Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting

Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting - 10678NAT

VOCATIONAL

Hone your writing skills to become a professional screenwriter, editor or script developer.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Entry score:

Not applicable

Fees:

Not applicable

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in 2023.

You can still apply for this program and you will be supported to transfer into the new qualification once it becomes available. This may result in changes to the program structure, content and fees.

Overview

Are you ready to enter the screenwriting profession?

The Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting provides specialist training in writing for film, television and digital media across all genres. While encouraging you to develop your creative strengths, it exposes you to the professional screenwriting environment including the structure of local and international industries, professional practice and career management.

RMIT is the place to study for screenwriters wanting to break into the industry. It is also the place where filmmakers and production companies look for trained, talented and creative new writers.

All lecturers are industry experienced and are actively involved in writing, production or media. Guest speakers from industry share their knowledge and experience, and all students have the opportunity to work with mentors from leading media companies and on all types of productions.

Graduates can expect to work in diverse roles, ranging from screenwriters or editors to script developers in digital media or advertising.

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Guaranteed Pathway options available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed? Guaranteed Pathways lets you preference pathway packages in VTAC so you can secure your place in your goal degree and graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

*This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Please note: this advanced diploma is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

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Teaching staff members are all industry professionals, actively engaged in the business of screenwriting across the entire production spectrum.

You will also have the opportunity to work with mentors in leading media and production companies on a range of projects.

While you can write in any location, at RMIT you will be surrounded by a strong community of writers who immerse themselves in their practice. All courses are delivered in English. You can access online resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

You will be required to complete 35 hours minimum of professional work/integrated learning in your second year.

Past students have completed work placements at the ABC; gained internships with FremantleMedia, working on TV shows such as Neighbours; and worked with a host of commercial television production companies.

This diploma maintains active links with all areas of the Victorian and Australia-wide film, television and digital media industry, especially through its strong Program Advisory Committee consisting of:

  • Jenni Tosi – Chief Executive Officer, Film Victoria
  • Susan Bower – Writer and Freelance Producer
  • Mark Poole – Writer and Director
  • Brett Sleigh – Development Manager, ABC Fiction
  • Deb Parsons – Freelance Screenwriter
  • Shaun Topp – Associate Script Producer, Seven Productions
  • Tim Ferguson – Writer and Producer
  • Chris Roach – Freelance Screenwriter and Script Editor.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

You may complete your industry placement in Australia or overseas.

Many staff members who teach in the course have worked overseas, allowing them to share their global perspective and experience to broaden your knowledge of the screenwriting industry.

RMIT’s Global Experience Office supports students to undertake an exchange or short term mobility activity with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

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

This diploma immerses you in the Australian and international professional screenwriting environment.

You’ll learn about the makeup of local and international industries and about the business of professional practice. You will also learn an audience-centred approach to marketing your own projects and a savvy approach to career management.

Our industry links ensure that on completion, you’ll be in a strong position to secure employment as a screenwriter in the film and television industry.

Year 1

Gain a comprehensive grounding in writing for film, television and digital media.

Year 2

Develop your own creative strengths through specialist training across a wide range of genres. You’ll learn about the local and international film and television industries, as well as how to work professionally, market your projects and manage your career.

Course structure

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

Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
Program code: C6160
National curriculum code: 10678NAT
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting
City Campus
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
C6160
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
C6160
CRICOS
View plan

VTAC Code

If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.

  • Plan C6160 - 3200372854
  • Guaranteed Pathway package Screenwriting (Advanced Diploma)/Creative Writing (Degree) - 3200311064
  • Guaranteed Pathway package Screenwriting (Advanced Diploma)/Media (Degree) - 3200311124.

Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.

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

Career

The need for professional writers has increased since the growth of new TV channels, the expansion of the film industry in Australia and the increase in number of independent production companies.

Many of our graduates find employment with established companies but many also undertake freelance work.

This qualification provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a screenwriter, editor, online writer/editor, research assistant, story editors, script editors, writers/producers, copywriters, script developers (in digital media and advertising), screenwriting teachers/tutors and script assessors.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic requirements.

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

Semester 1, 2023

You must complete and submit the Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting selection task.

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants

If you are applying via VTAC, you must complete and submit the selection task by the following dates:

VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
Early round (Non year 12 only) 28 October 2022
Main round (All applicants) 2 December 2022
All subsequent rounds (if places are available) 16 December 2022
Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 3 February 2023

The selection task requires:

  • A statement outlining your writing background and interest in screenwriting (maximum 500 words).
  • A 2000-word sample of original writing. This can be a short script, a screen story outline and related sample dialogue scenes, or a piece of creative writing. This must be uploaded as a PDF file (maximum size 10MB).

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Guaranteed Pathways available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed for entry into this degree?

At RMIT we've got your back, with a range study options to help you achieve your goals, no matter your ATAR.

Guaranteed Pathways gives you the option to preference pathway packages in VTAC.

If you apply and are successful in gaining a place in a Guaranteed Pathway package, you will progress straight into the Bachelor Degree upon successful completion of the relevant vocational degree (otherwise known as TAFE) first.

With a Guaranteed Pathway package, you can graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

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

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

Fees

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2023 fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$8,250* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$11,500* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

  • 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

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and 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 2023 is $326. 

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.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (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.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

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.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

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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