Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
About
Based in the heart of an International City of Literature, the Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing is an intensive, practical, industry-oriented program.
It will nurture your creative potential while you build the skills, expertise and versatility expected of professional writers and editors.During your studies you'll work alongside fellow students passionate about reading and writing.
You'll also learn from teachers and mentors who are leading practitioners in their fields.You’ll start by gaining a broad base of skills in fiction, creative nonfiction, professional communications, digital content, grammar and editing.
Then you’ll specialise in your preferred areas, with a focus on building a writing portfolio, developing practical projects, and engaging with industry and with readers.
In your final year, you will be provided with a capstone experience, COMM2460 Towards Publication, in which you will integrate and synthesise your knowledge, connect theory to practice and demonstrate your holistic achievement of the program learning outcomes.Other opportunities include completing an industry placement, producing the annual Visible Ink anthology, collaborating with creative partners in other programs and disciplines, and building your professional networks by organising and participating in literary events.The Professional Writing and Editing program has had a long and proud tradition of producing writers and editors for the publishing and communications industries.
Our graduates have become successful authors, publishing books, articles, poetry and stories, and winning major prizes and fellowships.
Others gain entry-level positions in a competitive industry, and start their own business and entrepreneurial projects.
This course also has pathways into higher education courses.
Structure
Year One of Program
Complete the following Seven (7) Core Courses:
| Course Title | Credit Points | Course Code | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working withText and Image | 12 | COMM2450 | City Campus |
| Introduction to Editing Practice | 12 | COMM2451 | City Campus |
| Writing Fiction - Story and Structure | 12 | COMM2452 | City Campus |
| Writing Non-Fiction - Research and Readership | 12 | COMM2453 | City Campus |
| Writing Professionally - Effective Communication | 12 | COMM2454 | City Campus |
| Copyediting and Proofreading | 12 | COMM2455 | City Campus |
| Building a Strong Narrative | 12 | COMM2456 | City Campus |
Select and Complete One (1) of the following Options:
| Course Title | Credit Points | Course Code | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing for the Media | 12 | COMM2462 | City Campus |
| Writing for Children | 12 | COMM2463 | City Campus |
| Poetry and Performance | 12 | COMM2464 | City Campus |
| Archetypes and Imagery in Storytelling | 12 | COMM2465 | City Campus |
Year Two of Program
Complete the following Five (5) Core Courses:
| Course Title | Credit Points | Course Code | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creating Digital Content | 12 | COMM2457 | City Campus |
| Developing a Writing Project | 12 | COMM2458 | City Campus |
| Inside the Industry | 12 | COMM2459 | City Campus |
| Towards Publication | 12 | COMM2460 | City Campus |
| Writing Workshop | 12 | COMM2461 | City Campus |
Select and Complete Two (2) of the following Options:
| Course Title | Credit Points | Course Code | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Editing - Content and Collaboration | 12 | COMM2466 | City Campus |
| Advanced Feature Writing | 12 | COMM2468 | City Campus |
| Fiction for Young Adults | 12 | COMM2470 | City Campus |
| Publishing for Editors - From Commission to Production | 12 | COMM2735 | City Campus |
| Magazine Writing and Editing | 12 | COMM2467 | City Campus |
| Advanced Professional Writing - Text, Design and Strategy | 12 | COMM2734 | City Campus |
| Short Form Fiction Writing | 12 | COMM2736 | City Campus |
Select and Complete One (1) Course from any:
Entry requirements
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.
For equivalents to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country Equivalency web page on the RMIT website.
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
Selection Tasks
All applicants must complete and submit the selection task. Some applicants may be required to attend an interview.
International English language requirements
A minimum of IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.0, with no band less than 5.5, or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English requirements web page.
Learning outcomes
As a graduate, you will develop the following program learning outcomes:
Institution
