masters in creative writing australia

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Master of Creative Writing

UAC CODE: 860221 (North Ryde), 860222 (Distance)

CRICOS CODE: 099160K

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Graduate certificate of editing and electronic publishing.

Part time: 1 year

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Master of Creative Industries

Full time: 2 years, 1.5 years, 1 year

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Master of Media and Communications

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Master of Arts in Literature and Creative Writing

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By connecting creative writing practice to ideas and creative work from the arts and sciences, the Master of Arts in Literature and Creative Writing offers you the opportunity to think across creative, critical and disciplinary categories, and to produce either works of scholarship or creative writing (or related creative work that crosses into other areas including music, art, performance and film).

Full Time: 1.5 Years (Available Part Time)*

Next Start Date

22 July 2024

03 March 2025

Closing Date

Indicative annual fee from $11,885

Additional Information

Program Code: 1831

CRICOS Code: 092783B

• CAREERS & ALUMNI
• FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS

Arts in Literature and Creative Writing at Western

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Postgrad study just got more affordable with subsidised Commonwealth Supported Places available for this degree and eligible domestic students. Apply Now! Places are limited.

What you can expect to study

The program structure is outlined in our handbook . Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

• Cultural analysis
• Communications

Entry requirements for domestic students

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about special requirements here.

Entry requirements for international students

**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.

You can read more about  international academic entry requirements here.

Indicative annual fee

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our  Student Services Hub  for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

Apply as a Domestic Student

If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.

Domestic students are:

• Australian Citizens
• New Zealand Citizens
• Australian permanent residents
• Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders

Scholarships

Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees. 

Apply as an International Student

If you are an international student, you can apply for free through our international student application system or through an agent representative . International students are:

• Not an Australian citizen;
• Not a New Zealand citizen; and
• Not a permanent resident of Australia.

Admission to Western Sydney University is on the basis of meeting minimum academic and English language requirements . For more information about tuition fees and other costs, visit the Fees and Costs page .

When you apply to Western, you’re automatically assessed for a Scholarship, no additional application required! We’re offering multi-year scholarships (for up to 3 years) valued at $6,000 or $3,000 and even 50% off tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.

Want to know more?

We're here to provide clarity. If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward. Australian students 1300 668 370 International students +61 2 9852 5499

OTHER STUDY OPTIONS

Bachelor of arts.

Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*

Bachelor of Creative Industries

Master of arts (tesol).

Full Time: 2 Years (Available Part Time)*

Master of Arts Translation and Interpreting Studies

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

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• a holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

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• intending to study on a student visa,
• not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
• not an Australian permanent resident, or
• a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia.

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Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing

Gain the writing, editing, publishing, design and research skills to build a rewarding career in print or online.

In a world of rapid change, there has never been a greater demand for the mastery of the written word. The digitisation of the modern economy has created a raft of new job titles, all of which require expertise in writing and editing – in addition to the jobs that already drive Australia’s dynamic creative industries.

The Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing covers all stages of the writing and publishing process, and the skills needed to meet growing demands. During this program, you'll develop practical knowledge and experience in writing and editing across genres including creative writing, corporate and technical documents, academic research in the creative arts, advertising, marketing and more.

Your lecturers will include award-winning authors and arts industry professionals, as well as an array of guest lecturers with expertise in all aspects of professional writing and publishing. Together, they'll provide you with up-to-date insights and industry knowledge across traditional and new media.

You’ll learn about the continually evolving landscapes of the Australian and international publishing industries, and have the opportunity to intern at arts organisations, such as the highly respected University of Queensland Press, literary journals, educational publishers and trade publishers, including UQ’s own Corella Press , which specialises in rediscovering nineteenth century crime and mystery writers.

Program highlights

• Learn from award-winning authors and arts industry professionals.
• Develop practical knowledge and experience in writing and editing across a range of genres.
• Intern at highly respected journals and publishing houses.
• Become qualified to meet the growing demand for mastery of the written word.

1 in Queensland for arts and humanities

QS World University Rankings 2024

1 in Queensland for business and management studies

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

• Work placements
• Research experience

What you'll study

At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:

• Publishing and Professional Practice
• Fundamentals of Advertising
• Special Research Topic in Writing, Editing & Publishing
• Writing Creative Non-Fiction and Memoir

See courses and program structure

Career possibilities

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

• Editorial writer
• Content writer
• Book editor
• Digital editor
• Digital content writer
• Publishing executive
• Online publisher

Next steps after graduation

Our graduates have built rewarding careers in publishing, editing, and professional writing, with some going on to become best-selling authors and creatives.

This program offers graduates a wide range of opportunities to pursue freelance or fulltime careers in writing, editing and publishing. I learned so much during my Masters, both from the lecturers and industry experts, but also from the amazing students I got to meet.

The wide-reaching scope of the courses means I've been able to work not only in the arts, but in the corporate world globally.

UQ Open Day

Sophia’s MBA story: changing the future, one smart city at a time

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Why choose UQ for your Bachelor of Arts?

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Dual degrees with a Bachelor of Arts

Entry requirements.

It's possible to complete this degree in 1.5 years or 1 year depending on your qualifications and experience.

You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.

1.5-year degree (24 units of study)

To be eligible to complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) full-time (only available as full-time study) , you'll need:

• a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), or
• a graduate certificate* in writing, editing and publishing, or
• a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline plus 2 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience (see below).

You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

Applicants are required to submit a 10 page portfolio with their application (see below).

*Please note if a graduate certificate is used as the basis of entry into the program and you do not have a degree in the relevant discipline, you will not be eligible for credit towards the Masters program.

1-year degree (16 units of study)

If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.

To be eligible to complete the degree in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) full-time (only available as full-time study) , you'll need:

• a bachelor honours degree** (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below).

** You must have completed a substantial research project in your Honours degree equivalent to at least one semester of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications

Relevant disciplines include English, English literature, writing, journalism, communication, art history, history, law as well as other relevant fields from the humanities and social sciences.

