Master of Writing and Publishing

Master of Writing and Publishing

POSTGRADUATE

Explore the publishing process from manuscript to marketplace.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$27,840 (2022 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

IELTS 7.0

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$34,560 (2022 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Develop a nuanced understanding of, and undertake research in writing and publishing culture in both an Australian and a global context with the Master of Writing and Publishing.

Glass door with written signage, "Bowen Street Press"

Are you ready to excel in writing, editing and publishing?

Develop your specialist knowledge with this industry-focused masters degree. Whether you’re embarking on a career in writing, editing or publishing, or seeking to acquire more specialist knowledge in your career, this industry-focused masters degree is a unique offering.

Details

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The core of the degree is the unique Bowen Street Press internship.

The Bowen Street Press operates as a real-world, student-led publishing house, which offers many opportunities for industry engagement and real-world and simulated work practice. The numbers speak for themselves: interns have rated this degree with 100% for overall satisfaction, generic skills and graduate qualities over the last 2 years, as well as over 90% ratings for learner engagement, skills development, teaching quality and overall quality of education.

This degree is designed as a series of connected studios in which you take on specific industry challenges through collaborative and interdisciplinary learning and teaching strategies. Publications in both group and individual scenarios from print through to digital are the focus of the Bowen Street Press. A combination of industry-led research and individual projects in the second year of the degree will ensure a high level of flexibility for students.

Lecturers and academics all have strong industry relationships and experience, and the learning environment simulates professional practice within the writing, editing and publishing industries. The studios comprise an internship day, weekend intensives, weekly face-to-face seminars and student-directed learning.

Class sizes are small to ensure personal supervision of your activity and progress.

This degree is linked to and supported by industry participation in its Program Advisory Committee, which assists in developing curriculum content to ensure the curriculum reflects existing practice and emerging trends in the publishing industry.

The content and structure is vocational, with an emphasis on the acquisition and development of practical, readily applicable professional skills.

The degree is managed by professional book industry practitioners with extensive experience in the trade and educational sectors of the industry. 

All staff in the Bowen Street Press and associated subjects are well-respected industry experts with deep industry connections and knowledge. We have partnerships and mentorships with Hardie Grant Books, Emerging Writers Festival, the Australian Publishers Association, The Garrett Podcast, Affirm Press, Scribe, Black Inc. and smaller not-for-profits such as STREAT and the Fitzroy Learning Network.

 

The degree teaches skills that are globally relevant, which allows students to gain employment both locally and internationally.

  • 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing)
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The Graduate Diploma of Writing and Publishing is available as an exit award of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for this masters degree is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with the Graduate Diploma, you must have completed all subjects specified in the relevant course structure.

  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing)
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

You will study:

  • the principles and practices of editing
  • the production of print and electronic books
  • publicity and marketing for books and authors
  • the business and financial considerations of book publishing
  • the cultural context in which the book industry operates in Australia and internationally.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Writing and Publishing
Program code: MC262
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Writing and Publishing
City Campus
2 years full-time (4 semesters) 4 years part-time (8 semesters)
MC262
088089C
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time (4 semesters) 4 years part-time (8 semesters)
Plan code
MC262
CRICOS
088089C
View plan
Master of Writing and Publishing
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC262
088089C
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC262
CRICOS
088089C
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

You will develop advanced writing, editing and project management skills and high-level industry acumen preparing you to meet the needs of this constantly changing and fast-paced work environment.

Once you've graduated, you can work in many diverse careers including traditional roles in the trade, educational, corporate and digital sectors, and freelance careers in writing and editing across traditional sectors and in the fast-growing and opportunity-rich digital world.

This new degree is currently in the process of accreditation with the Australian Publishing Association.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0); or 
  • at least 3 years professional experience in the creative and professional writing, journalism, professional communication, public relations and/or editing and publishing area.

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed:

  • an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (out of 4.0)

    OR
  • at least 3 years' professional experience in creative and professional writing, journalism, professional communication, public relations and/or editing and publishing

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application:

  • a CV
  • a personal statement that details your experience.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band below 6.5)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 94 (with minimum of 19 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 24 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 58)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 185 with no less than 176 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in creative writing, journalism, professional communication or public relations, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration

Bachelor degree (AQF level 7)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Bachelor honours degree  (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

Graduate certificate (AQF level 8)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Graduate diploma (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in creative writing, journalism, professional communication or public relations, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2022 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$27,840.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2022 is $315.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$34,560.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$71,040.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information