Creative Writing
Coursework
The Master of Creative Writing is designed to enable students to explore and develop skills in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and other forms of writing in a stimulating academic environment. Emphasis is on developing core skills of writing, structuring and editing in tandem with understanding theories, histories and practices of writing. Our students work in experimental or traditional ways within, across or between genres and media. We offer you intimate access to Sydney’s literary life, including a constant calendar of readings, performances, major literary and cultural events, and a host of celebrated visitors. We support all kinds of literary ambition in a setting that builds capacity, encourages diversity and experimentation, and supports professional writing.
As well as core selective units in the fundamentals of research-led creative practice, critical contexts for creative writing, writers at work, literary movements, and Sydney as a cultural centre, we offer a wide range of specialised units, including workshops in poetry, fiction, and life writing (mixed genre).
In many units of study you will work in small groups with distinguished staff and visitors to extend and deepen your skills, thinking and engagement with the work of others. As well as coursework, all master's students undertake a substantial, individually supervised creative dissertation or project and participate in a lively calendar of readings, talks and symposia.
Writers on staff include Kate Lilley, Peter Minter, Beth Yahp, Belinda Castles and Vanessa Berry. Visitors to the program in recent years have included Peter Boyle, Pam Brown, Ali Cobby Eckermann, Michael Farrell, Carla Harryman, Lyn Hejinian, Gail Jones, Michelle de Kretser, David Malouf, Drusilla Modjeska, Eileen Myles, John Tranter, Barrett Watten, Ceridwen Dovey, Julie Koh, Michael Mohammed Ahmad, Kate Forsyth, Mireille Juchau, Fiona McFarlane and Charlotte Wood.
See also: English Studies
Awards and requirements
Please refer to the course rules in this handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different award courses.
Master of Creative Writing
Candidates for the Master of Creative Writing must complete 72 credit points of units of study, including:
- 30 credit points from selective units of study
- a minimum of 6 credit points from capstone units of study
- a minimum of 24 credit points from elective units of study which must include at least two Workshop units of study.
Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing must complete 48 credit points of units of study, including:
- a minimum of 18 credit points from selective units of study
- a maximum of 30 credit points from elective units of study including two Workshop units of study.
Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing
Candidates for Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing must complete 24 credit points of units of study, including:
- 12 credit points from selective units of study
- 12 credit points from elective units of study including one Workshop unit of study.
Candidates who have completed previous study in a relevant discipline may be eligible for a reduction in the requirements in accordance with the table below:
| Level of prior learning | Full-time duration | Credit points to complete |
|---|---|---|
| AQF Level 7 eg. a bachelor's degree in the Humanities, Social Sciences or Law | 1.5 years | 72 |
| Relevant professional experience equivalent to a Graduate Certificate | 1 year | 48 |
| AQF Level 8 eg. Honours in a relevant discipline | 1 year | 48 |
Contacts and further information
Contact details can be found on these websites:
Department of English
School of Literature, Art and Media