What does this course involve?
Enhance your career prospects in the professional writing industry with this hands-on course.
You’ll learn about the professional writing industry and develop editing and computer skills.
You can build on the skills gained in the Certificate IV course and undertake advanced subjects in novel writing, short stories, and myths and symbols.
You’ll also learn about design and desktop publishing and professional publishing (small press).
You’ll undertake a practical work placement, and develop a folio of publishable work.
What employment opportunities will I have?
This course may provide you with employment opportunities in:
- publishing (specialising in books, periodicals, magazines, small press or desktop publishing)
- editing (specialising in books, magazines, scripts or newsletters)
- journalism (specialising in newspapers, magazines or electronic media)
- freelance writing (specialising in television, film, theatre, journalism, books, magazines or research)
- corporate organisations, government departments and community agencies (specialising in report writing, technical and scientific writing, local histories, marketing, public relations or editing)
- interactive multimedia
- fiction or non-fiction writing for adults or children
- writing poetry.
As a student, the Institute’s Employment Service is your first port of call for advice on gaining employment in this field, and can be contacted on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).
Accreditation
Nationally Recognised
What further study options will I have?
You may wish to progress into related courses at higher education providers and receive credits for studies already undertaken.
Here are two examples of degrees where you can progress:
- Deakin University’s Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and Literature (where you may receive credits for eight of 24 credits in the degree)
- Latrobe University’s Bachelor of Arts (where you may receive credits for three of eight first year subjects)
Can I apply?
- You must be 19 years or over (or mature age)
- You must have successfully completed Year 12 of education, or equivalent
- For current Year 12 students, preference is given to high study scores in humanities subjects
- You must have successfully completed the Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing
- You must submit a Supplementary Application Form, which includes a Writing Folio
- It is recommended that you have a strong interest in writing and literature and possess very good English writing skills
How do I apply?
- To apply for a full time position in this course you must use the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) process. Details of the VTAC application process are at www.vtac.edu.au and in the VTAC Guide, which is available from leading newsagents and libraries from August. If the Institute still has vacancies after the VTAC places have been offered, you will be able to apply directly to the Institute.
- To apply for a part time place (or off campus place if applicable) in this course, you will need to contact the Institute directly.
If you have any queries, please contact the Institute on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).
How will I be selected for this course?
- Individual Interview
- Assessment of Application
- Assessment of Folio
Length of course
Full time 2 years
Part time 3 - 6 years
Where will I study?
Whitehorse Campus
What costs and other fees should I expect?
Government Funded
This course attracts Victorian Government funding. For information about Fees and Charges please click here. This qualification may also be provided on a fee for service basis to industry, interstate or international students.
Click here to learn about scholarships that may be relevant to this course.
How will I be assessed?
- Oral presentation
- Written assessment
- Practical assessment
- Project work
Will my previous experience or study count?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) takes into account the knowledge and skills you’ve already gained through your previous education and work. This may be through formal or informal training, paid or unpaid work experience, and can earn you credit if relevant to your chosen course.