Australia has long been a vibrant hub for literary talent, boasting a rich tradition of storytelling that spans diverse cultures and landscapes. For aspiring writers looking to hone their craft, the country offers a wide array of creative writing courses, from immersive university degrees to practical short courses and online workshops, catering to every level of experience and ambition.
The educational landscape for creative writing in Australia is dynamic, reflecting the nation’s strong literary community and its commitment to nurturing new voices. Whether you dream of penning the next great Australian novel, crafting compelling screenplays, or expressing yourself through poetry, there’s a pathway to help you achieve your goals.
University and Academic Programs:
Australia’s universities are at the forefront of creative writing education, offering comprehensive programs that combine theoretical knowledge with intensive practical workshops. These degrees are ideal for those seeking a deep dive into literary analysis, critical theory, and the craft of writing across various genres.
- Bachelor Degrees: Many universities offer Bachelor of Arts degrees with a major in Creative Writing. These typically run for three years full-time and cover foundational skills in fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and sometimes screenwriting or playwriting. Institutions like Macquarie University, Deakin University, Griffith University, Edith Cowan University (ECU), and the University of Melbourne are well-regarded for their undergraduate offerings. ECU, for example, focuses on developing awareness of voice, style, character, dialogue, and empathy, while introducing techniques for various forms.
- Postgraduate Programs: For those with an undergraduate degree or significant writing experience, postgraduate options provide advanced training and opportunities for focused project development.
- Graduate Certificates and Diplomas: These shorter programs (typically 0.5 to 1 year full-time) offer specialized study in creative writing, allowing students to refine their skills in specific areas like short stories, creative non-fiction, life writing, or writing for children. Deakin University offers a Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing with specialisations in these areas, often mentored by published authors.
- Master of Creative Writing: A more intensive 1-2 year program (full-time) designed for writers who want to develop a substantial body of work, often leading to a publishable manuscript. Universities like Macquarie University (Sydney) are known for their Master of Creative Writing, offering practical workshops across genres like young adult fiction, novella, novel, and poetry, with a strong focus on professional context, editing, and publishing. Curtin University and Monash University also offer well-regarded Master’s programs.
- Ph.D. in Creative Writing: For those pursuing advanced research and original creative work, PhD programs allow writers to produce a significant creative project alongside a critical exegesis.
Specialist Writing Centres and Workshops:
Beyond traditional academia, Australia is home to numerous dedicated writing centres and independent organizations that offer practical, often shorter, courses and workshops. These are excellent for focused skill development, networking, and receiving direct feedback from experienced writers.
- The Writers’ Studio (Sydney & Online): This highly respected studio offers a unique approach to unlocking creativity and developing storytelling skills. Their “Unlocking Creativity” course is a popular prerequisite for their more advanced short story, novel, and script courses, available both in-studio and online. They emphasize a practical process to get writers producing from day one.
- Australian Writers’ Centre (Sydney & Online): A very popular choice, the AWC offers a vast array of courses covering various genres (fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, crime, memoir) and professional writing skills (copywriting, freelance writing). Their courses are known for their affordability, shorter duration, and accessibility, with many available online and providing tutor feedback.
- Story Studios Australia (Melbourne & Online): Offers a range of adult creative writing programs, from regular “Write Night” sessions to short courses focusing on the craft of storytelling. They emphasize community and providing a supportive space for writers of all levels.
- The Writing Workshop (Sydney & Online): While also catering to young writers, The Writing Workshop offers programs for adults, led by accomplished authors, focusing on building creativity, literacy, and confidence.
- State Writers’ Centres: Most Australian states have a dedicated writers’ centre (e.g., Writers Victoria, Queensland Writers Centre, Writing NSW), which offer a diverse calendar of workshops, masterclasses, and events with guest authors, often covering specific genres, techniques, or aspects of the publishing industry.
Online and Flexible Learning:
Australia’s vast geography has naturally fostered a strong online learning environment. Many universities and private providers offer their creative writing courses completely online, providing flexibility for students across the country and internationally.
- Open Universities Australia (OUA): Acts as a portal to online courses from various Australian universities, allowing students to study subjects or even full degrees in creative writing at their own pace. This is a great option for those who need to balance study with work or other commitments.
- Many of the university programs (e.g., Deakin, Macquarie, ECU) and specialist centres (e.g., The Writers’ Studio, AWC) also offer comprehensive online versions of their courses, ensuring accessibility.
Choosing the Right Course:
When selecting a creative writing course in Australia, consider:
- Your Goals: Are you writing for personal enjoyment, aiming for publication, or looking to build a professional career?
- Learning Style: Do you prefer structured academic programs, intensive workshops, or flexible self-paced online learning?
- Genre Interest: Many courses specialize in fiction, poetry, non-fiction, or screenwriting.
- Feedback and Mentorship: How much direct feedback and interaction with instructors or peers do you desire?
- Cost and Time Commitment: Programs vary significantly in duration and price.
Australia’s creative writing scene is rich and supportive, offering numerous avenues for aspiring and experienced writers to develop their voice and bring their stories to life.
