BP257 - Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)
Plan: BP257 - Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)
Campus: City Campus
Overview
Program detailsPurpose of the ProgramArticulation and pathwaysEntrance requirementsExternal accreditation and industry linksStudent expenses and charges in addition to feesLibrary, IT and specialist resourcesProgram details
Award title: Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)
Award abbreviation: BArts(CreatWrit)
Total credit points: 288
Career: UGRD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Location: Onshore, City Campus
Owning school: Media and Communication (345H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication
ASCED code: 100705
CRICOS code: 065130G
Top of pagePurpose of the Program
The Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) offers you a practice-based arts degree focused on the production of creative work within a range of theoretical frameworks. It is a degree where upon graduation, you will be confident practising your particular writing craft within a context of research and scholarship, in order to undertake professional work as well as further learning.
This program uses a variety of learning and teaching approaches including guest lectures, face-to-face learning, case studies, reflective learning, workshops, online/blended learning and opportunities for participating in, and leading seminars. You will develop your skills and expertise as a creative writer, immersed in a community of creative writers and thinkers. You will be surrounded by writers of different levels and experience, led by skilled industry practitioners and published authors. You will learn to employ and stretch your imagination, exercise critical thinking and creative judgment, develop intellectual independence, all within a sound understanding of the field in order to further your own writing practice. You will become an adaptable creative professional able to adjust to constantly changing environments.
In your third year program capstone course COMM2652 Creative Writing Studio: Project, you will have the opportunity to write and develop a major piece of writing in your chosen form under the guidance of experienced staff and in the company of your colleague student writers. During the second half of your studies, you will also have the opportunity to do an internship to develop your career path, make connections with industry, further your own artistic and professional ambitions, establish networks of professional relationships to maximise employment opportunities upon graduation.
Your program includes the opportunity to take a Minor stream of study. A Minor is a grouping of courses that runs parallel with your core courses, developing your ability to see professional practices within wider social, cultural, political, technological and economic contexts. Employers look to graduates not only for technical skills, but also for an ability to analyse and conceptualise. The range of Minors on offer to you include: Approaches to Pop Culture, Asian Media and Culture, Cinema Studies, Literary Studies and Contemporary Politics and Communication.
Successful completion of this degree is a pathway for further learning such as an honours degree or Masters degree in publishing and editing. Typically, employment opportunities exist in three broad areas: writing for publication in print and new media; writing for screenplay and script development; writing for and about education and other research fields. There are increasing opportunities arising in convergent media platforms through interactivity, games and apps as well as emerging opportunities for self-employment and publication through ebooks, zines and the net. There are also career opportunities resulting from emerging trends such as boutique publishing, and the potential for you to be self-employed as creative writers and freelance practitioners. There are also opportunities for graduates to go on and teach in the education system.
Graduates of this program have won prizes, become published authors of novels, screenplays, short works, articles, reviews and poetry. They have become event managers, editors, been employed by various forms of print media and the net, and have become journalists working in the creative arts, as well as professional writers in the corporate, government and not for profit sectors. Some have gone on to do further study, including Honours, Graduate Diplomas, or coursework Masters.
The delivery of this program is blended comprising of face-to-face learning supplemented by online learning.
Top of pageArticulation and pathways
Successful completion of RMIT's AD016 Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing guarantees entry into this program with 144 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study).
Successful completion of RMIT's C6180 Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting guarantees entry into this program with 144 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study).
Upon successful completion of this program you may be eligible to undertake further studies in RMIT University programs, including honours or master by coursework in the School of Media and Communication, subject to each program's entry requirements.
If you have already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example, through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this program.
Top of pageEntrance requirements
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.
For equivalents to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country Equivalency web page on the RMIT website.
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or
a study score of at least 27 in English as an Additional Language (EAL)
or equivalent studies
International English language requirement
A minimum of IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English requirements web page.
Selection task
All applicants must complete and submit the selection task.
Top of pageExternal accreditation and industry links
In Australia there are no professional bodies that recognise or accredit programs in creative writing.
The publishing industry in Australia has been highly supportive of Creative Writing at RMIT and support our Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). The School of Media and Communication has close ties with Hardie Grant Books, Penguin Books, The Australian Film Commission, Scribe Publishers, Film Victoria, Allen and Unwin, Channel Seven, Text Publishers, Random House, Sleepers Publishing and others.
Key staff have strong connections with industry and creative practice. They are authors, screenwriters, essayists, playwrights, reviewers and researchers. Some are working in new media and web-based writing, others are more traditionally located in Australian and international texts through their own writing teaching and research.
Top of pageStudent expenses and charges in addition to fees
Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees. Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.
Top of pageLibrary, IT and specialist resources
Library resources and services
RMIT Library provides extensive resources, services and study spaces. All RMIT students have access to scholarly resources including course related material, books, e-books, journals and databases.
Computers and printers are available at every Library. You can access the Internet and Library e-resources. You can also access the RMIT University wireless network in the Library.
Contact Ask the Library for information on Library resources and services: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library. Study support is available for assistance with assignment preparation, academic writing, information literacy, referencing, maths and study skills.
The University Library has a large collection of Creative Writing related books, journals and electronic resources.
The Australian Film Institute Research Collection – the largest collection of its kind in the country – is managed by the School of Media and Communication and provides a unique resource for students within the Creative Writing Program.
Online learning tools and content
As a student in this program you may access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses from the student portal, myRMIT www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit
Course guides will identify print and electronic resources available to help you complete all your learning and assessment tasks. There are also specific resources available on campus that will assist you in the program.
Services available to you as a student at RMIT University
RMIT University provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.
Services are available face to face and online assisting with:
- transition to tertiary study and learning
- study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant
- enabling assistance if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning
- career development and employment
- living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters)
- opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad
- opportunities for participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance
We also offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. You can find more information from Student Support.
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