Master of Creative Writing

Graduates in the Master of Creative Writing have the skills and knowledge to work in Arts industries as writers, editors and creative content producers; as technical, professional and creative writers; in publishing, marketing and publicity. Expertise in written composition and analysis also make the graduates employable in government and public service positions, and in industries which require high level communication skills not normally associated with written composition, such as the banking and financial sectors. Expertise in learning and teaching of creative writing and the analysis of contemporary literature enables graduates to work in primary and secondary school settings and libraries as heads of subject and mentors with advanced knowledge of their field.

Professional recognition

Units of study can contribute to primary and secondary teacher ongoing Professional Learning requirement.

Higher education

• AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent, or
• Meet two of the following three criteria:
  • AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
  • Approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning
  • AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65

Creative Portfolio requirement

A portfolio of creative writing with a covering letter is required for the assessment of your application. For information about the portfolio, check this guide. For information about the program, email the Course Director, Associate Professor Jane Messer.

English Proficiency Requirements

The required standard of English for this program is:

Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall (with minimum 6 in each band) or equivalent.

All applicants to coursework programs at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. 

For more information on accepted equivalents, please see English Language Requirements.

You may be eligible for credit against individual units in your course at Macquarie if you have additional postgraduate-level study or qualifications beyond those required for admission.

For more information see our Recognition of Prior Learning page or submit an enquiry.

The Master of Creative Writing is designed to extend and challenge emerging writers to hone their craft in a small community of writers. The focus is on developing your creativity and writing skills, and to provide expert training if you are aiming for professional publication. You are encouraged to experiment, hone your craft and to develop a technical vocabulary for critiquing your own work and the work of others. Specialist units in the degree engage with novel and short story writing, creative nonfiction (such as memoir, writing about place, personal essay), poetry, writing for young adults and manuscript development.

Recommended Study Pattern

Completion of 8 subjects

Essential subjects:

• ENGX8010 Creative Writing Seminar I
• ENGX8015 Writing Creative Non-Fiction - An Introduction
• ENGX8022 Short Form Writing - Short story, Novella, Poetry Cycle
• ENGX8075 Literature and Writing in Professional Contexts

Award Requirements

The Master of Creative Writing is a postgraduate coursework degree consisting of a minimum of 80 credit points.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Complete 4 subjects from the list:

• ENGX8011 Creative Writing Seminar II
• ENGX8017 Writing the Past, Building New Worlds: fiction and nonfiction
• ENGX8026 Manuscript Project (Half Year, Part A)
• ENGX8027 Manuscript Project (Half Year, Part B)
• ENGX8030 Digital Creative Writing & Publishing Projects
• ENGX8090 Special Study Unit 1: Research Preparation
• ENGX8091 Special Study Unit 2: Research Thesis
• EDIX8080 Tools for Editing
• EDIX8081  Language, Writing and Editing