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Study 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

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)

This degree was previously known as Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications and Professional Writing and Publishing).
This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of digital and social media and professional writing &amp; publishing. Digital and Social Media  major provides you with an opportunity to learn in detail about the human dimensions of the internet: how people network, collaborate and share information through internet communications, media and design. You will develop advanced skills in creating, maintaining and managing online communications for personal and commercial interactions, as well as gaining knowledge of the social and cultural contexts within which those interactions occur.
The Professional Writing and Publishing major 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.

Write and edit content to publish online. Craft diverse writing styles and genres from features to speeches for personal and commercial audiences. Explore how people network and connect using the internet. Design websites and online experiences.

Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media) (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, personal essays, memoir, website copywriting, social media writing, promotional writing, creative non-fiction, and media releases. Students also study and practice editing and publishing.Students may choose to study the following combinations of two single majors to obtain the double major award:<ul><li>Creative Writing and Professional Writing and Publishing</li><li>Digital and Social Media and Professional Writing and Publishing</li><li>Digital Experience and Interaction Design and Professional Writing and Publishing</li><li>Fine Art and Professional Writing &amp; Publishing</li><li>Professional Writing and Publishing and Visual Culture</li><li>Digital Design 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)

This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of fine art and professional writing &amp; publishing. The Fine Art degree draws upon the diverse and complex traditions of Fine Art and calls for a high degree of self-discipline, a capacity for self-criticism and dedication to the demanding profession of being an artist. This major aims to produce highly accomplished and knowledgeable graduates able to contribute to the artistic, aesthetic and social needs of contemporary society. The Professional Writing and Publishing major 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.

Draw on your complementary skill set when you engage with both fine art and professional writing. Create a career that calls on your cultural engagement, learn how to effectively communicate with an audience, and satisfy your creative passions.

Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Professional Writing and Publishing)

This degree was previously known as Bachelor of Arts (Digital Design and Professional Writing and Publishing).
This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of digital design and professional writing &amp; publishing. This degree enables students to understand web-based design, 2-D and 3-D animation design, digital photography, digital illustration and rendering, interactive and experience design, simulations and modelling, and electronic game design along with preparing 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.

Double down on your options when you combine digital design with the ability to adapt your writing for a variety of platforms. Become a one stop shop for digital content creation, able to work individually or collaboratively to engage audiences. 

Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (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. In the Visual Culture major students explore the history and theories of art and learn to critically evaluate how art informs our world. Students are also trained in practices of seeing and representation through technical and intuitive skills based in drawing.

Draft up and edit your writing career that combines art and culture. Get critical and gain perspective about writing in various forms and for diverse genres. Visualise contemporary art and design. Brush up on your critical art evaluation skills.

Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing and Publishing) (Visual Culture)

Narrative Nonfiction

Skills in Professional Writing

Feature Writing

Critical Friends: The Real and Virtual Support of Writers

Techniques in Academic Reading and Writing

News Writing and Ethics

Workplace Writing

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.

Academic and Professional Communications

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.

Editing

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

Introduction to Creative and Professional Writing

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.

Travel Writing

The complex processes, strategies, attitudes and language that characterise academic learning, research and writing are identified, discussed, practiced and applied in relation to set tasks to build a foundation for academic success.
Please Note: This subject cannot be used as credit towards a university degree. However, it is designed to enable students to qualify for entry to an undergraduate degree.
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>.

Restock your academic skillset with proven writing and research strategies. Understand how to plan effectively before writing starts. Get the rundown on referencing and source evaluation. Learn about the peer review process and incorporate feedback.

Fundamentals of Academic Writing

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.

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.

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