Writing and Journalism Courses

This is a course for people who already have skills in freelance writing, who have perhaps had some minor work published, but need to improve their overall technique and develop a more "efficient" approach to their work.

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[More info & enrolment: Advanced Freelance Writing]

Short description

Study four core units (ie. Management, Office Practices, Business Operations and Marketing Foundations);

Three stream units covering publishing and writing and a workplace project on the publishing industry. 

Professional writing skills are nurtured and developed throughout the course. Writers are both employed (eg. by publishers and advertizing companies), and work freelance. The publishing industry is much more than just writing. It employs editors, graphics technicians, photographers, artists, salesmen, clerks and managers.

Learn about the whole industry; and lay a foundation to develop more specialised skills. This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C

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[More info & enrolment: Advanced Skills In Applied Management (Publishing And Journalism)]

If you want to become a freelance journalist or to work in the field of publishing, this is a good place to start.

This course will provide you with a skills and knowledge base that prepares you to start a career as a freelance writer, an editor or a publisher. Many journalists begin their careers as freelance writers, submitting articles to newspapers and magazines. The broad scope of this course will prepare you to work as a writer in a publishing business, a freelancer, or in other areas of publishing.   This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C

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[More info & enrolment: Certificate In Journalism]

Children’s writing is a specialised craft. It is a rewarding, inspirational, and often demanding, branch of writing. Very few people can easily recall their own childhood, and write in a manner that children can relate to. For most, it takes many hours, months, and possibly years, to write a unique and appealing story that children will want to read. This course is designed to set you on an appropriate course for more successful writing geared to the children's market.

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[More info & enrolment: Childrens Writing]

This course improves your ability to communicate in all situations. You learn to write and speak more fluently. Behaviour, visual communications, language, public speaking, conducting meetings, writing letters and reports, communications technology, and lots more are covered. This course is an accredited Advanced Certificate in Applied Management unit which will earn you credit if you choose to continue studies.

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[More info & enrolment: Communications]

Write for profit or pleasure.
This stimulating course will develop your ability to write a good story and to think more critically about your writing. You will learn the basics of different kinds of writing - magazine and newspaper columns, short stories, books - while improving basic writing skill, your development will be guided by qualified and experienced tutors. No matter what your current writing ability, if you put in the effort, you will become a better and more confident writer. Some students have been published even finishing the course!

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[More info & enrolment: Creative Writing]

Being paid to write things is a dream shared by many. It can be an exciting profession, but before embarking on a substantial course of study whit us or anyone else; be sure you fully understand what is involved. Some people simply don't succeed perhaps because the dream is not the same as the reality; or maybe they are simply not the right personality. This job is not just about writing well: it also requires you to be able to write fast, work under pressure. You also need to be prepared to write what an employer wants, which is not always the same as what you want. This is the reality of journalism. If you can get past these considerations, and with a bit of luck, you may be able to forge a serious career.  This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C

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[More info & enrolment: Diploma In Journalism]

This course provides a comprehensive, solid basis for a career in journalism, and is suitable for students considering careers in any aspect of journalism, including photo journalism and publishing.

Many university journalism graduates end up never being able to secure a successful career in publishing. There are many reasons for thi. You are better to investigate and understand these issues BEFORE STARTING a course; rather than being surprised after completing a qualification.

This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C

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[More info & enrolment: Diploma In Publishing And Journalism]

Editors work for publications both in house, and outside, as contractors.
A good editor is always in demand; and with the internet, today’s editors can often work from virtually anywhere in the world. Alone, this course does not make you into a professional editor, but it can lead to valuable career opportunities when combined with other courses that develop your knowledge and skills in journalism.

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[More info & enrolment: Editing I]

This course is designed for self-editors, aspiring professional editors and desktop publishers. Its aim is to develop the student’s understanding of the editing processes.

Develop a capacity to edit an broad range of publishing material including both print and electronic media, text and graphics, commercial and non commercial material.

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[More info & enrolment: Editing II]

Enrolments accepted from August 2008
Gain hands-on experience as an editor in a student publishing team! In this module, you will develop essential practical knowledge and skills that you will need in your career as editor or publisher. Under the guidance of a mentor (a member of our academic staff), you will work with other students to plan, design, write, and publish a magazine, journal, or other publication. Think how that will look on your resumé!

Prerequisites

• Publishing I and Editing I, or equivalent
• Medium level computer skills

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[More info & enrolment: Editing Practice]

This course is particularly useful for people who wish to brush up on their writing skills, or to obtain basic skills which they should have but did not develop properly while at school. It aims to provide an understanding of how to write clearly and efficiently, and to communicate thoughts in the minimum number of words, and without any ambiguity.

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[More info & enrolment: Efficient Writing]

This course will develop your knowledge of English grammar and your ability to write in English for business and study. The course is aimed at students who can write and speak basic English and wish to strengthen their English language skills, particularly their writing skills. Students will learn by reading the course notes, completing written and spoken exercises for each lesson, and submitting them for comment and correction.

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[More info & enrolment: Esl Writing Fundamentals]

Many professional writers start out by freelancing.
Learn how to write, what to write, and how publishers buy from freelance writers.
Ten lessons cover everything from good grammar, to planning and writing newspaper and magazine articles, advertisements, books and more. Emphasis is placed on things which are important to publishers who might buy your work. Tutors concentrate on your ability to properly structure an article, and to be both concise and clear in your use of words. Graduates of this course should:

• Have improved communication skills, particularly with respect to clarity, conciseness and correct grammar.
• Be familiar with the "writing industry"; having a clear idea of where opportunities exist for obtaining work as a freelance writer.
• How to go about approaching potential clients to obtain work.
• Have an understanding of the processes involved in publishing books, magazines and newspapers; from generating concepts to seeing the finished publication on sale.

Here's what one of our students has said:

(NB: Comment from student questionnaire, held on file)
"(The course) has helped me focus on writing and increased my confidence. Provided me with valuable information and improved skills so that I can move forward in my ambitions".  Justine

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[More info & enrolment: Freelance Writing]

Gain valuable journalism experience by writing for a student publication. This course takes you through the processes of writing for a specific publication, submitting work for publication, and meeting the requirements of an editor and publisher. Under the guidance of a mentor (a writing/editing tutor), you will learn to write according to specific criteria, deal with a publisher, and communicate effectively with others involved in the publishing process. And, you will come away with at least one published work (maybe more), which will set you on the path to a career as a writer. No matter what you want to write, you will find this a great learning experience.

Prerequisites

• Freelance Writing, Publishing I, and Editing I, or equivalent
• Medium level computer skills, or higher.

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[More info & enrolment: Journalism Practice I]

Enrolments accepted from June 2008
Like Journalism Practice 1, this module gives you valuable experience in writing for a student publication, which will greatly enhance your resumé. Publishers are more likely to employ writers who have already been published! Under the guidance of a mentor (a writing/editing tutor), you will participate in the production of a specific publication. As a feature writer, you will prepare and submit works for the publication and work with other students to produce a polished, professional-looking online publication that you can proudly show to a prospective employer.

Prerequisites

• Freelance Writing, Publishing I, Editing I, and Journalism Practice 1; or equivalent
• Medium level computer skills or higher

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[More info & enrolment: Journalism Practice II]

It is easier today than ever before for anyone to become a publisher; particularly for electronic publishing. This course provides an excellent start for anyone considering self publishing or seeking employment in publishing. It is equally relevant to electronic or print publishing.

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[More info & enrolment: Publishing I]

Develop your knowledge of the nature and scope of the publishing industry.
There are all kinds of publishers. Most deal in hard copy or electronic publishing via the Web. Anything printed and disseminated can be described as a publication - a simple flyer or handout, a 500,000-copy-a-month magazine, a scholarly journal, an e-zine, a paper, a book. Anyone who engages in any of these activities might describe themselves as a publisher.
Suitable for anyone with some experience or prior studies who wants to build their knowledge and understanding of opportunities in any area of this industry, irrespective of whether electronic or print media.

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[More info & enrolment: Publishing II]

Develop your ability to plan and manage a publishing business.
Publisher are continually needing to consider: “What to publish?”
Some establish a limited repertoire of publication activities, focusing on academic books, novels, westerns, romance novels, text and educational books, informative or self-help books or material on specific topics such as health and wellbeing, ostrich farming etc., fashion or gardening magazines, music scores etc. Other publishers will engage in a wider range of activities, publishing books, journals, monographs and newspapers in their different branches. The nature of the publishing enterprise will determine what kinds of texts they will publish, and how they choose which texts to publish.
Whilst it can be taken alone, this course is ideally studied as a follow on from Publishing I and II.

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[More info & enrolment: Publishing III]

Develop skills to write technical information for a variety of different purposes.
Students taking this course should have a basic understanding of technical writing including referencing procedures. If the subject is totally new, you may need to undertake some additional reading, before progressing beyond the first lesson.

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[More info & enrolment: Technical Writing (Advanced)]

One aspect of this course involves both factual information geared to developing an understanding of processes.  Another major part of this course involves you undertaking practical tasks of writing pieces of your own fiction; and analyzing the writing of other authors.

Fiction is writing that encompases imaginary characters, events and/or settings created by the writer. All of the components of a fictitious story do not necessarily need to be fictitious though:

• Imaginary characters might be set in a real world setting such as a well known city or a particular country.
• Characters might be fictitious, but set in a “real” event. For example, you might write about the experiences of a fictitious character during World War II.
• Real characters may be used for a fictitious story that embraces an imaginary event or setting (eg. a story about William Shakespeare travelling through time; 00or something more realistic, like a summer’s holiday at a fictitious beach resort, taken by a famous historical figure such as Mozart).

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[More info & enrolment: Writing Fiction]