You must have completed at least a major, field of study, or approximately 30% of program content in the discipline, including a mix of introductory and advanced courses.

Relevant work experience

Relevant work experience includes work using writing and editing in a professional or volunteer context, which should be supported with evidence (see below).

Evidence of relevant work experience should include a letter from your employer (and/or previous employers) stating the following: 

• that you work (or worked) within the specified organisation 
• the nature of your work, including any relevant duties and responsibilities
• the length that you were there (i.e. 2 years) 
• the level at which you worked (full-time, part-time or casual)

*if part-time or casual, please list the average amount of hours worked per week. 

GPA equivalent

Select where you studied and your qualification to see the GPA equivalent you need to be considered for this program.

Use the GPA equivalent as a guide. When you apply, we’ll calculate your GPA using the UQ grading scale. Any failing grades will be included. Entry requirements are subject to change.

Equivalent subjects

Related programs

Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider one of these related programs:

• Graduate Certificate in Writing, Editing and Publishing

English language requirements

IELTS overall 7; reading 7; writing 7; speaking 7; listening 7. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ

TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 100, listening 25, reading 25, writing 27, speaking 24.

PTE Academic - Overall 72, sub bands minimum 73.

CES - Overall 185, All sub bands minimum 186.

BE and OET are not accepted.

There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.

Learn how to meet the English language requirements

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

Learn more about student visas

Additional application information

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio with their application for enrolment and demonstrate an appropriate standard to the satisfaction of the program director. The portfolio should include approximately 10 word processed pages of writing (e.g. assignments submitted in previous courses, workplace documents, creative writing manuscripts). Same discipline is defined as a degree in English, English literature, writing, journalism, communication, art history, history, law and other relevant fields from the humanities and social sciences. To satisfy the requirement for "same discipline" a minimum amount of content in that discipline is required - this would be at least a major, field of study, or approximately 30% of program content including a mix of introductory and advanced courses. *Please note if the GCArts or GDipArts or GCWEP is used as the basis of entry into the program as you do not have an existing approved degree in the same discipline, you will not be eligible for credit towards the Masters program.

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio with their application for enrolment and demonstrate an appropriate standard to the satisfaction of the program director. The portfolio should include approximately 10 word processed pages of writing (e.g. assignments submitted in previous courses, workplace documents, creative writing manuscripts). Same discipline is defined as a degree in English, English literature, writing, journalism, communication, art history, history, law and other relevant fields from the humanities and social sciences. To satisfy the requirement for <34>same discipline<34> a minimum amount of content in that discipline is required - this would be at least a major, field of study, or approximately 30% of program content including a mix of introductory and advanced courses. *Please note if the GCArts or GDipArts or GCWEP is used as the basis of entry into the program as you do not have an existing approved degree in the same discipline, you will not be eligible for credit towards the Masters program.

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative annual fee.

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

AUD $43,200

Government assistance, financial aid.

As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

Learn more about financial aid

Domestic students who are accepted into the Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing pay tuition fees.

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.

Learn more about FEE-HELP

Centrelink support

The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.

Learn about Centrelink payments for students

Scholarships

You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:

Applying online

All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an  approved UQ agent in your country .

The program code for the Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing is  5681 .

This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.

When you apply, select your preferred duration. If you don't meet the requirements for your first preference, we'll automatically consider you for entry into a longer duration.

Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study

All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.

The program code for the Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing is 5681 .

When you apply, select your preferred duration. You can also ask us to consider you for a longer duration if you don't meet the entry requirements for your first preference.

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

• To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
• To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar .

• To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
• To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

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39 Best universities for Creative Writing in Australia

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Australia ranked based on their research performance in Creative Writing. A graph of 194K citations received by 19.3K academic papers made by 39 universities in Australia was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. University of Sydney

For Creative Writing

2. University of Melbourne

3. Monash University

4. University of Queensland

5. University of New South Wales

6. Griffith University

7. Macquarie University

8. Deakin University

9. La Trobe University

10. Western Sydney University

11. Australian National University

12. University of Technology Sydney

13. University of Wollongong

14. Queensland University of Technology

15. Flinders University

16. University of South Australia

17. Curtin University

18. University of Tasmania

19. RMIT University

20. University of Newcastle

21. University of Adelaide

22. University of Western Australia

23. Charles Sturt University

24. Australian Catholic University

25. Swinburne University of Technology

26. Edith Cowan University

27. University of New England, Australia

28. James Cook University

29. University of Canberra

30. Murdoch University

31. Victoria University

32. Southern Cross University

33. University of the Sunshine Coast

34. University of Southern Queensland

35. Central Queensland University

36. Federation University Australia

37. Charles Darwin University

38. Bond University

39. University of Notre Dame Australia

The best cities to study Creative Writing in Australia based on the number of universities and their ranks are Sydney , Melbourne , Clayton , and St Lucia .

Art & Design subfields in Australia

Creative Writing and Publishing | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Creative Writing and Publishing Major Minor

If you have a way with words and a passion for language, then consider studying Creative Writing and Publishing. Learn to master the art of storytelling and work towards your dream career as an author, editor, freelancer, or communications strategist.

Your studies will equip you with the skills to succeed in a broad range of publishing contexts. Experiment with different genres of writing, including novels, short stories, poetry and screenwriting, with all creative outcomes being workshopped by supportive peers and enthusiastic staff.

There will be multiple opportunities for publication during your studies. You will be mentored by a team of published authors, editors and researchers who bring real-world industry experience to the classroom.

Previous USC graduates have achieved publishing success and are now recognised as award-winning Australian authors.

View the full range of Creative Industries majors and minors .

The Creative Writing and Publishing Major can be selected in the   Bachelor of Creative Industries , Bachelor of Communication , Bachelor of Design , Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Creative Industries , Bachelor of Arts , and select double degrees that include the Bachelor of Arts.

The Creative Writing and Publishing Minor can be selected in the Bachelor of Creative Industries , Bachelor of Communication , Bachelor of Design , Bachelor of Arts , and any double degree that includes the Bachelor of Arts.

