The Graduate Diploma in Professional Writing provides students with an understanding of the publishing industry and of the requirements involved in writing and editing for different audiences. It hones students’ ability to write in, and for, a range of contexts including freelance writing.

The Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing offers studies in various forms of professional writing and editing for graduates with major sequences in other disciplines. The emphasis is on the development of skills required to prepare work for publication. In each area of study, from editing to publishing and our cutting edge unit on blogging, students receive practical experience in the process of writing and revision. The program will develop students’ understanding of the requirements of writing and editing for different readerships.

The units in the program will be valuable for those experienced in writing but who may feel the need for further guidance, or those interested in beginning a career in writing. Study at this level can also assist those who are engaged in writing in their employment area and wish to enhance their skills in written communication. The editing unit introduces students to the key skills required for employment in publishing books and magazines. The School adopts the philosophy that writing and editing should be taught by published writers and practitioners. The teaching staff includes well-known writers and editors, and the program draws on the talents of other publishing professionals as guest speakers.

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing, a student must successfully complete 8 credit points of study comprising of:

6 credit points of core units
2 credit points of elective units chosen from within the specialisations of the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or Master of Communication
Academic Integrity AAI018
Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

The program is designed to provide career enhancement for students employed or wishing to be employed in the fields of professional writing or publishing. It enables students currently employed in these fields to upgrade their qualifications in order to apply for specialist positions and enhance their opportunities for promotion. It also provides for those seeking a qualification to enable refocusing of career options.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Minimum course admission criteria - Bachelor’s degree or higher OR two years relevant work experience OR evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent

IELTS: Overall 6.5 No band lower than 6

TOEFL IBT: 79 Writing 21; TOEFL PBT: 577 Writing 4.5

C1 PROFICIENCY and C2 PROFICIENCY: 176 No band less than 169

PTE: 58 No less than 50 in each skill

OET: Overall C+

DUELI EAP PROGRAM: EAP 4 (60%)