Creative Writing

The course resolutions detailed in this page apply to all courses included in the table below under section 1 (course codes).

These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Coursework Policy 2021 (the 'Coursework Policy'), the Learning and Teaching Policy 2019, the Resolutions of the Faculty, University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule 2021, the Academic Integrity Policy 2022 and the Academic Integrity Procedures 2022. Current versions of all policies are available from the Policy Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies

1 Course codes

2 Attendance pattern

The attendance pattern for these courses is full time or part time according to candidate choice.

3 Master's type

The master's degree in these resolutions is an advanced learning master's course, as defined by the Coursework Policy.

4 Embedded courses in this sequence

(1) The embedded courses in this sequence are:

(a) the Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing

(b) the Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing

(c)  the Master of Creative Writing

(2) A candidate for the graduate certificate or graduate diploma may apply to progress to a longer course in this sequence, providing the candidate meets the admission requirements for that course. Only the longest award completed will be conferred.

5 Admission to candidature

(1) Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the following admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed by the Dean to be equivalent.

(2) Admission to candidature for the Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing requires:

(a) a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification; or

(b) equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.

(3) Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing requires:

(a) a bachelor's degree with a minimum 60 percent average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, including a major in a relevant subject area in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification; or

(b) completion of the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing with a minimum credit (65 percent) average, or an equivalent qualification.

(4) Admission to candidature for the Master of Creative Writing requires:

(a) a bachelor's degree with a minimum credit (65 percent) average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, including a major in a relevant subject area in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification; or

(b) completion of the requirements for the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing with a minimum credit (65 precent) average, or an equivalent qualification.

(5) An applicant for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters of Creative Writing must also include a portfolio of 1500 to 3000 words of prose creative writing or 10 to 15 pages of poetry with their application.

6 Requirements for award

(1) The units of study that may be taken for these courses are set out in the Postgraduate Table of Units of Study for the Creative Writing subject area.

(2) To qualify for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing a candidate must complete 24 credit points, including:

(a) 6 credit points from core units of study; and

(b) 12 credit points from workshop selective units of study.

(c) a maximum of 6 credit points from elective units of study.

(3) To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:

(a) 18 credit points from core units of study;

(b) a minimum of 18 credit points and a maximum of 24 credit points from workshop selective units of study.

(c) where required, a maximum of 12 credit points from elective units of study.

(4) To qualify for the award of the Master of Creative Writing a candidate must complete 72 credit points, comprising:

(a) 18 credit points from core units of study;

(b) a minimum of 18 credit points and a maximum of 36 credit points from workshop selective units.

(c) a minimum of 6 credit points and a maximum of 12 credit points from capstone units of study.

(d) a minimum of 6 credit points and a maximum of 30 credit points from elective units of study.

7 Recognition of prior learning

(1) Waivers and reductions in the volume of learning may be granted or the volume of learning may be reduced in recognition of prior learning.

(2) Credit may be granted for up to 50% of course requirements for relevant incomplete postgraduate qualifications.

(3) Candidates offered direct admission to the Master of Creative Writing may be eligible for a reduction in the volume of learning of up to 24 credit points, subject to the following:

(a) The maximum permissible reduction in the volume of learning is 24 credit points for a qualification at level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework in a relevant discipline as defined by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

(b) The maximum permissible reduction in the volume of learning is 24 credit points for relevant professional work experience deemed by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences to have conferred a volume of learning equivalent to that of a Graduate Certificate in a relevant discipline.

(4) The maximum combined waiver and reduction in the volume of learning for prior study granted to a candidate will not exceed 50 percent of the requirements of the course.

8 Course transfer

A candidate for the masters degree or graduate diploma may elect to discontinue study and graduate with a shorter award from this sequence, with the approval of the Dean, and provided the requirements of the shorter award have been met.

9 Transitional provisions

(1) These resolutions apply to students who commence their candidature after 1 January 2024.

(2) Students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2024 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement.