Genre Fiction for Writers
PostgraduateMAQ-ENGX80802026
Course information for 2026 intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 19 July 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 27 July 2026
- Price from
- $3,195
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Genre Fiction for Writers
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to:
- Identify, analyse, critique, and apply different definitions and conventions of genre writing.
- Apply practical and theoretical knowledge of characterisation, structure, and world-building for genre fiction.
- Analyse and evaluate different readerships and reader expectations for genre fiction.
- Apply specialised research skills and creative language skills to produce a narrative or other textual forms of creative writing.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
Genre fiction often features distinctive storyworlds ranging from gritty realism to the whimsically fantastical. This unit explores the ways in which genre helps writers explore complex themes and issues through the lens of these genre-driven worlds. Rather than viewing genre conventions as restrictive to the creative process, students will investigate how genre conventions can be utilised (and, in some cases, challenged or subverted) to help writers build exciting and immersive worlds. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with writing memorable characters, creating unique fictional worlds, and structuring engaging plots through a range of popular genres.
- Portfolio of formative writing tasks and exercises completed throughout the unit (40%)
- Minor Creative Work (20%)
- Major Creative Work (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
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- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 9
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- MAQ-MCW-MAS-2026 - Master of Creative Writing
Others
Pre-requisite Admission to MCrWrit
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
ENGL8080 Genre Fiction for Writers
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
PostgraduateMAQ-MCW-MAS