Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing

This course will provide you with theoretical and practical skills in a range of writing, editing and content production tasks.

You'll have the opportunity to participate in literary events and in writing for a range of publications.

You’ll build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to succeed in the writing, editing and publishing industries.

Writing skills are also highly valued in almost all industries.

You will gain experience and understanding to work effectively in the creative arts industry, including:

writing and editing skills for fiction and non-fiction across a range of genres and forms understanding and implementing copyright requirements copyright requirements technological skills and use of the internet concept development history and theory of writing and literature.

To be awarded the CUA40118 Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing, a student must successfully complete a total of twelve (12) units of competency, comprising of:

• six (6) core units, and;
• six (6) elective units, of which:

• four (4) units must be selected from the electives listed in the CUA40118 Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing qualification, and;
• two (2) units may be selected from the remaining listed electives or any currently endorsed training package qualification or accredited course.

Elective units must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the overall integrity of the AQF alignment and contribute to a valid vocational outcome as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS

• BSBITU303 - Design and produce text documents
• CUACMP311 - Implement copyright arrangements
• CUAIND311 - Work effectively in the creative industries
• CUAWRT404 - Perform writing and editing tasks
• CUAWRT405 - Write fiction material
• CUAWRT406 - Write nonfiction material

ELECTIVE UNITS

• CUAPPR401 - Realise a creative project
• CUARES402 - Conduct research
• CUAWRT301 - Write content for a range of media
• CUAWRT407 - Develop content for publication
• CUAWRT411 - Write for young children
• CUAWRT413 - Write poetry
• CUAWRT414 - Write narratives
• ICTWEB420 - Write content for web pages

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who undertake a range of writing and editing tasks required across a range of industries. Individuals will be required to write in a range of contexts and text types. They will also be required to edit and proofread their own written works preparing them for roles across a range of industries, including the writing or editing industries. They may provide guidance to others but have limited responsibility for the output of others.