For a major in Creative Writing and Publishing, students must successfully complete 8 courses:

For a minor in Creative Writing and Publishing, students must successfully complete 4 courses:

Creative writing

Make innovative contributions to contemporary literature

Creative writing at UNSW School of the Arts & Media will empower you to produce innovative contributions to contemporary literature. You’ll explore fresh, experimental writing across genres in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and ficto-criticism.

Your study in creative writing will balance literary study and creative practice, with a grounding in the development of new literary techniques, forms and genres throughout history. You’ll be taught by award-winning writers with internationally recognised expertise in teaching and creative writing. Through your study, you’ll achieve a thorough understanding of the critical and social contexts in which your work circulates.

Prepare yourself for a career in the creative arts

As part of UNSW School of the Arts & Media, you’ll analyse links between writing and other forms of art and media through elective courses in film studies, theatre and performance and media and communications. Learning to write creatively and effectively will allow you to apply these skills in various creative industries such as public relations, copywriting, social media and scriptwriting.

Learn from national leaders in research

You'll be taught by award-winning academics, scholars and writers in an innovative, creative and stimulating environment. We support a strong research culture, and our school is benchmarked with the highest global rating of 5 by Excellence Research in Australia (ERA). Our staff have received the Vice-Chancellor's and Dean's Award for Excellence in Postgraduate Research Supervision.

Connect with the wider literary community

UNSWriting runs a series of masterclasses and “in conversation” events with visiting local and international authors. These events enable students to connect with the wider literary community. UNSWriting cultivates ideas and good writing, giving you the chance to experience special events, workshops and public talks with professionals in the field.

Our network of writers, publishers and students gives you valuable industry connections, which will support your future career path – wherever that may lead.

Write for our student-run publication

The  UNSWeetened Literary Journal  is an annual publication run by students at Arc. It provides a voice for students, showcasing the university's creative writing talent and features poetry and prose from both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Quick links

The undergraduate major includes core courses in creative writing with a range of prescribed electives in English literary studies, media and communications, film studies and theatre and performance. During your study, you’ll produce your own body of creative work by developing practical skills in the craft of writing, and by learning how this craft relates to the history of literary forms.

At UNSW, you'll hone your practical knowledge of creative writing through participation in group workshops. You'll come to view yourself as a participant in the public life of literature and to understand the political and ethical dimensions of the aesthetic choices you’ll make as a writer.

We offer the below undergraduate courses with a major or minor in Creative writing: 

• Bachelor of Arts 
• Bachelor of Arts/Law
• Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce/Arts 
• Bachelor of Computer Science/Arts
• Bachelor of Economics/Arts
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Arts
• Bachelor of Environmental Management/Arts
• Bachelor of Fine Arts/Arts
• Bachelor of Media / Arts
• Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine/Arts
• Bachelor of Science/Arts
• Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics)(Honours)/Arts
• Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Arts

We offer the below undergraduate courses with a minor only in Creative writing: 

• Bachelor of Arts/Education (Secondary)
• Bachelor of Design
• Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Bachelor of Media
• Bachelor of Social Sciences

You’ll have the option to continue your studies into an honours year. Working closely with a supervisor, you’ll produce a thesis comprising of two complementary parts: a creative work and a scholarly essay. The honours degree provides a basis for further study at the postgraduate research level.

The PhD in creating writing supports students to produce a full-length creative work in any genre (novel, collection of poetry, short fiction, nonfiction, biography, ficto-criticism, etc.) and an accompanying scholarly dissertation of at least 30,000 words.

This original work will explore the flexible connection between the creative and the critical. Previous PhD students in creative writing include prize-winning and best-selling authors: Charlotte Wood and Anna Westbrook.

You can find more information on the variety of scholarships on offer at UNSW.

1300 707 760

Enquire now

Course overview

• Why study with ECU online

Learning outcomes

What you will study, entry criteria.

• Teaching team
• Frequently asked questions
• Speak to an advisor
• Download Course Guide

Do you have a story to tell?

We have crafted an inspiring and intuitive Master of Creative Writing to nurture our writers and fuel their creativity.

Through immersive learning experiences, our graduates undergo significant professional development to emerge as confident and well-rounded writers, ready to make their mark in a range of creative pursuits.

*Duration depends on individual study path and unit availability. Please speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor for advice.

Why study a Master of Creative Writing with ECU Online?

Taught by top industry experts, contemporary skill development, publication-ready work.

Don't just take our word for it, read the written works of our most notable staff and alumni, and feel inspired.

Images sourced from Amazon Australia .

ECU’s Online Master of Creative Writing empowers aspiring writers to hone their skills and make a profound impact through innovative storytelling and literary finesse, reaching audiences across various mediums.

Craft compelling stories

• Refine and enhance your proficiency in the realm of fiction.
• Explore the appeal and nuance of various genres from Gothic Literature to Science Fiction.
• With the guidance of industry experts, you'll uncover the secrets to crafting stories that elicit powerful emotions and leave a lasting impact.

Refine your writing mastery​

• Invigorate your writing craft and ignite a passion for creative expression.
• Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and artistic growth.
• Discover the art of originating new ideas and cultivating a wellspring of inspiration to fuel your imagination and breathe life into your written work.

Whether you seek to refine your creative prowess or transition into a fulfilling writing career, our Master of Creative Writing equips you with the tools to excel in the dynamic and ever-evolving realm of storytelling.

The Master of Creative Writing consists of 12 units.

Students completing the 12-unit master’s will complete all below units, whereas students eligible to fast-track their master’s degree will complete only nine units (see entry criteria).

For more information and learning outcomes of each unit, download your course guide below.

Units you will study:

Writing Fiction

• This unit introduces the fundamentals of writing fiction through reading a range of short stories.

Writing Realities

• This unit explores writing based on actual events, including history, biography, true crime and stories of place and family.

Writing for Performance

• This unit introduces skills for writing drama or monologue for performance.

Writing and Audience

• This unit cultivates a writer's understanding of their work with consideration of genre and readership, including online audiences.

