Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing

2 years full-time or part-time study may be available.

Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Program structure

Year 1

You'll begin building professional writing and editing. Through writing fiction and non-fiction, you explore story and structure, research and readership, and learn how to build a strong narrative. You study copy editing and proofreading while looking at the use of language, grammar and punctuation.

Applying these skills, you develop concepts for a range of projects and study the principles and practice of writing for different audiences. You learn to use industry standard software to manipulate text and image, and through your electives you explore specialist writing areas.

Year 2

This offers a wide choice of writing electives, and the opportunity to further develop your writing projects, learning how to polish and pitch them for publication. You also have the option of working with others in editorial or production roles.

You explore ways of creating content for digital media and can choose to complete an industry placement. A series of industry forums increases your industry knowledge and professional skills.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

You can choose to work in your chosen industry area for 70 hours, gaining invaluable experience and industry contacts. RMIT professional writing and editing students have completed industry placements in major publishing houses locally and nationally, and have completed internships with a wide range of journals and magazines.

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

Graduates work in book, magazine and digital publishing. They are also employed in newspaper, online and magazine journalism, web writing, broadcasting, publicity and public relations, scriptwriting, copywriting, administration and project management.

Employers include publishers, advertising agencies, the technical, education and scientific industries, government organisations, private consultancies, theatre and community groups.

Graduates also work as freelance writers and editors, using the industry networks developed during the program.

You can do your industry placement overseas.

You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.

Program entry requirements

Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 or equivalent senior secondary school studies, or RMIT Foundation Studies program, or a recognised post secondary diploma or certificate in a relevant discipline. Applicants with post secondary work experience in this field will also be considered.

Prerequisites

Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 25 in English (ESL) or at least 20 in any other English.

Selection tasks

Applicants must complete and submit a pre-selection kit by 31 May. Shortlisted applicants May be required to attend an interview in June.

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Check and complete the selection tasks (if applicable) by the relevant closing date - these tasks are listed in the program entry requirements.

3. Check the table below for how to apply.

4. Apply using the appropriate method by the closing date.

Application method

Equity access

If circumstances have interrupted or disadvantaged your access to education, RMIT offers equity access schemes that allow selection officers to give applicants extra consideration, which may improve your prospects of studying at RMIT.

Tuition fees vary according to program and are adjusted annually.

In a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) your tuition fee is shared between you and the Commonwealth Government - if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Fee assistance

As a Commonwealth supported student, you may be able to either:

• pay all or part of your student contribution up front and receive a 10% discount, or
• defer your tuition fees through the HECS-HELP loan scheme.

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

Other fees

In addition to tuition fees you will also pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF). You may be able to defer the fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

There may be other additional expenses and administrative fees associated with your studies.

Graduates may apply for exemptions from the following programs:

• Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)
• Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)
• Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations)

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning

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