Major overview
All organisations use writing to communicate with their range of stakeholders, including their staff, clients and the public. And within these professional communications, discourse is increasingly driven by narrative – stories that capture an organisation’s identity, aspirations and endeavours.
This course is designed for students who want to explore writing at an advanced level, to contribute to and influence public discourse.
You will learn about the conventions of print and online communications, and how to research, write, edit and publish narratives for a range of specialised formats and genres – including features and profiles, speeches, reports and discussion papers, narrative nonfiction, promotional writing and more.
This graduate diploma is part of a tiered postgraduate program, which means that you can choose to exit the program at the graduate certificate level (after completing the units required for that qualification).
After completing this course, you can study for your Master of Arts in Professional Writing and Publishing, where you will have an opportunity to practise your skills and develop your portfolio through an internship with a professional organisation.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information on units and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Double Degrees
Career outcomes
Careers
- Copywriter / editor
- Feature writer
- Speech writer
- Technical writer
- Publisher
- Media and communications officer / consultant
- Social media content creator
- Marketer
- Public relations officer
- Publicist
Industries
- Arts
- Media and journalism
- Marketing and advertising
- Government and non-profit sectors
- Publishing
- Business and industry
Why study at Curtin?
Only at Curtin
This major is the only full undergraduate major in professional writing in Australia.
Broad career opportunities
With skills in workplace writing, narrative nonfiction, and editing and publishing, you’ll be ready to build diverse and rewarding career.
Top 1%
We're ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world. Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Double Degrees
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.