Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
UndergraduateCUR-CWP-DEG2024
Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Write your own stories and develop the work of others
Develop your own voice as you explore genres including poetry. You’ll learn how to plan and research your projects. Polish your grammar, practice proofreading and copyediting. Witness words transforming from wispy thoughts to professional pieces.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
Entry pathways available with no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online study with practicum placement
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 23
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
About this degree
Creative Writing
On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:
- identify, explain and apply the key disciplinary concepts in Creative Writing
- integrate theory and creative practice; conceive, develop and evaluate innovative new writing
- access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information and synthesise key facts, themes and ideas in writing
- communicate ideas to a range of audiences and in a variety of media and genres
- use technologies to access resources, communicate effectively and develop writing and research skills
- use disciplinary skills and knowledge to learn how to learn, and apply these insights to new writing and to the different intellectual and professional roles required of a writer in the broader community
- acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national and global perspectives and the impact of this on writing and the creative industries
- value a range of cultural knowledge and take care to represent these, where appropriate, in an ethical and professional manner
- work independently and/or collaboratively to produce innovative and informed creative writing that contributes meaningfully to contemporary culture
Professional Writing and Publishing
On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:
- identify, explain and apply the key disciplinary concepts and principles in professional writing and publishing
- integrate theory and creative practice in the production and analysis of professional writing texts; conceive, develop and evaluate innovative modes of professional communication
- access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information, and synthesise key facts, themes and ideas in professional writing and publishing
- effectively communicate ideas to a range of audiences, across a variety of media, genres, and purposes
- use and evaluate a range of appropriate technologies to access resources, communicate effectively, and develop writing and research skills
- use and reflect on disciplinary skills and knowledge to develop autonomous learning, and apply these insights to writing in a range of different professional contexts
- acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national and global perspectives and the impact of this on professional writing and publishing
- recognise and value the diversity of cultural knowledge and practices, taking care to represent these, where appropriate, in an ethical and professional manner
- work independently and/or collaboratively to produce innovative, creative and ethical professional writing that is appropriate to a variety of professional and cultural contexts.
Bachelor Degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications.
This course offers students the opportunity to study one or two disciplines from a wide range of majors. Students choosing only one major will also choose the elective stream where they will be able to choose further units from the same discipline as their chosen major or may choose units from throughout the university. The first year of the course enables students to choose foundation units suitable to their needs and begin study in their chosen major(s), where appropriate.
Recommended study pattern
To complete the degree as a full time student, a maximum of two subjects per Study Period is recommended.
Level 1
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communication (core subject)
- COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
- CWG100 Creative Writing (Creative Writing major subject)
- PWP110 Introduction to Creative and Professional Writing (Professional Writing and Publishing major subject)
- PWP121 Writing, Rhetoric and Persuasion (Professional Writing and Publishing major subject)
- Three Level 1 elective subjects.
Level 2
- Four Level 2 Creative Writing major subjects: CWG200, CWG210, CWG220 and CWG240.
- Four Level 2 Professional Writing and Publishing major subjects: PWP210, PWP211, PWP230 and PWP240.
Level 3
- Three Level 3 Creative Writing major subjects: CWG310, CWG340 (double subject) and choose from CWG300 OR CWG320.
- Four Level 3 Professional Writing and Publishing major subjects: PWP310, PWP311, PWP323 and PWP330.
The Bachelor of Arts degree incorporates a progressive structure of subjects designed to build knowledge and enable you to successfully progress through the degree.
NOTE: No more than 10 subjects can be completed from Level 1 subjects.
Award requirements
To obtain the award for the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) (Professional Writing and Publishing), students must complete a total of 23 subjects:
- 2 Common core subjects
- 8 Creative Writing major subjects
- 10 Professional Writing major subjects
- 3 Electives
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
2024 Changes
The following Subjects will be offered from 2024:
- PWP230 Publishing
- PWP240 Workplace Writing
- PWP330 Publishing Studio
They will replace the following, which will no longer be offered in 2024:
- PWP221 Writing Feature Articles
- PWP220 Tricks of Truth and Authenticity
- PWP322 Advanced Editing and Publishing
- PWP324 Portfolio Development for Writers
Students who have completed the above subjects will have them counted towards the completion of their degrees.
For assistance with Student Services, please phone 1300 222 888 between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm AWST (Tuesday from 9:30 am), Monday to Friday, or contact Curtin Connect via the Ask Connect Webform.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $40,051
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 14
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 15
Entry requirements
Start small with no entry requirements
Yes, you can get into this degree!
Start with an undergraduate certificate regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:
Undergraduate certificate
Start with a certificate
Complete an undergraduate certificate in as little as six months. You'll gain a recognised qualification and credit to bring to the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) (Professional Writing and Publishing).
View certificate detailsContinue to the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
Enter the degree with full credit from your certificate. You'll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.
Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required).
Successful study through OUA – either:
- Successful completion of four OUA degree level subjects at pass level (this satisfies the English language proficiency requirement) OR
- Successful completion of two OUA degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.
- Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
- Finished secondary education more than two years ago.
- Bridging and enabling degree entry.
- Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
- Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.
Additional Information
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
- Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications
Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:
- Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
- Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.
Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.
To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.
More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Study method requirements
PWP323 has a practicum placement requirement.
Career opportunities
Graduates will have opportunities in research, writing, editing and publishing in government and industry as well as the not-for-profit sector, arts organisations and the magazine and book industries. Graduates will be equipped with relevant industry skills specific to careers as: writer, editor, publisher.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Authors, and Book and Script Editors | N/A^ | Down 8.5% |
Bloggers, Critics, Sports and Other Writers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Copywriters | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Journalists and Other Writers | $75K to $93K | Up 0.9% |
Technical Writers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
^ There is no data available
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
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