Editing and Publishing

• This unit explores the business of writing, editing, and publishing, including processes and workflow for professional editing, seeking publication, and presenting the professional author platform.

Writing for the Planet’s Future

• This unit takes an ecocritical approach to writing about place and environment in the production of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.

Writing and Empathy

• This unit explores the core practice of writing and embodiment - including writing about love and characters outside our own viewpoint.

Writing Fiction that Scares and Unsettles

• This unit explores the darker aspects of fiction including genres such as horror and gothic, as well as thematic concerns like violence, trauma and conflict. 

Writing Project Research and Development

• In this unit students initiate, plan, and develop a writing project which is of a significant scope.

Writing Project Resolve and Reflect

• In this unit students continue and complete the project initiated in the first Writing Project unit and create a podcast to get a feel for presenting their work to a future audience.
• Managing People and Organisations
• Marketing for Leaders
• Financial Performance, Accountability and Risk
• Data Analytics and Organisational Decision Making
• Strategic Management and International Competitiveness
• Responsible Management
• Managing Change
• Transformative Leadership
• Business Innovation Project

Master of Creative Writing admission requirements:

To gain entry to the online Master of Creative Writing, applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline; OR
• Equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience or students must submit a piece of published work.​​

Fast-track your Master of Creative Writing:

Eligible students can fast-track their Master of Creative Writing and complete their degree in only nine units*. To gain entry to the fast-tracked master's degree, applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in English, Journalism, Communications, Writing or Creative Writing, Secondary English Teaching or similar (as assessed by ECU)^.

*To gain entry to the fast-track master’s, students must apply after they accept the offer for the 12-unit master's. Applications for the fast-tracked master degree are subject to ECU’s assessment.

^Bachelor degree or higher must be completed within the last 10 years.

For more information about our fast-tracked master degree, contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 707 760 or request a call-back.

Meet the teaching team

Donna Mazza

Associate Professor

Donna, a notable fiction writer and researcher, specialises in environmental and feminist speculative fiction. Her recent novel "Fauna" (2020) was shortlisted for Aurealis Best Science Fiction Novel. She's the author of "The Albanian" (2007), winning the TAG Hungerford Award. Donna is a prominent figure in conferences, festivals, and radio discussions, while also contributing to public art projects.

Dr. Aksel Dadswell

Aksel Dadswell is an award-winning West Australian horror and weird fiction writer. Holding a PhD in creative writing, his work explores race and belonging, featured in anthologies like "Test Patterns: Creature Features" (2018) and "Hymns of Abomination: Secret Songs of Leeds" (2021).

To find out more about our teaching team download the course guide.

Fees and FEE-HELP

The cost of our Master of Creative Writing is $43,200* for all 12 units.

The cost of our Master of Creative Writing (Fast-Track) is $32,400* for nine units.

To assist with some or all of your tuition fees, FEE-HELP is available for eligible students. This government-supported loan scheme is designed to help eligible full-fee paying students pay their postgraduate tuition fees.

To find out if you are eligible for FEE-HELP, you can contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 707 760.

*2024 student fees are shown and are subject to change.

The ECU Master of Creative Writing is for individuals looking to enhance their writing skills, with a focus on contemporary practice and published forms. It will provide opportunities to cultivate a deeper understanding of writing principles and practices in a supportive environment.

Whether a Master of Creative Writing is worth pursuing depends on your personal and professional goals. It’s important to consider:

The Master of Creative Writing offers a unique platform to showcase advanced writing prowess, cultivate the essential skills for successful publication, and craft captivating written material. Graduates can unlock pathways to elevated roles in writing and editing within their selected domains.

Through the Master of Creative Writing, students can refine their creative voices, communication expertise, and purpose-driven strategies. Graduates often find a deeper connection with their personal goals and are equipped to integrate their passions into their careers, fostering positive change and personal fulfillment.

In addition to gaining a comprehensive understanding of various writing techniques, students learn to creatively apply them to achieve their own unique career and personal objectives. They become adept at crafting impactful messages that resonate with diverse audiences while addressing the broader needs and values of the community.

With a Master of Creative Writing, you can unleash your imagination, refine your skills, and embark on a journey that will forever change the way you perceive the world - and the way the world receives your stories.

Some job roles that you may consider, but are not limited to, include:

• Published author
• Literary agent
• Content Manager
• Senior Content Writer
• English Coordinator
• Chief Editor
• Magazine Editor
• Creative Lead
• Editorial Consultant
• Content Strategist
• Brand Content Manager
• Storyteller

At ECU Online we understand that everyone has different work arrangements, family responsibilities, locations and learning styles. This is why our postgraduate courses are offered 100% online, so you can balance your study with other commitments. As an ECU Online student, you will have access to academic and non-academic support.

Our accelerated online courses are developed by industry experts and engaged academics. You can easily connect with learning facilitators and course coordinators through our easy-to-use online learning environment to gain feedback and ask academic questions. You can also reach out to a Learning Advisor who can help with things like assessment writing, study skills and more.

You will have a dedicated Student Success Advisor available to you from when you start studying through to graduation. They will be available to provide non-academic support, such as assistance with scheduling time to study and more.

As an ECU online student, you also have access to all the support offered by ECU, both on-campus and online:

• Access and inclusion services
• Student health services
• Psychological counselling support
• Careers and employability services
• Student Guild, clubs, and associations

No, the Master of Creative Writing is 100% online and does not include any on-campus components. We have designed this course to be flexible so you can tailor your studies to fit your lifestyle.

Interested in accelerated online study at ECU?

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are ready to answer your questions. Send us an email or schedule a call-back at a time that best suits you.

• Eligibility & enrolment
• Course duration & fees
• How to fit study into your schedule
• Course entry and study pathways

Download course guide Enquire now

ECU is committed to reconciliation and recognises and respects the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ communities, cultures and histories. ECU acknowledges and respects the Noongar people as the traditional custodians of the land on which our campuses are located.

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You must have an APAC Accredited 3 year Psychology degree or equivalent to be eligible for this course.

