Overview

Course Objectives

The Writing course provides students with the opportunity to develop:

• A deep understanding of a range of writing genres
• An ability to make links between developments and opportunities across diverse writing environments
• An ability to connect writing theory and writing practice
• A knowledge of trends in writing, media and new practices
• Communications skills within professional and creative areas
• Creative capacities related to all forms and genres of writing

Eligibility

The Writing course has two entrance pathways:

Academic
Applicants require an undergraduate degree or equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution. Applicants with an appropriate postgraduate diploma or equivalent are also eligible to apply.

Or

RPL + work experience
Entry may be granted to applicants through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and relevant work experience. Entry points will vary according to Swinburne Exemption and RPL policies.

The recommended progression to Masters level for applicants without prior studies is through the Graduate Certificate in the first instance, with articulation to Graduate Diploma and Masters levels being conditional upon successful completion of the subordinate level.

How to Apply

This course is restricted. Students are required to apply and be approved by Swinburne University of Technology before they can enrol in units through OUA.

Applications for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Arts (Writing) are due by Friday two weeks prior to the close of enrolment.

Please complete the application form below.

1. Read information requirements

   • Select to apply for one or more courses listed on the application form, taking note of the eligibility criteria for each course. If you want to apply for a (restricted) course with a different university, you'll need to submit a separate application from the relevant course page.

   • Read all parts of the application form in advance:

     Receive a faster response by ensuring you have all the required information ready before you start. If you have a web account, sign in first to pre-fill personal details we already have for you on record.

     If you do not have a web account, you'll need to register one within the application form. Once you've registered an account, you'll then be signed in. From here you can choose to complete your application and submit it, or save and return to it later.

     Completing this application should take 15 to 20 minutes.

   • Need help completing your application? Contact us:

     If in doubt about any of the information required to support your application, the more information you can provide the better. If you have any academic queries including how to request credit transfer, contact Swinburne University of Technology directly. For all other enquiries, contact us.

   • Next steps:

     After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email containing a copy of your application for your records.

     Your application will be assessed within 2-4 weeks, and if further information is required, we will contact you. Once your application has been assessed, we will be in touch via email to notify you of the outcome. At the latest this will be one week after the closing date for applications.

     If, after submitting your application, you wish to change your preferences or submit an additional document, please email apply@open.edu.au. Include your full name as it appeared on the application.

2. Prepare supporting documents

   • Check that you have all the required documents, according to individual course requirements and your personal circumstances, specifically:

     1. Your curriculum vitae - required for entry into postgraduate courses only.
     2. Certified copies of academic transcripts - required in most cases but check course eligibility rules.
     3. A letter of recommendation from your employer on company letterhead - recommended for entry using work experience.
     4. Certified legal documentation - if you have changed your name e.g. a marriage certificate, deed poll name change certificate.
     5. Certified legal documentation - if you need to correct an error in your date of birth e.g. a birth certificate.
     6. English language test results - if your courses were not predominantly in English e.g. IELTS or equivalent test results.
     7. Official translations of any documents not in English.

     A "certified" copy is a copy bearing the recognised mark of a Justice of the Peace, Commission of Oaths or declarations, Public Notary or a Solicitor.

   • Create an electronic copy of your attachments:

     For each certified document, scan and save it on your computer. Save your curriculum vitae to your computer, then get ready to upload all documents in the form.

   • Do not send original documents as they will not be returned.

Study Materials

The media used to teach these units include online materials and CD-ROM materials. Online, students will use resources such as weblinks and discussion forums with students and tutors. Students also receive a CD-ROM that includes all the lectures (in audio files) as well as PDF full-text lectures.

As this course is taught online, students will need easy and frequent access to a computer with the internet and email.

Award Requirements

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Arts in Writing students must complete four units.

Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit

Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry to the course with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.

Contact the Swinburne OUA Coordinator for more information: ouald@swin.edu.au

Recommended Study Pattern

The following units have been withdrawn from the course:
LPW502 Research to Publication
LPW701A Publication Folio Part A
LPW701B Publication Folio Part B
LPW700 The Writerly Self
LPW703 Electronic Writing

Students who have completed any of these units should contact the course coordinator for advice before enrolling in any of the new equivalent units listed below:

Related Courses

This course sits within a group of courses, giving you the flexibility to study towards different levels of qualification. The courses are listed from the highest to the lowest qualification.

• Master of Arts (Writing)
• Graduate Diploma of Arts in Writing
• Graduate Certificate of Arts in Writing

Course Structure