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Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) (ARB001.1)
Please note these are the 2026 details for this course
| Selection rank | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
3.0 years |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | UAC code |
| Faculty of Arts and Design | School of Arts and Communications |
View teaching periods | 362004 |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.0, a score of not less than 7.0 in both reading and writing, and no band score below 6.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Selection rank
The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
| Academic entry requirements | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
3.0 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | CRICOS code |
| Faculty of Arts and Design | School of Arts and Communications |
View teaching periods | 095562B |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.0, a score of not less than 7.0 in both reading and writing, and no band score below 6.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
Explore your creativity with Australia’s most established writing program
The University of Canberra’s writing program is the oldest of its kind in Australia, with a long and established record of excellence. The Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) is staffed by award-winning, industry-active novelists, poets, screenwriters, editors and publishers who’ll help you emerge from your degree with an impressive portfolio of dynamic, creative and professional work.
You’ll have the opportunity to experiment in different modes of creative writing, including prose fiction, poetry, writing for young people, screenwriting and narrative non-fiction. You’ll learn to build narratives, craft language and hone your critical skills, and will graduate with a broad and flexible set of skills and knowledge.
Study a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) at UC and you will:
- employ narrative and the crafting of language to solve problems
- engage with communities, and invent new ways of navigating professional and cultural environments
- compose imaginative fiction, non-fiction, poetic and screen-based works
- work individually, collaboratively and ethically while building professional relationships in the creative and cultural sectors.
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning is at the very centre of the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing). You’ll learn from industry-active professionals and world-class scholars and work and study in real-world situations through project work, internships, professional experience and mentorships.
You’ll complete units designed to help you develop the professional skills essential for employment in the creative industries, and will have the opportunity to participate in international work and study experiences as part of your degree. Past Creative Writing internships have included placements with the ACT Writers Centre, the Canberra Writers Festival, and the International Poetry Studies Institute – a research facility which is part of the University of Canberra.
Career opportunities
- Author
- Copywriter
- Journalist
- Playwright
- Screenwriter
- Scriptwriter
- Communications manager
- Publisher
- Editor
- Media analyst
- Technical writer
- Web content manager
Course-specific information
Standard entry to this course is by selection rank, but a portfolio entry is also possible.
High-achieving students may be eligible for enrolment in the Bachelor of Arts and Design (Honours).
Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:
- Year 12 ATAR
- other Australian Qualification
- work experience
- overseas qualification
We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the University via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes. More information is available on our Alternative Entry page: http://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/applications/apply-now/alternative-entry
Assumed knowledge
None.
Periods course is open for new admissions
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 02 February 2026 | ||
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Winter Term | 25 May 2026 | ||
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 27 July 2026 |
Credit arrangements
A credit transfer arrangement is available for this course for the following institutions:
Other Australian Tafe
University Of Canberra College
Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) (ARB001) | 72 credit points
Open Electives - 24 credit points from the following
- - Must pass 24 credit points from anywhere in the University, as a breadth major, a breadth minor and/or as individual units.
- - We strongly recommend Creative Writing students consider devoting 4 of their open electives to the Breadth Minor in Literary Studies (BN0002)
Note:
- 1. From 2022 units 11017 and 11018 are no longer available.
- 2. From 2025, unit 12144 Professional Practice (Internships A) replaces unit 11829 Professional Practice (Internships A)
- 3. Students must select two units from 11830, 11832, 11833, 11575 and 12144.
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Semester 1
Arts Core Major Unit OR Open Elective Unit
Arts Core Major Unit
Semester 2
Arts Core Major Unit
Open Elective Unit
Arts Core Major Unit OR Open Elective Unit
Year 2
Semester 1
Open Elective Unit
Arts Core Major Unit OR Open Elective Unit
Semester 2
11829 Professional Practice (Internships A) OR 11830 Professional Practice (Specialist Skills)
Arts Core Major Unit OR Open Elective Unit
Year 3
Semester 1
Two Open Elective Units
11832 Professional Practice (Internships B) OR 11833 Professional Practice (Industry and Creative Projects)
Semester 2
Two Open Elective Units
Year 1
Year 2
Semester 1
Open Elective Unit
Semester 2
Open Elective Unit
11829 Professional Practice (Internships A) OR 11830 Professional Practice (Specialist Skills)
Year 3
Semester 2
Two Open Elective Units
Year 4
Semester 1
Two Open Elective Units
11832 Professional Practice (Internships B) OR 11833 Professional Practice (Industry and Creative Projects)
Year 1
Semester 2
Open Elective Unit
Year 2
Semester 1
Open Elective Unit
Semester 2
11829 Professional Practice (Internships A) OR 11830 Professional Practice (Specialist Skills)
Open Elective Unit
Year 3
Semester 1
11832 Professional Practice (Internships B) OR 11833 Professional Practice (Industry and Creative Projects)
Semester 2
Two Open Elective Units
Year 4
Year 1
Year 2
Semester 1
Open Elective Unit
Semester 2
Open Elective Unit
11829 Professional Practice (Internships A) OR 11830 Professional Practice (Specialist Skills)
Winter Term
Two Open Elective Units
Year 3
Semester 1
Open Elective Unit
11832 Professional Practice (Internships B) OR 11833 Professional Practice (Industry and Creative Projects)
Semester 2
Two Open Elective Units
Course duration
Standard 3 years full-time or equivalent. Maximum 10 years.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| Employ narrative and the crafting of language to solve problems, engage with communities and invent new ways of navigating professional and cultural environments. | 1.2 UC graduates are professional: communicate effectively. |
| Compose imaginative fiction, nonfiction, poetic and screen-based works. | 2.3 UC graduates are global citizens: understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures. |
| Work individually, collaboratively and ethically while building professional relationships in the creative and cultural sectors. | 1.4 UC graduates are professional: work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict. |
Majors
Awards
| Award | Official abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) | BA (CreativeWrtg) |
Honours
High performing students may be eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Arts and Design (Honours) course.
Alternative exits
Master of Arts in Creative and Cultural Futures.
Enrolment data
2023 enrolments for this course by location. Please note that enrolment numbers are indicative only and in no way reflect individual class sizes.
| Location | Enrolments |
|---|---|
| UC - Canberra, Bruce | 118 |
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Prospective Domestic Students: | Email study@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1800 UNI CAN (1800 864 226) |
| Prospective International Students: | Email international@canberra.edu.au or Phone +61 2 6201 5342 |
| Current and Commencing Students: | Email FAD.Student@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1300 301 727 |
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