The Diploma of Letters (Creative Writing) requires the equivalent of one year of full-time study. It is only offered as an exit award for students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Letters (Creative Writing).

The stream undertaken by the student will be identified on the student’s transcript of academic record and on the parchment presented to the student on completion of the course.

Course aims

The course aims to:

  • equip students with a thorough grounding in the major content and concerns of literature and writing practice throughout the epochs
  • produce graduates who are able to communicate effectively in a range of mediums, and who are able to analyse critically different texts in a range of situations and contexts
  • provide students with the skills required to assist them in developing and publishing works of creative writing
  • identify the range of fields and professions within the creative writing industry
  • encourage learning and transferable skills in both independent and collaborative contexts
  • encourage students to connect across boundaries and value ethical behaviour through the study of quality literature and the praxis of creative writing
  • provide students with an appreciation of the role of the writer in the working community.

Learning outcomes 

On the completion of the Diploma of Letters (Creative Writing), students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • the ability to apply transferable skills across a range of professions
  • the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • knowledge of literature and creative writing throughout the epochs
  • knowledge of how the cultural and literary merit of literature and other creative works are, and have been, defined
  • the ability to communicate an understanding of the interpretation of literary texts
  • knowledge of professional pathways for creative writers, and understand the role of the writer in the community
  • cognitive and communication skills to analyse critically different texts in a range of situations and contexts and communicate effectively in a range of mediums
  • skills in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and scholarship.

Program of study

To qualify for the Diploma of Letters (Creative Writing), a student must complete 36 units according to the following program of study, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

Stream - Creative Writing

Core topics

27 units comprising:

ENGL1101 Approaches to Literature (4.5 units)
ENGL1102 Literary Interpretations (4.5 units)
ENGL2143 Approaches to Creative Writing (4.5 units)
ENGL2145 Approaches to Popular Fiction (4.5 units)
ENGL3210 Prose Fiction Writing (4.5 units)
ENGL3211 Exploring Genres in Creative Writing (4.5 units)

Option topics

Select 9 units from:

ENGL2122 Reading and Writing Poetry (4.5 units)
ENGL2133 Vikings and Anglo Saxon Literature (4.5 units)
ENGL2134 Publishing and Editing (4.5 units)
ENGL2141 Life Writing (4.5 units)
ENGL2146 The Gothic Tradition (4.5 units)
ENGL2147 Medieval Myths: the Origins of Modern Fantasy (4.5 units)
ENGL3110 The Big Books 1 (4.5 units)
ENGL3111 The Big Books 2 (4.5 units)
ENGL3311 Research Methods in the Humanities (4.5 units)
PHIL2609 Philosophy and Literature (4.5 units)