Warning! There have been changes to the course - please refer to the transition information
Warning! This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
Postgraduate SWI-WRI-GDI-2023
Graduate Diploma of Writing
Explore the global opportunities presented by electronic media
Gain a deep understanding of research, writing for electronic media, journalism, history writing and script adaptation for stage screen and multimedia. There is always a steady demand for graduates with traditional and electronic writing skills
Available loans
Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Total subjects
8
Price
From
$27,400
Study method
100% Online
Assessments
100% online
Credit available
Yes
Applications Close
- 14 May 23
- 13 Aug 23
- 12 Nov 23
Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.
Learn more about Swinburne.
Explore Swinburne courses.
QS Ranking 2023
18
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023
22
Need help?
Our student advisors are here to guide you with:
- Enrolling and eligibility
- Fee and loan information
- Credit and recognition for prior learning
Degree structure
Core subjects
Major subjects
Elective subjects
Degree
Degree details
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Writing will be able to:
- Apply analytical skills to evaluate, review, consolidate and synthesise knowledge of writing theory and practice in specific forms;
- Identify and provide solutions to complex creative problems related to the construction and interpretation of writing related texts in specific and specialised forms;
- Apply specialised technical and creative skills needed to generate industry ready texts in specific forms;
- Review and think critically about the writing of self and others through provision of constructive industry standard feedback;
- Use industry applicable communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical concepts related to writing and criticism needed to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences of creative works;
- Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to make high level, independent judgements in a range of technical or management functions specific to creative practice in varied specialised contexts related to specific writing forms;
- Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for writing-related personal outputs and aspects of working with others within specialised fields, including through the development of sustainable and independent writing practices.
Higher education
You must meet one of the following requirements:
- A recognised bachelor degree; or
- A Graduate Certificate of Writing or Graduate Certificate of Arts (Writing) or equivalent
English Proficiency Requirements
English language requirements: (International students only)
IELTS (Academic Module): Overall 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0; or Swinburne English Language Centre: EAP 5 Advanced level with overall 70% and all skills 65% or above; or TOEFL iBT: minimum score 79 (Reading no less than 18, Writing no less than 20); or equivalent measures available at http://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/international/apply/entry-requirements/
Please note: This course is not available to international students who will be studying in Australia on a student visa (subclass 500).
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. For further details for students considering Higher Education degrees visit the RPL website: http://www.future.swinburne.edu.au/pathways/workforce/index.html
Credit Transfer
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this degree may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the degree with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information please refer to http://www.swinburne.edu.au/open-universities-australia/advanced-standing-rpl.html
The constant need for content in print, digital, film, and broadcast media means that writers are in greater demand than ever before. This course aims to build on the skills developed in the Graduate Certificate of Writing in order to further specialise student’s skills to an industry ready level in preparation for creative, professional, and academic publication opportunities.
Graduates will have advanced knowledge of industry and creative practices and be able to critically apply this knowledge and skills across a range of specialisations in the field of professional and creative writing.
The Graduate Diploma of Writing forms the second stage in a three-stage nested suite of programs consisting of:
- Graduate Certificate of Writing
- Graduate Diploma of Writing
- Master of Writing
Recommended Study Pattern
To qualify for a Graduate Diploma of Writing, a student must complete all eight core subjects. A subject can only be counted once. The program is delivered entirely online and is supported with eTutors, tutorials, print materials, websites and CD-ROMs.
Each subject is worth 12.5 credit points so a total of 100 credit points (8 subjects) must be studied to complete the Graduate Diploma of Writing qualification. In each year, eight subjects normally constitute a full-time load of 100 credit points and four subjects normally constitute a part-time load of 50 credit points.
Students who did not commence their program in the current year are required to follow the program structure available to them at the time of admission.
Taking time off from study (Absent Without Leave and Leave of Absence): How to apply for an approved leave of absence and minimise the risk of having to reapply for degree admission: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/current-students/manage-course/enrolment-timetable/time-off/
Award Requirements
To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Writing students must complete 100 credit points comprising of:
- Eight (8) core subjects (100 credit points)
Please note: You cannot re-enrol into Swinburne subjects that you have already passed.
Exit Points
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma of Writing may articulate to the Master of Writing.
The Graduate Certificate of Writing is also an early exit point for the Graduate Diploma of Writing.
From Study Period 1 2019, the Master of Arts (Writing) changed to the Master of Writing. The Course Structure will remain the same with some minor changes to subjects.
Master of Writing and nested degrees including the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma
Students may choose to stay in the current Course title or transfer to the new Course title. Students who wish to transfer to the new Course title must complete the online Course Transition Application to change your Course before the close of enrolments for SP1, 2020.
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma students
If you are enrolled in one of the nested levels of the Course (Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma) and are interested to apply for and enrol in the Masters, you must submit an OUA Course Transition Application online before close of enrolments for SP4, 2019. This is the last date that enrolments will be accepted.
For all students
The following changes to subjects apply from 2019:
PWR70002 Online Writing changing to PWR70002 Writing for Digital Media
PWR70003 Script Adaptation: Stage, Screen and Multimedia replaced by PWR70005 Scriptwriting
PWR80001 Critical and Creative Practices: The Writerly Identity changing to PWR80001 Creativity for Practice
PWR80002 Script Writing will no longer be offered
PWR80004 Writing and New Media replaced by PWR80006 Creative Industry Enterprise
Easy apply
You can apply direct through Open Universities Australia.
Once you've checked your eligibility, apply and enrol for this degree following the steps.
Select ‘Apply now’
Choose subjects to begin your application. You can choose 1 or 2 subjects to start.
Complete your details
Provide your details and select a funding option. You can pay up-front or apply for government funding in your application.
We're here to help answer your questions. Our friendly student advisors provide 7 day support.