If you have not studied Psychology before, you may be interested in our Online Accelerated Graduate Diploma of Psychology.

You must be a Qualified Teacher to be eligible for this course.

If you’re not currently a Qualified Teacher, you may be interested in our on-campus Teacher Education course.

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Our Master of Education (Early Childhood Education) is designed for existing teachers, educators, directors and team leaders who wish to develop their skills.

This course does not provide students with the required registrations to become a qualified teacher.

If you want to become a teacher, you might be interested in ECU’s Master of Teaching courses

School of Humanities

Creative Writing

You love to write, but writing is so much more than the ‘spontaneous overflow of powerful feeling’. It is a craft, an art, and every art requires patient apprenticeship, training, and professional encouragement.

Studying Creative Writing at the University of Adelaide gives you all that and more. Our world-class writers teach their craft on the basis of years of experience, award-winning publications, and hundreds of hours in the classroom. In lectures, they impart their knowledge with authority and style; and in interactive workshop seminars, they allow you to experiment, share, revise, and improve your work with a form of continuous feedback and peer review. You will learn to create skilful short stories, poems, life-writing, and creative non-fiction, and how to develop and sustain your own life-long reflective writing practices, on the basis of living examples of literary excellence. We are proud that Nobel Prize winner Prof. John JM Coetzee ( Disgrace ) has been associated with the Department for 20 years. We are passionate about our love of the craft of writing, and we want you to share in that passion by becoming the best writer you can be.

Our teaching

The Department of English, Creative Writing and Film offers a large range of undergraduate courses in Creative Writing. Our introductory first-year course in ‘the Essentials’ equips you with most of the fundamental skills you will need to pursue writing at the highest levels. At senior levels, we offer a wide range of courses: The Short Story, Contemporary Poetry, Novel Writing, Travel Writing, Script-Writing, Posthuman Writing, Editing for Writers, Political Writing, Apocalypse Fiction, and more.  Come and sample what it is like to write a literary text … and stay for the major in Creative Writing!

Our research

The Department of English and Creative Writing has a vibrant research culture, and contributes world-class monographs, research papers, and related outputs in many areas.

We welcome all inquiries to study with us at postgraduate as well as undergraduate levels in Creative Writing.

Explore the study options within the School of Humanities.

Find a researcher

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Creative Writing

The Master of Creative Writing is designed to enable students to explore and develop skills in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and other forms of writing in a stimulating academic environment. Emphasis is on developing core skills of writing, structuring and editing in tandem with understanding theories, histories and practices of writing. Our students work in experimental or traditional ways within, across or between genres and media. We offer you intimate access to Sydney’s literary life, including a constant calendar of readings, performances, major literary and cultural events, and a host of celebrated visitors. We support all kinds of literary ambition in a setting that builds capacity, encourages diversity and experimentation, and supports professional writing. As well as core units in the fundamentals of research-led creative practice, ways of reading and writing, and writers at work, we offer specialised multi-genre workshop units focussing on narrative writing, experiments in form and life writing.  In many units of study you will work in small groups with distinguished staff and visitors to extend and deepen your writing and close reading skills, thinking and engagement with the work of others. As well as coursework, all master's students undertake a substantial, individually supervised creative dissertation or project and participate in a lively calendar of readings, talks and symposia. Writers on staff include Vanessa Berry, Belinda Castles, Toby Fitch, Peter Minter and Beth Yahp. Visitors to the program have included Peter Boyle, Pam Brown, Ali Cobby Eckermann, Michael Farrell, Carla Harryman, Lyn Hejinian, Gail Jones, Michelle de Kretser, David Malouf, Drusilla Modjeska, Eileen Myles, Felicity Plunkett, John Tranter, Barrett Watten, Ceridwen Dovey, Julie Koh, Michael Mohammed Ahmad, Kate Forsyth, Mireille Juchau, Fiona McFarlane and Charlotte Wood. See also:  English Studies

Awards and requirements

Please refer to the  course resolutions  in this handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different award courses.

Master of Creative Writing

Candidates for the Master of Creative Writing must complete 72 credit points of units of study, including:

• 18 credit points from core units of study
• a minimum of 6 credit points and maximum of 12 credit points from capstone units of study
• a minimum of 18 credit points and maximum of 36 credit points from workshop selective units of study
• a minimum of 6 credit points and a maximum of 30 credit points from elective units of study.

Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing

Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing must complete 48 credit points of units of study, including:

• a minimum of 18 credit points and a maximum of 24 credit points from workshop selective units of study
• a maximum of 12 credit points from elective units of study.

Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing

Candidates for Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing must complete 24 credit points of units of study, including:

• a minimum of 6 credit points from core units of study
• 12 credit points from workshop selective units of study
• a maximum of 6 credit points from elective units of study.

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• Postgraduate
• Master of Philosophy

Events you may be interested in

Careers and further study.

Take your studies to a new level with a postgraduate degree and discover what career opportunities lie ahead.

Career Pathways

Further study, doctor of philosophy.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's flagship research degree, which can be taken in any discipline area in the University, providing that appropriate supervision and resources are available.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course.

Domestic Student Fees

There is no current fee information available for this course. Please visit the fee calculator to browse course fees from a previous year, or other courses.

Approval for admission to an MPhil requires an applicant to demonstrate that they have sufficient background and experience in independent supervised research to successfully complete the course. It also requires the University to ensure that appropriate supervision and resourcing are available. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have met the requirements of the University Policy on: Adequate Research Preparation and any other requirements for admission of the University, and— (a) have a bachelor's degree of this University or equivalent qualification; or (b) (i) have previously undertaken work of a sufficiently high standard towards a higher degree by research in this or another approved institution but not have submitted it for any degree; and (ii) have completed an appropriate MPhil research proposal.

A student who wishes to undertake an MPhil in the field of creative writing must, in addition, submit a substantial folio of published creative work, normally in the form of one or more books.

Prior to enrolment,  all applicants are required to demonstrate that they have met the University’s English language requirements .

Scholarships

Postgraduate scholarships  support UWA's position as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in WA.

