally, this is four units for a graduate certificate or eight units for a graduate diploma or masters degree). Your fees may vary depending on the units you select and the number you study per term. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Government assistance loans
You may be eligible for FEE-HELP, an Australian Government loan scheme that helps eligible students pay their tuition fees. Provided you meet the FEE-HELP eligibility criteria, you can choose to use FEE-HELP to cover all or part of your tuition fees. Learn more about paying for university or view the FEE-HELP information booklet on the Australian Government’s Study Assist website.
Other study costs
There may be additional costs as part of your studies, such as technology expenses. Learn more about other study costs.
At CQUniversity, we believe higher education should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more.
How to apply
Apply now
This course is open for applications all year round and you can start your studies anytime. To apply, click on the apply button below.
