A bunch of students at the Medical School talking at a table
MJRP-PWRI4

Professional Writing and Publishing Major (MArts)

Postgraduate major

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Professional Writing and Publishing Major (MArts)
  • Credit

    Credit

    400
Course outline

You can study this course as part of the following degree

Visit the degree page for information on admission criteria, course fees and study locations.

Course outline

Overview

Overview

The Professional Writing and Publishing (PWP) Major will equip students with the skills, understanding and discipline to work in corporate communications and media in state, federal and local government, business and industry, the not-for-profit sector, arts organisations, and the magazine and book industries. These areas continue to demonstrate a significant growth nationally and internationally. It is expected that the degree will attract students with a strong command of the English language from a range of undergraduate disciplines from not only Humanities but also science and health sciences. Students will learn to convey information, issues and debate to colleagues, clients, constituents, and stake-holders by creating narratives that are rhetorically effective, ethically aware, well-researched, and cogently argued, in a range of media, genres and forms including print and online media, features and profiles, speeches, reports, discussion papers, narrative nonfiction, and promotion writing. Uniquely, the Curtin PWP program integrates creative practice and academic inquiry with training and experience in real-world technical and professional skills and competencies. It aims to foster its students’ narrative nonfiction writing talents, developing their skills in storytelling whilst training them in the specialised genres and conventions of professional communication and delivering advanced instruction in research, writing, editing and publishing. This equips students to contribute to and influence public discourse which is increasingly being driven by narrative: stories that capture an organisation’s identity, aspirations, and endeavours. Students will undertake a major project in their second year of study. They will also have an opportunity to practice their skills and develop their portfolio through internship with a professional organization. Students with outstanding results will have an option to further strengthen their critical capacity in preparation for possible PhD study.

What you'll learn

  • 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
Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and scholarships

Please view the Master of Arts degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Apply now
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MJRP-PWRI4
  • Last updated on: 28 September 2025

Got a question? We’re here to help.

Call 1300 222 888 Send us an email Ask us a question Book an appointment

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialisations

Bachelor of Commerce Specialisations

Bachelor of Innovation Specialisations

Learn more about Commerce

Apply for Professional Writing and Publishing Major (MArts)