University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This degree combines practical craft workshops with contextual study of literature and media. Core learning areas typically include creative fiction and poetry writing, creative nonfiction and memoir, screen and scriptwriting, editing and publishing practice, and the study of narrative, genre and literary form. You will take intensive workshop units to develop drafting, critique and revision skills, modules on research and literary context, and opportunities in digital storytelling and multimedia practice.

Structure is flexible: you can take a major in Creative Writing within the Bachelor of Arts, pair it with other majors or minors (for example Media, Screen and Cultural Studies, History, or a language), and undertake electives that broaden professional skills such as communication, marketing or digital media. Many students complete a capstone or portfolio unit that culminates in a substantial body of creative work and reflective commentary. High-achieving students may be eligible to progress to Honours for an extended research/creative project.

Entry requirements

Admission is through the University of Adelaide general undergraduate entry pathways. Applicants are usually expected to hold an Australian Year 12 qualification or an equivalent international school-leaving certificate; mature-age applicants and those with recognised tertiary study or vocational experience are also considered. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test or equivalent qualification.

While the standard Bachelor enrolment does not normally require a portfolio, some scholarships, honours progression or competitive places in specialist units may ask for a writing sample or interview. It is recommended that prospective students have strong secondary-school English achievement or equivalent experience in writing and literary analysis.

Career prospects

Graduates develop versatile skills valued across the creative and communications sectors. Common career paths include:

• Author, poet or freelance writer producing books, short fiction, essays or creative non-fiction
• Scriptwriter for film, television, games and theatre
• Editor, copywriter or content producer in publishing and digital media
• Communications, public relations and marketing roles requiring strong written communication
• Roles in arts administration, literary festivals and cultural organisations
• Further study and research at Honours and postgraduate levels, or professional training in teaching, publishing or media

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a creative-writing curriculum that combines small-group workshops and one-to-one feedback with broader humanities study. Students benefit from engagement with a lively South Australian literary scene, including festivals and local publishing and arts organisations, as well as opportunities for internships and industry collaboration. The university supports a range of cross-disciplinary study options, enabling you to combine creative practice with media, languages or professional disciplines, and provides pathways to Honours and postgraduate research for those pursuing a professional writing or academic career.