Back to Find Courses page

Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing

Graduate Diploma

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    GradDipCreatWrite

  • Course code

    1108105

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Indicative Fee

    Fee paying

Overview

Do you dream of emulating the likes of Liane Moriarty, Jane Harper, Stephen King or Tim Winton with your literary creations at the top of the must-read lists? Do you want to investigate and document the most intriguing characters, events and issues? 

Whichever form of writing drives your literary passion, this course will provide the focus, feedback and advice to turn your ideas into publishable works.

We'll help you develop your skills across a number of genres, and source specific and strategic feedback from professional writers. You can also undertake an extended writing project.

With a view to publishing, editing and practical career opportunities, you’ll benefit greatly from our strong connections within the Northern Rivers arts community. Southern Cross is the education partner of the Byron Writers Festival and Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA), and supports the Bellingen Readers Writers Festival.

Course Learning Outcome

Apply critical analysis, reasoning and reflexivity to creative writing practices.

Develop innovative and creative textual responses to explore contemporary and historical social and cultural issues.

Investigate and evaluate issues with reference to principles of creativity, according to ethical conventions in the humanities.

Demonstrate a command of at least one discipline within the range of writing genres.

Apply theoretical ideas to understand and manage practical situations in creative writing.

Access, interpret and evaluate sources of information relevant to the study of creativity and the writing discipline.

Construct and present narratives in written text for an intended audience.

Demonstrate an awareness of a variety of cultural voices with a commitment to Indigenous and local perspectives on social and cultural issues.

This course has no majors but you undertake an extended writing project as well as the following units:

  • Creative nonfiction
  • Literary studies
  • Poetics
  • Writing across the genres
  • Writing as a profession.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Online Session 1, Session 2 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

All applicants must have completed a three-year undergraduate degree or be able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience.

Credit for prior learning

Candidates who can demonstrate writing expertise (based on work at a professional level that has been published within the five-year period prior to admission to candidature) may be granted Advanced Standing of up to two units. 

Course requirements

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing a candidate shall successfully complete the 8 units (96 credit points) listed in the Schedule of Units.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes

Year 1, Session 2

WRI82004 -  Creative Nonfiction Intermediate
WRI81003 -  Contemporary Reading and Writing Practices Introductory

Year 2, Session 1

WRI81004 -  Literary Studies: Reading Culture Introductory
WRI82006 -  Poetics Intermediate

Year 2, Session 2

WRI83004 -  Writing Project A (Research and Writing) Advanced
WRI82005 -  Writing Across the Genres Intermediate

Year 3, Session 1

WRI83005 -  Writing Project B (Writing as Research) Advanced
WRI83006 -  Writing as a Profession Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes

Year 1, Session 1

WRI81003 -  Contemporary Reading and Writing Practices Introductory
WRI81004 -  Literary Studies: Reading Culture Introductory

Year 1, Session 2

WRI82005 -  Writing Across the Genres Intermediate
WRI82004 -  Creative Nonfiction Intermediate

Year 2, Session 1

WRI83004 -  Writing Project A (Research and Writing) Advanced
WRI82006 -  Poetics Intermediate

Year 2, Session 2

WRI83005 -  Writing Project B (Writing as Research) Advanced
WRI83006 -  Writing as a Profession Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
WRI81003 Contemporary Reading and Writing Practices Introductory
WRI81004 Literary Studies: Reading Culture Introductory
WRI82005 Writing Across the Genres Intermediate
WRI82004 Creative Nonfiction Intermediate
WRI82006 Poetics Intermediate
WRI83004 Writing Project A (Research and Writing) Advanced
WRI83005 Writing Project B (Writing as Research) Advanced
WRI83006 Writing as a Profession Advanced