AU$34,560 (2025 annual)
This practical, industry-focused associate degree will nurture your creative potential while building the skills, expertise and versatility you need to become a professional writer and/or editor.
Whatever your goal - to write a novel, start an online magazine, or work as a freelance editor - we'll support and inspire you.
During your studies you'll work alongside fellow students passionate about reading and writing. You'll also learn from teachers and mentors who are leading practitioners in their fields.
Build foundational skills then specialise into your chosen field under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.
Gain access to editors and publishers, receiving feedback and general information about the industry.
Take part in industry events, gaining contacts and guidance from established creatives.
You’ll start by gaining a broad base of skills in fiction, creative nonfiction, professional communication, digital content, grammar and editing. Then you’ll specialise in your preferred areas, with a focus on building a writing portfolio, developing practical projects, and engaging with industry and with readers.
Other opportunities include completing an industry placement, producing the annual Visible Ink anthology, collaborating with creative partners, and building your professional networks by organising and participating in literary events.
Employers include publishers, government organisations, the technical, education and scientific industries, private consultancies, advertising agencies, arts and cultural organisations and community groups.
The Professional Writing and Editing degree has a long and proud tradition of producing writers and editors for the publishing and communications industries. Our graduates have become successful authors, publishing books, articles, poetry and stories, and winning major awards and fellowships. Others gain entry-level positions in a competitive industry and start their own business and entrepreneurial projects. This degree also has pathways into higher education qualifications.
Graduates also work as freelance writers and editors, using the industry networks developed during the course of study.
Our graduates work in book, magazine, newspaper and digital publishing in roles such as:
In your first year, you will begin building your professional writing and editing skills.
Through writing fiction and non-fiction you will explore story and structure, research and readership, and learn how to build a strong narrative. You will develop a solid grounding in the use of language, grammar and punctuation, which will assist your writing and inform your studies in copyediting and proofreading.
In applying these skills, you will develop concepts for a range of projects and study the principles and practice of writing for different audiences. You will learn to use industry-standard software to manipulate text and images, and through your electives you will explore specialist writing areas.
In your second year, you will be offered a wide choice of writing and editing electives and the opportunity to further develop your writing projects, learning how to polish and pitch them for publication. You will also have the option of working with others in editing and publishing roles.
You will explore ways of creating content for digital media and can choose to complete an industry placement. By organising and attending industry forums and investigating a self-directed research topic, you will increase your broader professional knowledge, skills and networks.
Learning activities include lectures, seminars, demonstrations, presentations, guest speakers, group project work, practical exercises and field trips.
Content is delivered in a variety of forms including weekly face-to-face classes, seminars, full-day and weekend workshops, laboratory sessions and online. Many classes are held in the evening for those with daytime commitments.
Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester and includes:
You will benefit from ongoing teacher feedback, class workshopping, class and group discussion and peer review.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
You will have the opportunity to work in your chosen industry area for at least 48 hours, gaining valuable experience and industry contacts.
Past students have completed industry placements in major publishing houses and organisations, and internships with a wide range of journals and magazines. You are also encouraged to seek opportunities interstate and internationally, as well as locally.
Visiting writers, editors and publishing professionals regularly attend our classes and seminars. They offer you vital industry knowledge and networking opportunities.
In second year, you may pitch your creative work to editors and publishers who give you feedback. You also receive regular information about job and publishing opportunities, fellowships, writing competitions, and literary events and activities.
You can complete your industry placement in Australia or overseas.
Students are encouraged to submit their writing to local and international publications and to enter competitions worldwide.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this associate degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
You will begin building your professional writing and editing skills. Through writing fiction and non-fiction you will explore story and structure, research and readership, and learn how to build a strong narrative. You will develop a solid grounding in the use of language, grammar and punctuation, which will assist your writing and inform your studies in copyediting and proofreading.
In applying these skills, you will develop concepts for a range of projects and study the principles and practice of writing for different audiences. You will learn to use industry-standard software to manipulate text and images, and through your electives you will explore specialist writing areas.
You will be offered a wide choice of writing and editing electives and the opportunity to further develop your writing projects, learning how to polish and pitch them for publication. You will also have the option of working with others in editing and publishing roles.
You will explore ways of creating content for digital media and can choose to complete an industry placement. By organising and attending industry forums and investigating a self-directed research topic, you will increase your broader professional knowledge, skills and networks.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
The lowest selection rank plus any adjustment factors to receive an offer for semester 1 2024 for each stream are as follows:
Plan/package detail |
ATAR* |
---|---|
Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing | Range of criteria |
Guaranteed Pathway package AD016PATH1 Professional Writing and Editing (Associate Degree)/Professional Communication (Degree) |
Range of criteria |
Guaranteed Pathway package AD016PATH2 Professional Writing and Editing (Associate Degree)/Arts Creative Writing (Degree) |
Range of criteria |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task.
Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.
All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.
Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
VTAC applicants | Register and submit the selection task by |
---|---|
November round (Non-year 12 applicants only) | 1 November 2024 |
December round (Current year 12 applicants only) | 13 December 2024 |
January rounds (All applicants) | 1 January 2025 |
February rounds (All applicants if places are available) | 28 January 2025 |
If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.
Applicant type | Register and submit the selection task by |
---|---|
Direct applicants | 7 February 2025 |
Applicants are required to answer the following question (maximum 250-500 words):
Provide a 1000-word sample of your writing. Your sample can be fiction, creative non-fiction or factual writing, poetry or a combination, depending on your areas of interest.
Upload your writing sample in a Word document or PDF.
Indicate the styles of writing you have provided as your writing sample.
You may also provide extra pieces of material to support your application. This could be another sample of your writing, your resume, a reference from a former teacher or a list of your favourite books.
This could also be a URL link to your website, to a blog post or to an online site where you have had a piece of writing published. If you are submitting a URL, please make sure it is not password protected.
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).
Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing guarantees entry into the Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 150.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
You must have successfully completed at least two courses (subjects) in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses (subjects) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 150.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 150.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.
Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 60% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
All applicants are required to complete and submit a selection task for this program. See below for full selection task details.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
You must complete and submit the selection task.
Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
If you are applying via VTAC, you must complete and submit the selection task by the following dates:
VTAC applicants | Register and submit the selection task by |
---|---|
December round | 13 December 2024 |
January rounds | 1 January 2025 |
A statement outlining your interest in professional writing and editing (maximum 500 words)
A 1000-word sample of your writing. Your writing sample can be fiction, creative non-fiction or factual writing, or a combination, depending on your area of interest.
Indication of what writing genres you have provided in your writing sample.
Any other material you think will support your application. This may include a list of published work, CV, written references, a URL to a website or blog, etc.
If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited via email to an interview.
Advisory letters will be sent in late December (Main round).
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.
Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.
Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 347kb) along with your application.
Interview: You may be required to attend a folio presentation and/or an interview, either in person or via phone/video call.
If you have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 such as VCE, you can find the ATAR for your RMIT course on our admissions transparency page.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.
For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT:
You can gain entry to this degree from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
When you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing, you are guaranteed entry into a the following RMIT programs with credit:
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.
In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*.
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025 |
---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,627 per standard year $578 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $9,314 per standard year $1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $13,241 per standard year $1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $16,992 per standard year $2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.