Major overview
The Professional Writing and Publishing major teaches professional writing skills for working in corporate communications and media. These skills can be applied to employment in government, business and industry, the not-for-profit sector, arts organisations, and the magazine and book industries.
The Professional Writing and Publishing major is offered as part of the Master of Arts, a hands-on course with a strong practical and industry focus, to prepare you for a career in creative practice.
High-achieving students have the option to progress to doctoral-level study.
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.
Degrees
Career outcomes
Careers
- Public Servant - Australian Public Service
- Public Servant - State Government
- Publisher
- Journalist
- Copywriter
- Writer
- Editor
You may also find opportunities in:
- Arts media
- Corporate writing
- Editing for business
- Government and not-for-profit communications
- Freelance/consulting
- Marketing communications
- Advertising/copywriting.
Why study at Curtin?
Broad career opportunities
With skills in workplace writing, narrative nonfiction, and editing and publishing, graduates can take their career in many directions.
Unique to Curtin
This major is the only full undergraduate major in professional writing in Australia.
Work experience
Gain real-world experience through diverse internships and Curtin’s own student-run publisher, Elephant Page Publishing.
Major structure
What you’ll learn
In this course, you’ll develop advanced skills in creating and managing digital communications, with the flexibility to focus on specialist areas of communications that interest you – including social media, content management, policy or research.
You’ll also explore how the internet can impact societies, political systems, cultures and economies, and learn how to apply this knowledge.
In addition, you’ll learn how to identify emerging trends, and understand and apply tools such as artificial intelligence and online analytics.
In your final year, you’ll complete a research project and dissertation, or a professional or creative project in your area of interest.
This master degree course is part of a tiered postgraduate program, which means that you can exit the program at the graduate certificate or graduate diploma levels (after completing the units required for those qualifications).
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
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.Degrees
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.