Research Training Program

Cost of living, international student fees.

Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.

Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate degree, find out the admission details below.

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the University’s English language requirements  to be eligible for a place.

How to apply

Ready to join us?

Find out how to apply through our online application portal.

We’ll guide you through the application process including important steps, entry pathways and documents you’ll need.

Course details

About the course, quick details.

• Throughout the year, by agreement with supervisors. A December start date is discouraged, however.
• Full-time students are expected to spend at least 30 hours per week on their research throughout the year. Part-time students are expected to spend at least 15 hours per week on their research throughout the year.

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Apply for Creative Writing Major (BA)

Start your application, direct to curtin, apply as a high school student.

• Apply for Semester 1, 2025 via TISC
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Creative Writing

Undergraduate major.

Develop your writing skills in fiction, poetry, and experimental and emerging genres.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is used to determine eligibility for places in university courses.

• Qualification Creative Writing Major (BA)

A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.

Select your preferred degree

This course belongs to multiple degrees. Select the single degree or double degree below to see the application deadlines.

Do you enjoy expressing your creative side through writing? Are you an aspiring author or poet? The standout feature of a creative writing career is the ability to contribute to and influence culture through an understanding of writing conventions and literary techniques.

In this major you will gain the knowledge and techniques that writers need in the age of digital communication and entertainment. You’ll develop skills across various writing styles, including fiction, poetry and experimental and emerging genres.

You’ll benefit from the advice of Curtin’s experienced tutors (many of whom are acclaimed authors) and through critical engagement with your creative peer group.

Creative writing is offered as part of the Bachelor of Arts . You can enhance your studies with a second major or choose from a range of elective units that support your career goals.

You can also study this major as part of a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce double degree.

What jobs can the Creative Writing course lead to?

• Copywriter / writer
• Advertising
• Creative arts

What you'll learn

• identify, explain and apply the key disciplinary concepts in Creative Writing
• integrate theory and creative practice; conceive, develop and evaluate innovative new writing
• access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information and synthesise key facts, themes and ideas in writing
• communicate ideas to a range of audiences and in a variety of media and genres
• use technologies to access resources, communicate effectively and develop writing and research skills
• use disciplinary skills and knowledge to learn how to learn, and apply these insights to new writing and to the different intellectual and professional roles required of a writer in the broader community
• acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national and global perspectives and the impact of this on writing and the creative industries
• value a range of cultural knowledge and take care to represent these, where appropriate, in an ethical and professional manner
• work independently and/or collaboratively to produce innovative and informed creative writing that contributes meaningfully to contemporary culture

Why study Creative Writing

Transferable skills.

Humanities courses teach transferable skills for international careers. 

Get the Curtin edge

You’ll have opportunities to publish short stories and poems in the China Australia Writing Centre’s yearly anthology or the Curtin Student Guild’s Grok Magazine.

Industry links

Graduates of this course have gone on to have successful writing careers and won national literary awards. Our alumni include Ruth McIver, Tim Winton, Jon Doust, Deborah Robertson, Brooke Davis and Tracy Ryan.

Get the latest Curtin updates

For invitations to events, study tips and info on navigating your way to uni, join the Curtin community.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

Recently left high school

Work and life experience

TAFE or apprenticeship

Current or previous University experience

I’m not sure

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

• Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
• Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR.

Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp grants additional ATAR points to help eligible students qualify for admission.

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

Written English and either verbal or quantitative

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown .

Other requirements and notes for this course

Applicants are required to choose one of the Bachelor of Arts majors when applying. If you with to study a double major, you elect the second major once you have been accepted into the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria . Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’ ‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

AQF Certificate IV - Separate evidence of English language proficiency is required; or AQF Diploma; or AQF Advanced Diploma.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to Curtin course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to other higher education course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

You might find your answer in our frequently asked questions.

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Submit your question via our online form and we’ll get back to you.

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Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Please view the Bachelor of Arts degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

How to apply.

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Frequently asked questions

There are 3 different categories of acceptance due dates:

• For countries listed here ( Country List ), acceptance due date is 7 weeks before course start date, as stated on your Offer Letter. If you have a GTE Finance or GTE Interview condition on your offer, you must submit the GTE documentation 2 weeks before the acceptance closing date.
• For all other countries which are not listed in the list, the acceptance due date is 3 weeks before the course start date.
• If you are currently in Australia on a valid visa, the acceptance closing date is 1 week before the course start date.

Curtin has a duty of care to ensure all international students have sufficient time to have their student visa issued and to arrive in Perth in time for the Orientation Week and the start of classes. The timeframes stipulated above allows Curtin to process your completed documents and for the Department of Home Affairs to issue your student visa in time. For more information on visa processing times, please refer to the Visa Processing Times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

For international application deadlines, please refer to: Key dates and university application deadlines | Curtin University

The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

View courses information disclaimer .

• Curtin course code:  MJRU-CRWRI
• Last updated on:  31 July 2024

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Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialisations

Business specialisations available in the BBA:

• Accounting for Business Decisions Specialisation
• Business Law and Policy Specialisation
• Business Project Management Specialisation
• Business Strategy Specialisation
• Corporate Governance Specialisation
• Social Media and Digital Marketing Specialisation
• Event Management Specialisation
• Fashion Marketing Specialisation
• Information Systems in Business Specialisation
• International Management Specialisation
• Marketing Foundations Specialisation
• Property Investment Specialisation
• Public Relations Specialisation
• Small Business Start-Up Specialisation
• Social Leadership and Ethics Specialisation
• Taxation Law Specialisation
• The Business of Advertising Specialisation
• Tourism and Hospitality Essentials Specialisation
• User Experience for Business Optimisation Specialisation
• Workforce Management Specialisation

Specialisations available from Humanities and Science:

