Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing

This practical, industry-focused program will nurture your creative potential while building the skills, expertise and versatility you need to become a professional writer and/or editor. Whatever your goal - to write a novel, start an online magazine, or work as a freelance editor - we'll support and inspire you.

During your studies you'll work alongside fellow students passionate about reading and writing. You'll also learn from teachers and mentors who are leading practitioners in their fields.

You'll start by gaining a broad base of skills in fiction, creative nonfiction, professional communication, digital content, grammar and editing. Then you'll specialise in your preferred areas, with a focus on building a writing portfolio, developing practical projects, and engaging with industry and with readers.

Other opportunities include completing an industry placement, producing the annual Visible Ink anthology, collaborating with creative partners outside the program, and building your professional networks by organising and participating in literary events.

Employers include publishers, government organisations, the technical, education and scientific industries, private consultancies, advertising agencies, arts and cultural organisations and community groups.

The Professional Writing and Editing degree has a long and proud tradition of producing writers and editors for the publishing and communications industries. Our graduates have become successful authors, publishing books, articles, poetry and stories, and winning major awards and fellowships. Others gain entry-level positions in a competitive industry and start their own business and entrepreneurial projects. This degree also has pathways into higher education courses.

Graduates also work as freelance writers and editors, using the industry networks developed during the program.

Graduates work in book, magazine, newspaper and digital publishing in roles such as:

• editor or online editor
• social media writer
• journalist
• broadcaster
• publicity or communications officer
• copywriter
• administrator
• project manager