Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing

Written communication skills are highly desired in today’s workforce.

During this course you will develop broad and transferable writing skills that will allow you to work across many areas of the media, including:

print publications digital forums and websites television and film advertising and marketing materials social media press releases technical documents.

During this course you will gain knowledge and skills in:

performing advanced writing and editing tasks writing advanced fiction and nonfiction materials undertaking project work and developing works for publication knowledge of the creative arts industry and working as a freelance editor or writer.

You will also learn to market your work, as well as discover what roles and opportunities are available to a professional writer or editor.

 

To be awarded the CUA50118 Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing, a student must successfully complete a total of thirteen (13) units of competency, comprising of:

• six (6) core units, and;
• seven (7) elective units, of which:

• five (5) units must be selected from the electives listed in the CUA50118 Diploma of 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

• BSBPMG522 - Undertake project work
• CUAIND402 - Provide freelance services
• CUAIND502 - Maintain and apply creative arts industry knowledge
• CUAWRT504 - Perform advanced editing tasks
• CUAWRT505 - Perform advanced writing tasks
• CUAWRT506 - Develop nonfiction works for publication

ELECTIVE UNITS

• BSBCRT403 - Explore the history and social impact of creativity
• BSBWRT401 - Write complex documents
• CUARES403 - Research history and theory to inform own arts practice
• CUAWRT404 - Perform writing and editing tasks
• CUAWRT405 - Write fiction material
• CUAWRT406 - Write nonfiction material
• CUAWRT508 - Develop children’s and young adults’ written works for publication
• CUAWRT509 - Develop fiction works for publication

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

All applicants must provide evidence of their technical skills in writing and editing and ability to:- Write short works (approximately 1,000 words) suitable for publication in any media;- Edit other people's written work for grammar, punctuation and appropriate use of language, and;- Provide an objective critique of other people's written work in a positive manner to assist re-writing.Skills may have been acquired through personal or work experience, or through formal study, such as the completion of the Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing.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.

Pathways to further study

On completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry into the following degree and in some cases receive credit for your study:

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

Find out more about our study pathways to VU

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who undertake a range of advanced writing and editing tasks required across diverse industries, including the writing or editing industries. Individuals will be required to write in a range of contexts and text types. They have autonomy in performing writing and editing tasks and can be responsible for planning, coordinating and evaluating writing and editing their own work and the work of others.