• Actuarial Financial Mathematics Specialisation
• Advertising Design Specialisation
• Animation and Game Design Specialisation
• Anthropology and Sociology Specialisation
• Asian Studies Specialisation
• Chinese Language Specialisation
• Construction Management Specialisation
• Creative Writing Specialisation
• Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
• Designing Fashion Specialisation
• Digital Design Specialisation
• Digital and Social Media Specialisation
• English and Cultural Studies Specialisation
• Environmental Planning Specialisation
• Fashion Design Specialisation
• Fine Art Specialisation
• Geography Specialisation
• Graphic Design Specialisation
• Graphics Specialisation
• History Specialisation
• Illustration Specialisation
• Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
• Interior Architecture Specialisation
• International Development Specialisation
• Journalism Specialisation
• Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
• Photography Specialisation
• Principles of Planning Specialisation
• Professional Writing Specialisation
• Screen Production Specialisation
• Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
• Social Justice Specialisation
• Surveying and Spatial Sciences Specialisation
• Theatre Arts Specialisation
• Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
• Web Media Specialisation
• Web Presence Specialisation

Bachelor of Commerce Specialisations

Business specialisations:

• Applied Finance Specialisation
• Banking Specialisation
• Employment Relations Specialisation
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Specialisation
• Corporate Screen Production Specialisation

Bachelor of Innovation Specialisations

Specialisations available from Humanities, Science and the Centre for Aboriginal Studies:

• Biological Diversity Minor
• Climate Change Science Minor
• Environmental Management Minor
• Food Science Minor
• Forensic Studies Minor
• Geophysics Minor
• Geospatial Technology Minor
• Go Global – Internship Specialisation 1
• Go Practice – Internship Specialisation 1
• Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies Specialisation
• Landscape Restoration Minor
• Mapping and Land Planning Minor
• Metallurgy Minor
• Mining Minor
• Optimisation Minor
• Strategic Studies Specialisation

Domestic students

You are considered a domestic student if you are:

• an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Humanitarian visa holder

Doesn’t sound like you? Switch to International content.

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Graduate Coursework

Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing

• Arrow-right #1 University in Australia
• Course code: D01LF

Entry requirements

You're considered a domestic student if you're an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or have a permanent humanitarian visa. This applies even if you're studying abroad or have dual Australian citizenship.

Admission criteria

You can use our graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator to get an indication of whether you are eligible for this course based on your previous studies and Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

English language requirements

• English language test score requirements Chevron-down

If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Additional information

Depending on your prior study and/or which set of entry requirements you meet, you may be offered the 200 or 150 point version this course.

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)

We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) . GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.

GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.

Advanced Standing

Languages, Literature, and Writing

Creative Writing Workshop & Competition

The annual Creative Writing Workshop offers students at Union University, as well as regional high schools and home school students the opportunity to compete for prizes and learn from Union faculty and accomplished guest writers. Held every spring, the event consists of two parts - the literary competition and workshop - and has featured prominent writers such as Charles Wright, Mark Jarman, Kate Daniels, and Ann Patchett. For the competition, students are invited to submit entries for a number of genres such as poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction. The workshop section involves critiquing and analyzing a sample of the students' works. A learning experience for both college and high school students, the Workshop is another opportunity to recognize a cross-section of local writers.

Recent Event

31st annual creative writing workshop reading featuring christine bailey.

Thursday, February 29, 2024 , 1 p.m., Grant Event Center, Salon 2 Book signing and reception at 2 p.m.

Christine Bailey writes young adult fiction and has published multiple novels. Her most recent, Burning Little Lies , will be released in February 2024. Her doctoral research/dissertation explores creative writing research and pedagogy within the composition classroom and is titled "The Role of Aesthetic Artifacts in Creative Writing Research: Casting Student Identity Narratives as Cultural Data." Before coming to Union University, Bailey worked as a journalist, a marketing/PR writer, and a book editor. She currently serves as Director of Composition Support. Bailey's areas of interest include composition and rhetoric, YA literature, creative writing, professional writing, editing, and publishing. She is the editor of the Journal of the Union Faculty Forum — a journal comprised of faculty-written submissions, encompassing a wide range of academic and creative topics.

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Alumna Sees God at Work in War

Charles Harrell Johnson, III 04 May 2023

After graduation, Taylor students are well-prepared to move into a wide range of careers, including the nonprofit sector. Fueled with a passion for telling stories of redemption and hope, Jenny Shaffer ’08 chose to build her future at Operation Mobilization (OM) , an international missions organization with workers in 147 countries.

Shaffer has worked at OM for 15 years, starting as a writer and photographer. Now the Director of Global Creative Networks, she provides oversight to major projects and strategic creative decisions. Her team includes communication creative roles, including graphic designers, writers, photographers, and videographers. With a treasure trove of experiences of seeing ministry around the world, from Ireland to Indonesia, she has a strong foundation for her work.

“I’m in charge of coordinating large group projects,” she said. “Some aspects of my job involve project management, but I also develop various campaign strategies with other communication leadership staff members.”

On the Frontlines

Because of their on-the-ground presence in so many countries, OM teams are often able to be first responders in times of crisis. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, OM teams quickly worked to distribute food packages, provide transportation from border areas, find temporary shelter options, and develop network systems that enable believers to help those in need. 

In March 2022, Shaffer visited the bordering countries of Poland, Romania, and Moldova. Her team interviewed dozens of Ukrainians and OM workers to produce powerful videos about OM's relief efforts. These videos raise awareness about the plight of Ukrainian refugees and how OM is showing the love of Christ by meeting their needs. She also traveled to Ukraine in July to interview pastors and OM workers there.

“Many that we talked to described how they had seen the evangelical church become a place of refuge for others,” she said. “As people fled and arrived in new cities, they would be directed to the churches for help. It was beautiful to see and hear how God is at work in something so ugly as war.”

To make the Ukraine relief videos, Shaffer had to develop a broad communication plan for various video editors and writers. She attributed her current skills to Taylor’s academic preparation.

“I appreciated Taylor’s academic diversity,” she said. “I was exposed to a variety of art and media platforms, which I see playing out in my current role at OM. Because of my rich education in Creative Writing with a New Media (now Multimedia Journalism) focus, I can walk alongside my creatives and coach them.”

