University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The program combines hands‑on craft units with contextual literary study and professional practice. Core study typically includes workshops and seminars in:

• Fiction — short fiction and long form narrative techniques, character, structure and voice.
• Poetry — forms, lineation, revision and poetic craft.
• Non‑fiction — creative essays, memoir and narrative journalism.
• Scriptwriting — television, film and audio drama writing fundamentals and formatting.
• Editing and publishing — editorial practice, manuscript development and an introduction to the publishing industry.
• Digital storytelling — writing for online platforms, interactive narratives and multimedia collaboration.
• Literary and cultural studies — reading practices, genre studies and the historical contexts of writing.
• Professional practice and industry engagement — pitching, submitting work, grant writing and building a writing profile.

Work is assessed through creative portfolios, critical reflection, collaborative projects and, in later stages, a capstone project or honours‑level thesis option for students who choose to continue into an additional year of study. Students can also take cross‑disciplinary electives in areas such as film, media studies, languages and cultural policy to broaden their practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed an Australian equivalent senior secondary qualification or a recognised tertiary qualification. Selection may be based on academic results and, where applicable, a written sample or portfolio demonstrating creative writing ability. Mature‑age applicants and those with relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply through alternative entry pathways. International applicants must meet the University of Adelaide's English language requirements and provide evidence of equivalent academic qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the creative and communication sectors. Common career paths include:

• Author of fiction, poetry or non‑fiction
• Screenwriter and script developer for film, television and new media
• Copywriter, content writer and digital content producer
• Editor, manuscript assessor and publishing professional
• Journalist and features writer
• Arts administrator, events programmer and cultural project manager
• Teacher or lecturer (often following further study or teacher education)

The program emphasises a professional portfolio and industry connections to help graduates pursue both freelance and employed opportunities in the creative sector.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a creative writing program taught by active writers and researchers, providing a balance of workshop mentorship and scholarly context. Students benefit from small‑group workshop formats, opportunities for public reading and performance, and links to Adelaide's vibrant literary scene, festivals and publishing community. The university's facilities and collaborative opportunities with other arts and media disciplines make it a strong base for developing a sustained writing practice and professional network.