Major overview
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.
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.
Why study at Curtin?
Broad career opportunities
With skills in workplace writing, narrative nonfiction, and editing and publishing, graduates can take their career in many directions.
Unique to Curtin
This major is the only full undergraduate major in professional writing in Australia.
Work experience
Gain real-world experience through diverse internships and Curtin’s own student-run publisher, Elephant Page Publishing.
How to study this major
You can study this major as part of any of the degrees below. A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. The units may vary depending on the degree you choose.
Degrees
Career outcomes
Careers
- Public Servant - Australian Public Service
- Public Servant - State Government
- Publisher
- Journalist
- Copywriter
- Writer
- Editor
You may also find opportunities in:
- Arts media
- Corporate writing
- Editing for business
- Government and not-for-profit communications
- Freelance/consulting
- Marketing communications
- Advertising/copywriting.
Why study at Curtin?
Broad career opportunities
With skills in workplace writing, narrative nonfiction, and editing and publishing, graduates can take their career in many directions.
Unique to Curtin
This major is the only full undergraduate major in professional writing in Australia.
Work experience
Gain real-world experience through diverse internships and Curtin’s own student-run publisher, Elephant Page Publishing.
Course and career advice
Get guidance on choosing your course and planning your career with advice written to support your next step.
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Major structure
What you’ll learn
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.
Note: Some lectures in this course may be attended by both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
How this course will make you industry ready
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.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Degrees
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
Explore more
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