As a Taylor student, Shaffer completed an internship at another missions organization where she was a part of a creative multimedia team, giving her a closeup view of communicating those messages.

Faith and Community

Shaffer was strongly influenced by Taylor’s dedication to serving the Lord. She learned that community can thrive despite great personal differences, something that she’s put into practice many times over the years at a multi-national workplace.

“Taylor’s focus on communal worship through shared chapel and campus Bible studies grew my faith from an individualistic view of Christianity to a ‘we-focused’ perspective,” Shaffer said. “Following Christ goes deeper than witnessing; it’s about making disciples as well.”

Shaffer encourages students who are interested in video or media storytelling to always be looking for new ways to share their message.

 “Take an extra class just because you’re interested,” she said. “Foster ‘cross-pollination,’ or interdisciplinary studies. College should lead you to different career paths that require a diverse set of skills, and I think that Taylor prepares students for the next ‘steppingstone’ in serving God.”

Serve God with Your Diverse Skillset

Taylor University provides pathways to many different communication careers. Whether your goal is to be a graphic designer, an English teacher, or a technical writer, you will be equipped to carry out God’s ministry of reconciliation around the world. Start your journey now by scheduling a campus visit .

Study Communication and Writing at Taylor

Taylor University’s English and Communication programs offer students an enriched education in literature and professional communication. English classes teach writing techniques and characteristics specific to genres of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Communication majors will become proficient at clear communication and target audience messaging. With a 95% or greater career placement rate, both the English and Communication Departments excel at creating connections between students and businesses across the country. 

Introducing Assistant Professor of Creative Writing & U.S. Literatures Dr. Caoimhe Harlock

Hampshire College is pleased to welcome a number of exciting new professors to campus to support its fall class.

Before joining the faculty at Hampshire, Caoimhe (pronounced kee-va ) Harlock taught at Duke University and the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and at the community college level. She’s offered classes in creative and academic writing and a handful of literary seminars on topics such as women in horror.    At Hampshire, her focus will be courses in fiction, where students of all experience levels can hone their craft in an inclusive and supportive workshop space. “My hope is that we can build a vibrant community of creative writers here who will share some really exciting and challenging work with the world,” Harlock says. “I’d love to offer some creative comics and graphic novel courses as well, for any students who are interested in trying their hand at that medium. I’ll also be offering seminar courses on American literature and its intersection with trans studies, feminist theory, queer theory, genre fiction, witchcraft and folk magic, and other topics.”    Harlock has a Ph.D. in English from Duke University, with a certificate in gender, sexuality, and feminist studies. She received an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and a B.A. from the University of Texas Austin, where she double-majored in English and philosophy.    Have you been in any other professions that had an impact on how you teach and learn?   Before I found my way into education and started seeing some success as a writer, I worked a string of fairly diverse jobs: on an assembly line in a bleach factory, graveyard shift at a steam-and-flame factory, and ghostwriting books on bizarre topics — caring for Labradoodle puppies and growing succulents, for example.    I’d like to think that I took away from all these diverse jobs an ability to listen to the people I’m in community with, to empathically understand their goals and fears and passions, and to be responsive to them in a way that helps them feel understood. Bringing those skills into the classroom is part of what has helped me foster the kind of inclusive and individually tailored learning environment that has made teaching so rewarding.

Fundamentally, I’m passionate about stories — writing them, sharing them, helping others find and tell their own stories. That’s the thing that first made language a lifesaving force for me as a kid, and it’s the thing that keeps me excited about writing even now. 

What have you published?

I’ve published a lot of short stories and comics with various magazines and online publications. Some of the work I’m proudest of that’s currently out in the public is my story “Floodland,” published in the great San Francisco queer literary journal Foglifter , and my comic “Mothers,” published in Honey Literary .    I’ve also got quite a bit of forthcoming work that I’m very excited about, chiefly my debut novel, which I’m in the final steps of editing, tentatively titled Take Up the Serpent . I’m also talking with a few publishers about putting together a book of comics, and I have plans to publish a nonfiction book of my academic research on American literature’s historical use of tropes of magic and monstrosity to represent gender-variant subjects. So, lots of beans in the hopper at the moment!   What are you passionate about when it comes to this work?   Fundamentally, I’m passionate about stories — writing them, sharing them, helping others find and tell their own stories. That’s the thing that first made language a lifesaving force for me as a kid, and it’s the thing that keeps me excited about writing even now.    Teaching has been a great expression of this passion because so much of what we cover in the classroom comes back to stories: stories we tell about how the world works and should work, how the mind works, how people work, how art works. It’s deeply gratifying to introduce students to these stories, help them explore where they agree and disagree, help them identify what ignites their own interests and passions, and then work with them as they turn those passions into stories of their own.    What are you looking forward to at Hampshire?   Getting to work with Hampshire students. In just the short time I spent with them during my campus visit, it was apparent that Hampshire attracts a special sort of soul: eager, curious, invested in not just learning but also using that learning to make a better world.    As an educator, I couldn’t ask for a better situation. I’m especially looking forward to the kinds of working relationships that we’ll get to develop over the long term as I help guide students through Hampshire’s curricular model and see them develop their own independent projects. I’m eager to help these students get their stories out into the world in whatever way makes sense for them as individuals, and I just know they’re going to blow me away with their creativity and passion.    How do you hope to engage with our curricular model?   Hampshire’s unique curricular model was one of the things that appealed to me most. Even when working at other institutions, I’ve always tried to develop courses with topics that intersect with urgent questions and challenges facing students, to allow students a great deal of freedom in developing projects for those classes, and to replace traditional grades with narrative feedback to the greatest extent possible. Now that I’m here at a place that actively supports my efforts to do all those things, I couldn’t be more excited.    I’m hoping to offer courses in which we can have fun and do kooky things with art, but that will also go beyond teaching students the fundamentals of literary craft and analysis. I want my classes to help them discover the ways those skills can aid us in understanding the uncertain and often-perilous character of the world we live in right now, and even prepare us to engage with that world in a way that leaves it a little bit better off. I can’t think of a better place than Hampshire to do that. 

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