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

The Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Writing is designed for people who are interested in pursuing a career in Creative Writing. The Undergraduate Certificate may give student entry (and credit for the four units completed) into the Creative Writing major within the Bachelor of Arts program offered by Curtin through Open Universities Australia or the equivalent internal course, among others at Curtin and Curtin OUA.

Your introduction to creative writing at university level, and a pathway towards further study. Explore the writing process and get to know genres and forms, putting pen to paper as your write short fiction and graduating with a collection of your own.

Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Writing

If you like to express yourself creatively through writing, the Creative Writing degree will help enhance your skills across a range of writing styles, such as fiction, poetry and writing for performance, as well as emerging and experimental genres. You’ll be encouraged to improve your critical awareness and develop all the relevant professional skills required  of an author in the digital age. Each week, you will benefit from the advice and support of our tutors, many of whom are acclaimed authors, and through critical engagement with a talented peer group. Your lecturers and tutors will also advise you on processes that will prepare you to seek publication for your work.   Curtin’s creative writing graduates have had consistent success in national literary awards and publishing. The content of the major creates employment outcomes across a broad range of communications-related fields and will allow you to develop applicable language skills and conceptual understandings that will be useful across a range of other academic disciplines.

Explore styles including poetry and short fiction. Choose from electives including screen and digital. Prepare for real employment outcomes in writing, editing and publishing. Study creative writing online and transition to an online writing career.

Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)

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.

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.

Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) (Professional Writing and Publishing)

The Curtin University Professional Writing and Publishing degree prepares students for writing careers in the private, public and creative sectors through the study and practice of a range of different writing forms, including feature articles, speeches, reports, discussion papers, travel writing, history, humour, writing for the internet, promotional writing, creative non-fiction and media releases.
Students may choose to study the following combinations of two single majors to obtain the double major award:
<ul><li>Professional Writing and Publishing and Visual Culture</li><li>Digital Design and Professional Writing and Publishing</li><li>Fine Art and Professional Writing &amp; Publishing</li><li>Digital and Social Media and Professional Writing and Publishing</li></ul>
Please refer to the respective degree pages for more details.

Learn to craft articles, speeches, reports, travel writing, humour, fiction, history, creative non-fiction, media releases and how to write specifically for the internet. Find a career in research, writing, editing and publishing.

Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing and Publishing)

Creative Writing

Introduction to Creative and Professional Writing

Travel Writing

Writing for Children

Writing Short Fiction

Writing Long Fiction

Writing Genre Fiction

Experimental Writing

Writing Poetry

An introductory creative writing subject leading to completed examples of the student&#39;s own prose, poetry and writing for performance.
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>.

Unleash your inner wordsmith. Learn the narrative techniques different types of writing use and why, before putting pen to paper yourself. Develop short scenes for the stage, deconstruct poetry, and get knee-deep in creative writing workshops.

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

An intermediate subject in theory and practice of writing short prose fiction. The particular genres studied depend on availability of staff. Emphasis on critical workshop discussion leading to completed examples of the student&#39;s own work
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>.

Get to know the conventions that define different fiction genres. Then conceive, write and edit a short story in your chosen style. Learn how to give and receive constructive feedback during writing workshops, where you’ll connect with other creatives.

An intermediate subject on the theory and practice of writing poetry. An appreciation of language through textual consideration and the practice of creative writing, including drafting and editing.
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>.

Unleash your inner Shakespeare, Wilde or Plath as you put pen to paper. Get to know the concepts and techniques of poetry writing before producing your own prose. Workshop your peers’ work and submerge yourself in the writing process.

An intermediate subject in the theory and practice of writing short prose fiction. Emphasis on critical workshop discussion leading to completed examples of the students own work. The curriculum further encourages an appreciation of language through textual consideration and the practice of creative writing, including drafting and editing.
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>.

Start the next chapter in your literary learning. Learn about the traditions, parameters and possibilities of short fiction at an intermediate level. Join workshop discussions and dissect each other’s work. Find your flow with drafting and editing.

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.

An advanced subject which examines the techniques and problems involved in writing long fiction - specifically the long story, the novella and the novel. Students look at the work of a variety of fiction writers from the point of view of the writer who wants to learn how the authors of particular works succeeded. Students devise and carry out their own writing projects in long fiction.
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>.

Explore what it takes to write a novella or novel, and the challenges that can arise when planning a long fiction project. Analyse how other contemporary writers have succeeded. Compose several chapters and a synopsis for a new piece of work.

An advanced, special topic in writing for children leading to the production of marketable concepts for works of children&#39;s literature.
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>.

Discuss examples of children's literature in Australia, so you can learn from other authors' narrative techniques. Discover what it takes to develop a marketable idea for a children's book. Receive valuable feedback on a work-in-progress.

Creative non-fiction is a hybrid of literature and non-fiction. It includes narrative non-fiction, memoir, personal essay and literary journalism, and combines the diligence of the journalist, the analysis of the essayist and the story telling techniques of the novelist. The genre encompasses a broad range of topics in which the narrative events and experiences are used to explore more complex themes and issues, and in which ethical and cross-cultural issues are addressed. In this subject, you will read and analyse works of creative non-fiction and write an original work of your own.
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>.

Enter genres including the memoir and the personal essay. Question where character, story and style intersect when writing creative non-fiction. Shape your own creative non-fiction piece. Draw on what you’ve learnt about the genre and its conventions.

Writing Creative Non-Fiction

Extended, advanced study in a selected genre or individual project under the supervision of a lecturer. Applications to enrol in this subject, when pre-requisites have not been met, will be considered by the Subject Coordinator.
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>.

Wrap up your creative writing course with a fresh piece of poetry or short fiction. Under lecturer supervision, you’ll workshop, draft, and edit your project into a substantial creative work. Explore research strategies, proposals, and evaluation.  

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