Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing

The Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing at Collarts is a short, focused qualification for people who want to write seriously and get honest feedback on their work. It runs for 20 weeks, roughly one trimester of full-time study. You'll spend that time writing, workshopping and rewriting across forms such as fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry or script. Assessment is mainly your own writing plus reflective work about how you got there, which is how creative writing is usually assessed in Australia.

How the qualification works

As a graduate certificate, this sits at AQF level 8, one step above a bachelor degree and below a master's. It's made up of a small set of units of study, each carrying credit points, and you complete them over the 20 weeks. If you later decide to continue into a graduate diploma or master's, the credit points you earn here may count towards it, subject to the receiving institution's rules. Check the official Collarts course page for the exact units, credit point values and any entry requirements.

What you actually do

Expect to produce a body of new writing rather than just read about it. You'll draft and revise, give and receive critique in workshops, read widely in your chosen form, and finish with a substantial piece or portfolio. Some creative writing courses include a placement or industry project, for example working with a publisher, literary magazine, arts organisation or production company, but whether this certificate includes one is something to confirm with Collarts directly.

Who it suits

This is for writers who already have a bachelor degree in any field and want structured time to develop their craft, or for people working in media, communications, advertising or education who want to sharpen their writing. It also works as a taste of postgraduate study before committing to a longer degree. If you're an international student, you'll need to meet Collarts' English requirement and the separate Department of Home Affairs threshold for the Student visa. While studying, a Student visa generally allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during term. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances and the current rules.

• Author or freelance writer, books, essays, short fiction and online publications
• Copywriter or content writer in advertising, marketing and digital agencies
• Editor or sub-editor with publishers, magazines and digital media outlets
• Screenwriter or script developer for film, television and streaming production companies
• Communications officer in arts organisations, universities, government and nonprofits
• Grant and proposal writer for arts funding bodies and community organisations
• Teacher or tutor of creative writing in community programs and private studios