RMIT’s professional writing and editing programs are designed for students who wish to write at a professional level. Once you have completed the core courses of the certificate IV, you can customise your program by choosing courses that reflect your interests and goals. The program offers fiction and non-fiction writing courses in which you can write and workshop your material to industry standard. The editing courses prepare you for employment in the publishing industry while Desktop Publishing, and Photography for Writers are designed for students who wish to work in the publishing and communication industries.

You must successfully complete the certificate IV before progressing to the diploma.

Year 12 applicants will typically apply for the certificate IV and complete the suite of two programs over two years full-time.

Certificate IV

You will study three core courses: Computer Skills for Writers, Industry Overview, and Editing 1. To complete the certificate, you also study three skills-based competencies and select 315 hours of writing specialisations.

Diploma

You will study six skills-based competencies and select 340 hours of writing specialisations.

Work experience

In the diploma, you can choose to work in your chosen industry area for 68 hours, gaining invaluable experience and industry contacts.

Duration

Diploma: One year full-time. Certificate IV: One year full-time or two years part-time.

Pathways

Graduates of the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing may progress to the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing.

Graduates of the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing who have been successful in gaining a place in either the Advanced Diploma of Screenwriting, Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) or Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) will be eligible to apply for exemptions.

Graduates of the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing may be eligible to apply to the Master of Arts (Creative Writing) or the Graduate Diploma of Editing and Publishing.

Note: In TAFE, RMIT University recognises and accepts any Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications and Statements of Attainment that are issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Credit will therefore be given for modules or units of competency for which an original official certificate or Statement of Attainment is produced.

Gaining credit for previous study or experience
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer are ways that RMIT recognises applicants’ skills and knowledge gained through formal and informal education and training, work experience, and/or life experience (including volunteer work; committee responsibilities; family duties, hobbies).

Further information about gaining credit for previous study or experience

Further information about pathways

Career prospects

Graduates gain employment in many areas including book, magazine, desktop and on-line publishing. They are also employed in newspaper and magazine journalism, writing CD-ROMs, web site development, broadcasting, publicity and public relations, scriptwriting, copywriting, administration and project management. Employers include publishers, advertising agencies, tertiary institutions, government organisations, private consultancies, theatre and community groups. Graduates also work in a freelance capacity, using the industry networks developed during the program.

Entrance requirements

Current Year 12— Prerequisite units 3 and 4—English (any)..

Non-Year 12 pplicants are encouraged to apply and may be required to have relevant employment or evidence of experience and/or ability to meet the demands of the program.

Equity admissions schemes
RMIT understands that people’s backgrounds and circumstances can affect their access to education and training. RMIT’s equity admissions schemes allow applicants to explain the circumstances that have adversely affected their education, and demonstrate their capacity for future academic success.

Further information is available at equity admissions schemes

Click here for further information.

Application procedures

Semester one

Full-time applicants—VTAC application
Part-time applicants—RMIT direct application
Note: All applicants must comply with any extra requirements listed.

VTAC application
Applicants must apply through Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) and are advised to check detailed information on entrance requirements, application procedures and closing dates. Applicants must meet all extra requirements and selection procedures listed through VTAC.

Application closing date: Late September
Further information:
Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
40 Park Street, South Melbourne
Tel. 1300 364 133
www.vtac.edu.au
Note: RMIT program codes listed on this page should not be used when applying through VTAC.

RMIT direct application
Applicants must apply directly to RMIT University using an RMIT direct application form.

Application closing date: 31 October
Further Information:
Info Corner (formerly Office for Prospective Students)
330 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Tel. 03 9925 2260
Email: study@rmit.edu.au
www.rmit.edu.au/programs/enquiries

Extra requirements

Selection mode: Pre-selection kit, folio, interview.

Selection procedures (Semester 1)

Pre-selection kit and folio (all applicants): must complete and submit an RMIT University Professional Writing and Editing pre-selection kit available from the web (www.rmit.edu.au/programs/applications/forms/vtacsupp/).

Interview (short-listed applicants only): Details will be provided to applicants required to attend.

Please refer to the current VTAC Guide for more information

Semester two (midyear intake)

RMIT University has places available for the midyear intake in many TAFE and degree (bachelor and postgraduate) programs. From 1 May check to see if this program offers a midyear intake
Note: Applicants must confirm availability of program offered at midyear prior to applying. All applicants must comply with any extra requirements listed.

RMIT direct application
Applicants must apply directly to RMIT University using an RMIT direct application form.

Application closing date: 31 May
Further Information:
Info Corner (formerly Office for Prospective Students)
330 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Tel. 03 9925 2260
Email: study@rmit.edu.au
www.rmit.edu.au/programs/enquiries

Click here for further information.

Fees

Detailed information regarding fees for degree and TAFE programs, including for Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), State Government Subsidised Place (SGSP) and Fee Paying Place (FPP), can be found by clicking on the link below.

Scholarships

Record spend on RMIT scholarships
RMIT University will spend more than $60 million on student scholarships over the next five years. RMIT has many scholarships and funding opportunities to offer students.

Further information is available at RMIT Scholarships

Click here for further information.

Additional expenses

Other expenses apply for most programs. Prospective students are advised to consult the relevant program contacts for further information.

Program structure

The following program structure(s) are linked to this program.

Contact details

Clare Renner
School of Creative Media
Building 94, Level 2, 23–27 Cardigan Street, Carlton
Tel. 03 9925 4047
Fax: 03 9925 4362
Email: clare.renner@rmit.edu.au

Download this information as a PDF brochure (Requires Acrobat Reader)

Owning school

Creative Media

Disclaimer

Although RMIT endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.