Professional Writing and Publishing Major (MArts)

The Professional Writing and Publishing major teaches professional writing skills for working in corporate communications and media. These skills can be applied to employment in government, business and industry, the not-for-profit sector, arts organisations, and the magazine and book industries.

In this course you will learn to write effective non-fiction, and discover how to capture and express an organisation's identity, aspirations and endeavours. You will learn about specialised genres and conventions of professional communication, and receive advanced instruction in research, writing, editing and publishing.

In your second year, you'll undertake a major project and may have an opportunity to practice your skills and develop your portfolio through an internship with a professional organisation.

The Professional Writing and Publishing major is offered as part of the Master of Arts, a hands-on course with a strong practical and industry focus, to prepare you for a career in creative practice.

High-achieving students have the option to progress to doctoral-level study.

Note: Some lectures in this course may be attended by both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

We provide on-campus, industry and community-based initiatives to enhance your postgraduate experience and skills development. Students undertake a major project under the supervision of an experienced member of staff. This project becomes an important portfolio piece for many students.

Students may also practise their skills on placement with industry, arts and community organisations in Australia and overseas, developing confidence and engagement with relevant networks. They also have an opportunity to engage with award-winning artists, writers and researchers on staff and through our on-campus residency programs.

• understand the discipline of Professional Writing and Publishing, its theoretical underpinnings, ways of thinking and professional or creative approaches; understand and apply established knowledge, principles, and professional or creative practices in chosen aspects of the Arts
• apply logical and rational processes to analyse the components of a subject or project and engage critically with the subject matter to respond creatively within a selected communication paradigm
• gain the technology and decision-making skills necessary to obtain, assess and represent relevant information from a range of sources to develop a professional or creative work; assess the application of existing technologies as well as the impact of emerging technologies on a selected communication or media discipline to create an effective professional or creative work. Communicate appropriately with colleagues, professional and creative contacts and the general public and develop communication skills across one or more media forms appropriate to varying situations
• understand and apply a range of learning strategies; take responsibility for one's own learning and development; sustain intellectual curiosity and develop a commitment to professional research, publication or performance to engage with emerging forms of theory and practice in the Arts. Think globally and consider issues from a variety of perspectives and apply relevant international standards, tools and practices to one's professional or creative practice
• acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national, and global perspectives and the impact of these on the Arts: recognise individual human rights, and appreciate the importance of cultural diversity and the sensitivities which may be created when engaging with and representing issues pertaining to ethnic and community groups
• demonstrate professional behaviour and standards and work collaboratively to apply them in all aspects of creative practice and production-related activities