/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/current-students/images/Coffs-harbour_student-group_20220616_33.jpg)
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/current-students/services/counselling/images/RS21533_English-College-Student_20191210_DSC_6961.jpg)
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/study/scholarships/images/STEPHANIE-PORTO-108-2.jpg)
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/study/arts-and-humanities/images/RS20958_Chin-Yung-Pang-Andy_20190309__79I5562-960X540.jpg)
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/experience/images/SCU-INTNL-STUDY-GUIDE-280422-256.jpg)
/prod01/channel_8/media/dep-site-assets/component-library/screenshots/online-1X1.jpg)
Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
-
Start Date
March
-
Duration
2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
-
Location
Online
-
Placement
Yes Learn more
-
ATAR
55
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
AssocDegCreatWrite
-
Course code
2207005
-
Credit points
192
-
Equivalent units
16
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
-
Start Date
-
Duration
2 years full-time
-
Location
-
Placement
Yes Learn more
-
ATAR
55
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
AssocDegCreatWrite
-
Course code
2207005
-
Credit points
192
-
Equivalent units
16
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
Effective storytelling connects and engages an audience, whether they read, watch or listen, and creative writing skills are highly sought after by industries worldwide.
Take the first step towards making your wordsmithing career a reality by studying with renowned professional writers. This course offers a rich blend of study across fiction and non-fiction, experimental writing, journalism, life writing, poetry, writing for stage and screen, and writing for young adults.
As well as being taught by published writers from the Northern Rivers arts community, you'll benefit from hands-on experience at iconic Australian literary events such as the Byron Writers Festival, and the Kyogle Writers Festival.
Learn more about this degree in the creative writing showcase.
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/landing-pages/images/KRISTIE-HARRIS_Bachelor-of-Arts_20240227-31.jpg)
"The skills I gained from my studies include time management and writing for different audiences. I can write for community level with work, or I can write research papers, grant papers and academic writing."
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Apply analysis, reasoning and reflexivity to creative writing practices and literary studies. Integrate broad knowledge of writing genres and theoretical ideas to understand and manage practical situations in creative writing. |
GA2: Creativity Apply analysis, reasoning and reflexivity to creative writing practices and literary studies. Access and evaluate sources of information relevant to the study of creativity and the writing discipline to promote lifelong learning. Demonstrate an understanding of practices of creativity and literary analysis using a variety of conceptual frameworks. |
GA3: Ethical practice Demonstrate cosmopolitan and multicultural values through appropriate ethical perspectives on social and cultural issues. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Integrate broad knowledge of writing genres and theoretical ideas to understand and manage practical situations in creative writing. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Access and evaluate sources of information relevant to the study of creativity and the writing discipline to promote lifelong learning. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Develop a broad range of communication skills using various mediums to convey knowledge and ideas within their chosen pathway. |
GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate cosmopolitan and multicultural values through appropriate ethical perspectives on social and cultural issues. Demonstrate an understanding of practices of creativity and literary analysis using a variety of conceptual frameworks. |
Opportunities exist for writing students to undertake work placements with Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) (an education partner of our University), the Byron Writers Festival, and the Kyogle Writers Festival.
You can undertake an optional professional placement unit of 70 – 100 hours in an appropriate organisation, developing your knowledge and skills.
While this course has no majors, studies in fiction and non-fiction writing include:
- Experimental writing
- Journalism
- Life writing
- Poetry
- Writing for stage and screen
- Writing for young adults.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Online | Term 1 |
Career Outcomes
As a graduate, you could launch a career as a novelist or scriptwriter; a food, nature, arts or travel specialist; feature journalist; critic and reviewer; essayist; poet; editor and publisher; or as a writer in government, corporate marketing and public relations, among other options.
Graduates of the Associate Degree of Creative Writing may also choose to continue to study for a further year and complete their Bachelor of Arts.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
Language requirements
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Austria AMC | 3.7 |
| Bangladesh HSC | 3.3 |
| Brazil SSLC | 7.8 |
| Canada High School OSSD | 48 |
| Chile PSU | 6.0, overall 600/649 |
| China Gao Kao | 436 |
| Colombia CB (NAT) | 73, overall 300/349 |
| Denmark USSLE | 5.8 |
| France FB | 10.5 |
| German Abitur | 4.2 |
| Hong Kong HKDSE | 13 |
| India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4) | 7, 63% |
| Indonesia SMA | 7.8 |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 |
| Japan USSLC | 3.7 |
| Korea, Republic of, CSAT | 3.7 |
| Malaysia ICSSUEC | 65 |
| Malaysia STPM | 3 |
| Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate | 65 |
| Nepal Proficiency Certificate | 78 |
| Norway GPA | 1.3 |
| Pakistan HSSC | 29 |
| Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5) | 3.6 |
| Peru OCSE | 16 |
| Phillipines NSAT | 86 |
| Russia FCCSE | 4.1 |
| Saudi Arabia MESSLC | 78 |
| Singapore SCGCE | 14.5 |
| Spain SSSD | 7.8 |
| Spain SUOY | 4.5 |
| Sri Lanka GCE | 4 |
| Sweden SSLC | 1.5 |
| Taiwan GSAT | 50 |
| Thailand CSE | 42, GPA 1.7 |
| Turkey HSD | 3.7 |
| UK Board GCE A Levels | 12 |
| USA SAT & ACT | SAT 1350, ACT 18 |
| Vietnam (in 4 subjects) | 7.5 Average |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Associate Degree of Creative Writing, students must complete the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points) comprising:
- 15 core units (180 credit points), and
- 1 project unit (12 credit points).
To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Creative Writing, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:
- core units (96 credit points).
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why Music and Creative Arts at SCU
Major festival connections
Such as Splendour in the Grass, Mullum Music Festival and Byron Writers Festival
Extensive facilities
Outstanding visual arts, recording and performing studios
Graduate satisfaction
85% of graduates rated the facilities and resources highly, well above the median national average of 79%
(QILT 2020)Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
How can we help?
How can we help?
How can we help?
Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway