Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing is designed to introduce students to fundamental principles and practices of modern creative writing.
It provides a condensed exploration of creative writing skills, empowering students to develop their writing abilities and express themselves effectively.
After completing your Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing, you can continue your studies to gain a Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing to refine your storytelling and literary finesse and a full Master of Creative Writing to master the art of storytelling.
Why study a Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing with ECU Online?
Taught by top industry experts
Learning is led by accomplished authors who bring real-world publishing experience to the classroom. Gain invaluable insights, personalised feedback, and practical tips to elevate your writing skills.
Enhance your writing craft
Acquire contemporary creative writing techniques to spark new ideas, unlock your creativity, and craft compelling stories.
Discover varied writing styles
Immerse yourself in a hands-on course where you'll encounter a variety of writing styles, discover diverse voices, and better understand the fundamentals of modern creative writing techniques.
What you will learn
The Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing is designed for students seeking to improve their writing skills. You will gain an understanding of contemporary writing principles and practices, enabling you to develop as a proficient writer.
- Develop essential creative writing techniques to ignite your creativity.
- Begin crafting the stories you're eager to share.
- Explore different writing forms through dynamic coursework.
- Apply your new skills to personal projects and writing goals.
- Customise your learning by choosing subjects aligned with your interests.
What you will study
The online Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing consists of 3 units from a pool of 5.
- Writing Fiction
This unit introduces the fundamentals of writing fiction through reading a range of short stories. - Writing Realities
This unit explores writing based on actual events, including history, biography, true crime and stories of place and family. - Writing for Performance
This unit introduces skills for writing drama or monologue for performance. - Writing and Audience
This unit cultivates a writer's understanding of their work with consideration of genre and readership, including online audiences. - Editing and Publishing
This unit explores the business of writing, editing, and publishing, including processes and workflow for professional editing, seeking publication, and presenting the professional author platform.
Course information
Admission requirements
To gain entry to the Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing, applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline; or
- Equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience; or
- Students must submit a full-length publication (book), or a portfolio of creative works published in literary journals, online or in print. For example, short stories or essays or poems which constitute the equivalent of a full-length publication, or minimum 40,000 words of prose/100 pages of poetry. This excludes all self-published works.
Not sure if this course is right for you?
Get personalised course advice before you apply
Pathway to further study
Remain flexible while you pursue your postgraduate degree with our gateway qualifications. If you need to exit early, you could still receive a Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing after completing your first three units.
Graduate Certificate
3 units
or continue studying
Graduate Diploma
+4 units
(6 units total)
Master Degree
+4 units
(10 units total)
Frequently asked questions
Our Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing comprises 6 units and is a great option for students looking to enhance their writing skills through the application of modern principles and practices and apply these new skills to reach their creative and professional goals. Our Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing comprises 3 units and provides students with a foundational understanding of the techniques of creative writing practice.
If you do not have an undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for the Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing if you have equivalent prior learning, including at least two years of relevant professional experience or you arrange with ECU Online to submit a piece of published work. To find out more we recommend contacting our Student Enrolment Advisors to provide a tailored assessment of your eligibility.
At ECU Online we understand that everyone has different work arrangements, family responsibilities, locations and learning styles. This is why our postgraduate courses are offered 100% online, so you can balance your study with other commitments. As an ECU Online student, you will have access to academic and non-academic support.
Our accelerated online courses are developed by industry experts and engaged academics. You can easily connect with learning facilitators and course coordinators through our easy-to-use online learning environment to gain feedback and ask academic questions. You can also reach out to a Learning Advisor who can help with things like assessment writing, study skills and more.
You will have a dedicated Student Success Advisor available to you from when you start studying through to graduation. They will be available to provide non-academic support, such as assistance with scheduling time to study and more.
As an ECU online student, you also have access to all the support offered by ECU, both on-campus and online:
- Access and inclusion services
- Student health services
- Psychological counselling support
- Careers and employability services
- Student Guild, clubs, and associations
No, the Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing is 100% online and does not include any on-campus components. We have designed this course to be flexible so you can tailor your studies to fit your lifestyle.
Yes, creative writing can lead to professional opportunities such as publishing, content creation, freelance writing, or scriptwriting. While income varies depending on experience, market demand, and genre, completing structured creative writing courses online can improve skills, credibility, and professional networks, enhancing opportunities to earn from writing. The ECU Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing Online offers practical, structured learning in storytelling, editing and narrative craft, with a strong focus on creative development and mentorship. Students build foundational writing skills across fiction, genre writing and poetry, while exploring themes of empathy, environment and nature that inform compelling contemporary stories. Supported by experienced writing mentors and a welcoming creative community, the course is designed to help emerging writers develop confidence, refine their voice and take the first steps toward professional writing opportunities.
Creative writing focuses on storytelling, literary expression, and imaginative content, often for artistic or entertainment purposes. Copywriting is commercially driven, aiming to persuade or market products and services. Both require strong writing skills, but the intent, techniques, and outcomes differ. The ECU Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing Online develops advanced creative skills, enabling students to excel in narrative development and storytelling.
A graduate certificate is a shorter postgraduate qualification, typically three units, providing foundational knowledge and skills in a specific area. A graduate diploma is more extensive, often six units, offering broader study and deeper development. Graduate diplomas also provide a stronger pathway to a master’s degree. The ECU Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing Online offers a focused, three-unit program that can serve as a stepping stone to a Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing or the Master of Creative Writing Online.
Graduate certificates typically consist of three to four units. The ECU Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing Online is structured as a three-unit program, delivered one unit at a time over seven-week study periods, offering flexibility for part-time study.
Yes, a graduate certificate in creative writing is a practical way to develop writing skills, explore storytelling techniques, and enhance career opportunities. It can also serve as a pathway to higher postgraduate study. The ECU Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing Online provides structured, accelerated online learning that equips students with essential creative writing skills for professional or personal development.
Still have questions?
Download a course guide or speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor. Our team can assist you with:
- Eligibility & enrolment enquiries
- Course duration & fees
- Flexible entry & study pathways
- How online study will fit with your schedule
