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    • Four students sitting at a table smiling at someone sitting on a laptop out of shot.
    MJRU-PRWRP

    Professional Writing and Publishing

    Undergraduate major

    Learn how to research, write, edit and publish a range of material, to prepare for a career in professional communications.

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    Course outline
    • ATAR

      ATAR

      The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is used to determine eligibility for places in university courses.
      Minimum ATAR 70
    • Qualification
      Professional Writing and Publishing Major (BA)
    • Credit

      Credit

      A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.
      200
    Course outline

    Select your preferred degree

    This course belongs to multiple degrees. Select the single degree or double degree below to see the application deadlines.

    Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Innovation
    Course outline

    Overview

    Overview

    Employers across all sectors need people who can research, write, edit and publish a range of material.

    In this major you will develop your skills and knowledge in many genres and styles of writing and publishing practices, while exploring your creativity.

    You’ll learn to produce and edit feature articles, speeches, reports, discussion papers, website content, creative nonfiction, media releases and other forms of content for the workplace. You’ll also learn about copyright, censorship, plagiarism and the ethics of writing in the public domain.

    In your final semester, you may have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement with an industry employer.

    Professional writing and publishing is offered as part of the Bachelor of Arts. You can enhance your studies with a second major or choose from a range of elective units that support your career goals.

    You can also study this major as part of a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce double degree.

    How this course will make you industry ready

    • The skills and knowledge you'll gain are relevant to a range of professional communication roles and employment fields.
    • This course has industry-focused learning outcomes, and you'll have the opportunity for professional work placement with an industry employer.

    What jobs can the Professional Writing and Publishing course lead to?

    Careers

    • Copywriter
    • Editor
    • Publisher
    • Media / communications advisor
    • Writer
    • Social media content creator
    • Blogger.

    Industries

    • Media
    • Publishing
    • Government / public service.

    What you'll learn

    • identify, explain and apply the key disciplinary concepts and principles in professional writing and publishing
    • integrate theory and creative practice in the production and analysis of professional writing texts; conceive, develop and evaluate innovative modes of professional communication
    • access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information, and synthesise key facts, themes and ideas in professional writing and publishing
    • effectively communicate ideas to a range of audiences, across a variety of media, genres, and purpose
    • use and evaluate a range of appropriate technologies to access resources, communicate effectively, and develop writing and research skills
    • use and reflect on disciplinary skills and knowledge to develop autonomous learning, and apply these insights to writing in a range of different professional contexts
    • acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national and global perspectives and the impact of this on professional writing and publishing
    • recognise and value the diversity of cultural knowledge and practices, taking care to represent these, where appropriate, in an ethical and professional manner
    • work independently and/or collaboratively to produce innovative, creative and ethical professional writing that is appropriate to a variety of professional and cultural contexts

    Why study Professional Writing and Publishing at Curtin?

    Transferable skills

    Your in-depth understanding of writing, editing and publishing will complement other areas such as creative writing, history or journalism.

    Get the Curtin edge

    This major also has the option of a portfolio development unit, where you can build your personal brand and a portfolio to establish your position as a professional writer.

    Work experience

    You could undertake a professional placement with an industry employer, such as a small business or government department, in a content creation role.

    Over the course of my degree, I've learned to write feature articles, speeches, creative non-fiction, web content, reports and more. I’ve also learned editing, proofreading, marketing and interior book design. These job skills mean there are so many roles open to me across the arts, publishing, non-profit, corporate and government sectors.

    Over the course of my degree, I've learned to write feature articles, speeches, creative non-fiction, web content, reports and more. I’ve also learned editing, proofreading, marketing and interior book design. These job skills mean there are so many roles open to me across the arts, publishing, non-profit, corporate and government sectors.

    Sarah Oldfield

    Admission criteria

    What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

    Select an option that best suits you:

    You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

    • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
    • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

    ATAR pathway

    • Minimum ATAR 70

      This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

    • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

      Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

      Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

      English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR.

    • Desirable WACE subjects

      Desirable WACE subjects

      High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

      There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

    Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

    StepUp Entry

    StepUp Entry

    StepUp grants additional ATAR points to help eligible students qualify for admission.

    Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

    Alternative pathways

    • UniReady

      If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

    • Certificate IV + English Competency

      The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

    • Indigenous applicant

      If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

    • STAT entry

      Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

      The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

      Written English and either verbal or quantitative

    Find your pathway to Curtin

    Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

    Pathway finder tool

    How others gained admission

    View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

    To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

    You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

    You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

    How we define ‘experience’

    ‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

    Pathways

    • STAT entry

      Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

      The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

      Written English and either verbal or quantitative

    Find your pathway to Curtin

    Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

    Pathway finder tool

    You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

    Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

    Pathways

    • TAFE entry

      • AQF Certificate IV - Separate evidence of English language proficiency is required; or
      • AQF Diploma; or
      • AQF Advanced Diploma.

    • STAT entry

      Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

      The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

      Written English and either verbal or quantitative

    Find your pathway to Curtin

    Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

    Pathway finder tool

    You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

    Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

    Curtin course switcher criteria

    Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to Curtin course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

    Higher education course switcher criteria

    Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to other higher education course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

    Find your pathway to Curtin

    Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

    Pathway finder tool

    Unsure what option suits you?

    We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

    FAQs

    You might find your answer in our frequently asked questions.

    Ask a question

    Submit your question via our online form and we’ll get back to you.

    Call us

    1300 222 888
    8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays (Tuesday from 9:30am)

    Visit us

    You’ll find Curtin Connect in building 102 on the Perth campus.
    8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays (Tuesday from 9:30am)

    Find your pathway to Curtin

    Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

    Pathway finder tool

    Other requirements and notes for this course

    Applicants are required to choose one of the Bachelor of Arts majors when applying. If you with to study a double major, you elect the second major once you have been accepted into the course.

    In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

    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.

    Submit an enquiry CRL search

    Fees and scholarships

    Please view the Bachelor 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

    Frequently asked questions

    Search our FAQs

    • 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: MJRU-PRWRP
    • Last updated on: 21 December 2024

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    11. Designing Fashion Specialisation
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    3. Business Project Management Specialisation
    4. Business Strategy Specialisation
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    6. Social Media and Digital Marketing Specialisation
    7. Event Management Specialisation
    8. Fashion Marketing Specialisation
    9. Information Systems in Business Specialisation
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    13. Public Relations Specialisation
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    17. Taxation Law Specialisation
    18. The Business of Advertising Specialisation
    19. Tourism and Hospitality Essentials Specialisation
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    9. Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
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