Students will hone their expertise in writing and literature and gain practical tools in critical analysis, editing and research. Whether they want to develop the skills to analyse literary works, build their creative writing practice, or craft publishable pieces of professional writing, the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) will help fulfil their career aspirations.
For those who want to turn a lifelong passion for writing and literature into a professional career, this course provides the practical experience to make those goals a reality. Equally, for those already working in the industry and looking to take the next step – whether that be in a new role or finally breaking through as a published author – Deakin University will provide a high performing environment that allows creativity to reach its full potential. Ultimately, the Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) aims to inspire students, so they can inspire audiences of their own.
Students will choose from four study specialisations to create a unique degree that matches their interests:
- Children’s literature
- Creative writing
- Literary studies
- Professional writing
Deakin University's specialisations cater for many writing and literature professionals – from marketing professionals looking to boost sales through carefully crafted copy, to aspiring authors hoping to turn their book idea into a reality, and teachers wanting to add a new level of depth and rigour to their classroom. Alternatively, students may wish to study cross-disciplinary units that provide a broader spread of learning topics. With this option, they’ll gain a deep understanding of the conventions of professional non-fiction writing, as well as the theory and craft stemming from traditional literature, all in the one degree.
Importantly, the course provides more than just writing expertise. The projects and assessment tasks students work on train them in transferable skills, including critical analysis, communication, problem solving and research – incredibly valuable in every field of work. They'll also debate literature, creativity and modern writing challenges with like-minded people from different corners of business and life. This exposure to new ways of thinking helps students grow as writers and shows them how literature can be used to make sense of different aspects of culture, place and history.
For many students, a desired outcome of the course is to produce a published piece of work. Deakin University's academic staff are published authors and leading international scholars, so they know the process inside out, from first draft all the way to hitting the shelves.
Draw upon their experience and utilise their extensive network of writers, editors and publishers to get a foot in the door. Students' thesis projects, a highlight of the course, pairs them with one of Deakin University's brilliant teachers. The thesis might provide commentary on a classic piece of literature, or it could be an original piece of work.
The course provides lots of exposure to industry work, trends and opportunities, better preparing students for the current and future needs of the field. Many students take advantage of Deakin University's industry partnerships to secure internships at well-known publications. Verandah Journal, an annual student-run publication, showcases the best work of emerging writers and artists while giving students the chance to develop expertise in selecting, editing and proofreading submissions for publication. Better still, Deakin University's academics are actively involved with a number of prominent writing festivals, ensuring they have their finger on the pulse of emerging writing trends and industry needs.
