Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing
CRWR19DPV1
• GPA of 4.00 (out of 7.00) or overseas equivalent
| Minimum number of credit points at 800 level | 32 |
| Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below |
In order to graduate students must ensure that they have satisfied all of the general requirements of the award.
Specific minimum requirements:
Credit points
800 level
TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM
| AQF Level | Level 8 Graduate Diploma |
| Overview and Aims of the Program | The Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing is designed to extend and challenge emerging writers to hone their craft in a small community of writers. The program’s focus is on developing each student’s creativity and writing skills, and to provide expert training for students aiming for professional publication. Students are encouraged to experiment, hone their craft, and to develop a technical vocabulary for critiquing their own work and the work of others. Specialist units in the degree engage with novel and short story writing, creative nonfiction (such as memoir, writing about place, personal essay), poetry, writing for young adults, and manuscript development. |
| Graduate Capabilities | The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows: Interpersonal or social capabilities |
| Program Learning Outcomes | By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to: KNOWLEDGE 1. demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the varied practices, genres and techniques engaged in by writing practitioners in the field of creative writing, including prose, nonfiction and poetry (K,T,J) 2. demonstrate knowledge of language and form in story, narrative and other literary genres through integrated creative, critical and reflective thinking (K, T) 3. engage critically with the social, cultural and ethical issues, and global perspectives relevant to writing practices (K, T) 4. gain knowledge of career opportunities in the Arts and Media industries (K, J) SKILLS 5. apply specialised and advanced technical and creative language skills to produce and realise story, narrative and other textual forms of creative writing (K, T, P, I, C) 6. demonstrate the capacity to think creatively, critically, and imaginatively to research, evaluate and present complex ideas, concepts, problems and processes (K, T, P, I, C) 7. interpret, communicate and present ideas in written language or symbolic representations appropriate to specific readerships or audience contexts (K, T, P, I) 8. work autonomously and collaboratively to research and develop ideas, concepts and practices and to give and receive critical commentary and analysis of creative works (K, T, P, I, C). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods | The focus of the program is on the practice of writing, accompanied by the development of research, reading and analysis skills and understandings. Students develop expertise through an integration of critical reflection, discussion, written analysis and reflection and individual creative practice. Learning activities include the reading, viewing and analysis of written and visual texts, and participation in lectures, tutorial and/or seminars. Small and large group discussion and activities, and work-shopping of work-in-progress key elements of the online and campus classroom practice. Students develop their writing expertise by producing writing in a range of genres or through specialisation in specific genres that include prose, poetry and nonfiction for adult and child audiences and readerships. Students are expected to initiate original stories, ideas or concepts, and are then guided in the refinement, development and completion of these works, and to identify and situate them in specific contexts, and for specific readerships. There is a focus on industry-relevant experiences, with learning and assessment tasks which include writing to a brief, independent work, and independently sourcing subjects and/or interviewees. |
| Assessment | Assessment methods align with the Program Learning and Unit Learning Outcomes. The students varied learning approaches and styles are supported through a range of assessment methods. Early assessment and feedback takes place in Weeks 2-5. Rubrics are used consistently for all assessments, and students receive written feedback in addition to grading and marks. There is ongoing peer review of work in progress. Assessment tasks include: • creative works (in a range of genres) • reflective essays • reports, reviews and essays • individual presentations both face to face and online • research activities and research documentation • reports on experience from the field. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning | Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit. Information can be found at: https://mq.edu.au/rpl |
| Support for Learning | Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus. |
| Program Standards and Quality | The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability | Graduates in the Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing have the skills and knowledge to work in primary and secondary school settings and libraries as heads of subject and mentors with advanced knowledge of their field; in arts and media industries as writers and editors; as technical, professional and creative writers; and in publishing, marketing and publicity. Expertise in written composition and analysis also make the graduates employable in government and public service positions, and in industries which require high level communication skills not normally associated with written composition, such as the banking and financial sectors. |
| Assessment Regulations | This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation | This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification. Accreditation with the NSW Institute of Teachers (English Studies secondary teachers) has been initiated. Accreditation will be attained by the commencement of the program in 2015. |
Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or program necessary for a student to successfully achieve the core learning outcomes of a course or program. Students must meet the inherent requirements to complete their Macquarie University course or program.
Inherent requirements for Macquarie University programs fall under the following categories:
Physical: The physical inherent requirement is to have the physical capabilities to safely and effectively perform the activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Cognition: The inherent requirement for cognition is possessing the intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative capabilities to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Communication: The inherent requirement for communication is the capacity to communicate information, thoughts and ideas through a variety of mediums and with a range of audiences.
Behavioural: The behavioural inherent requirement is the capacity to sustain appropriate behaviour over the duration of units of study to engage in activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
For more information see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/inherent-requirements