Open Universities Australia

Student Hub home

Plan and enrol

Statements

Manage your studies

Manage your account

Study essentials

Key dates

Access LMS

Get support

Architecture & construction

Art & creative design

Business & management

Community services & care

Education & teaching

Engineering

Health & medical science

Humanities & social science

IT & computer science

Law & justice

Media & communication

Psychology & mental health

Science

Search all courses

Explore study online

Undergraduate degrees

Postgraduate courses

University certificates

Pathways and pre-university

Single subjects

Microcredentials

Short courses

Study types

Help me choose a course

Chat with a student advisor

Compare courses

Degrees vs single subjects

Choosing a course

Study online

How OUA works

How to enrol

RPL and credit

Study planning

Minimum age requirements

Textbooks & study materials

Computer requirements

International students

Getting started

Student loans

Study allowances

Commonwealth supported places

Fees

Financial options

Disability support

Elite athletes

Exams

Natural disaster support

Special Circumstances

Study preparation

Student support

Support

Your studies

Advice

13 6736

Study undergraduate certificate online with Curtin University through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

The Undergraduate Professional Writing and Publishing is designed for people who are interested in pursuing a career in Professional Writing and Publishing. The Undergraduate Certificate may enable entry (and credit for the four units completed) into the Professional Writing and Publishing major within the Bachelor of Arts among others at Curtin OUA.

Work on your writing, editing, and publishing skills at university level. If you’re interested in a professional communications career, start here for core skills and experience with different mediums. Launch your future with a writing qualification.

Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Writing and Publishing

Editing

Academic Writing

Grammar and Writing

Academic and Professional Communications

Introduction to Creative and Professional Writing

Introduction to Video Production

Professional Writing

Travel Writing

Writing for Children

Professional and Technical Communication

This subject was previously known as HUM100 Engaging in the Humanities.Research, written communication and oral presentation in academic and professional contexts. Develop reflective, critical and evaluative thinking and teamwork skills, and the ability to articulate the practices that lead to successful learning.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Immerse yourself in the world of academic reflection and discussion. Explore how to effectively wield language in professional arenas. Master academic referencing and research methods. Write essays and deliver oral presentations using clear language.

This subject was previously known as Writing, Editing and Publishing.The subject provides a practical introduction to editing. Students learn about the editor&#39;s role and profession, the publishing process and editorial project management; and they learn and practise the skills needed for professional proofreading and copyediting, including language skills, on the page and the screen. Student learning is graduated through a series of successively higher-level editing tasks, which students practise thoroughly in workshops, and are assessed in before moving to a higher level.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Put yourself in the role of the editor and find out where they sit in the publishing process. Polish up your proofreading and copyediting skills. Look at editing symbols. Consider layout and design. Measure print publishing against its online cousin.

This subject was previously known as Introduction to Writing.This subject explores representation in writing and how the dynamic relationship between Self and Other plays a central role in the writing process. The representation of the self and of others is central to a broad range of written genres and forms. Students of professional writing will find that the subject introduces them to a variety of genres and forms essential to the portfolio of a professional writer, and will discover how creative writing techniques can enrich their professional work.This subject is NOT an introduction to the mechanics of writing (grammar, punctuation, expression, etc.), but an introduction to the writing profession, publishing and the genres and forms of creative and professional writing.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Step into the world of publishing and professional writing. Draft ways to conduct research when planning your writing. Focus on genres like the personal essay and the short story. Create your own written piece drawing on a range of techniques

This subject concentrates on contemporary travel writing in the short story/feature/essay form and has instructional value for both creative and professional writing students.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Learn travel writing conventions through short exercises and discussions. Discover how freelance travel writers find work and develop relationships with editors. Develop a publishable piece of travel writing that you could pitch to a publication.

The subject examines screening writing techniques and practices in how to develop and create a narrative screenplay for drama production across a range of genres.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Transfer ideas from your head onto the written page. Consider character motivations as you experiment with their story arcs and relationships. See how scripts use structure, genre, foreshadowing and motifs to create and fuel drama.

Introduction to Screenwriting

This subject provides students with the opportunity to apply their existing knowledge and skills in order to publish real books, by real authors, for real readers. Depending on the books accepted for publication, where these books are in the publishing process, and the skills and interests of individual students, the subject will vary from semester to semester, as well as from student to student. Nonetheless, every student will be involved in at least two of the following publishing processes: acquisitions, editorial, design, print production, digital production, marketing, and sales. Students will also learn about project management, collaborative problem-solving, financial planning, brand development, social media marketing, and more, as these are all required to operate a real publishing house. The skills developed and practised in this unit are transferrable to a wide variety of industries and workplaces. The Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) approach used in this subject represents a blend of curricular and workplace learning – of theory and practice – which is used to achieve outcomes that meet the needs and expectations of both a diverse student body and the diverse industries that employ students majoring in Professional Writing and Publishing.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Immerse yourself in a real-world experience of publishing. You’ll apply your skills to editing and designing a real book. Cover publishing processes from acquisitions to sales. Explore marketing practices including brand development and social media.

Publishing Studio

This subject introduces you to writing tasks that are common to a variety of workplaces. You practise the types of writing that help you get a job, including cover letters and resumes, as well as the types of writing that help you succeed in virtually any industry, such as emails and website copywriting. This subject helps you begin to understand how your writing skills can be applied to a career that matches your interests and values.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Writing skills to help you get a job and keep it. You’ll stand out with a well written resume and cover letter. And when you’re in the workplace, you’ll write great emails and copy for websites. Learn to consider your audience and write for accessibility.

Workplace Writing

This subject provides advanced practical editing instruction, and allows students to build on existing knowledge and skills. They learn and practice the skills of editing to a real-world publishing project in which project management skills, high-level editing skills, and professional writing skills are utilised. The capacity to work independently and collaboratively to take a written text from submission to publication is developed. Students also learn to analyse and reflect on issues relevant to contemporary publishing industries.﻿Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Apply your editing skills to real-world publishing. You’ll explore the tools and processes used in the publishing industry. Learn to work with authors. Consider audiences and markets. Practice project management and teamwork on a professional project.

Publishing

This subject was previously known as MCA110 Narrating Selves.Narratives underpin a range of cultural artefacts. This subject explores key elements of narrative construction such as story and narration; time and space; narrating perspective and voice. It also examines the ways in which their elements function in relation to audiences and their social contexts.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject, you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Examine storytelling and take apart how narratives are constructed. Sift through space, time, perspective and voice. Shine the spotlight on audiences. Take a closer look at narrative fiction and non-fiction and their approach to communication.

Engaging Narrative

This subject was previously known as Writing, Rhetoric and Persuasion.This subject introduces students to foundational skills in professional writing. It offers development of critical and analytical reading and writing skills and develops an understanding of the use of argument and persuasion in the field of public discourse.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Learn how to convince your audience to come with you on a journey. Consider the value in subtle and overt persuasive writing. Craft arguments using a variety of framing, literary and communication devices. Write and edit speeches and online documents.

Course results for Curtin University Undergraduate Writing Degrees

Need help choosing a course?

Keep track of your favourites

Create an account