Follow your lifelong passion to write fiction and become a published author
If you have a flair for creative writing, surround yourself with mentors that are highly skilled and enthusiastic about the craft they live and breathe. USC’s Bachelor of Creative Writing is taught by award winning published authors, book illustrators and designers. Our lecturers and tutors are actively involved in the business of writing, giving you access to publishers, editors and the publishing industry.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
If you have a flair for creative writing, surround yourself with mentors that are highly skilled and enthusiastic about the craft they live and breathe. USC’s Bachelor of Creative Writing is taught by award winning published authors, book illustrators and designers. Our lecturers and tutors are actively involved in the business of writing, giving you access to publishers, editors and the publishing industry.
The program offers a unique opportunity to specialise in writing for children and young adults, script writing, and adult fiction. Expand your career options with your choice of electives in journalism, English literature, teaching and design.
At the end of this degree you’ll have diverse skills and tools to inspire you to write books or work in the publishing industry. Continue to develop your writing skills at USC through our higher degree studies in Creative Writing.
Career opportunities
Depending on courses selected, creative writing, advertising, editing, copywriting, professional writing, publishing, journalism, teaching (with further study).
Program structure
Introductory courses (4)
COR109 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
CMN116 Communication and Thought
CMN103 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN104 Introduction to the Creative Industries
Advanced courses (11)
CMN200 Introduction to Media and Communication Industries
CMN213 Introduction to Screenwriting: The Art of Visual Storytelling
CMN238 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN246 Paperback Hero
CMN247 Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults
CMN260 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
CMN266 Novel Ideas
CMN304 Creativity and Literature
CMN351 Writing Your Novel
CMN352 Professional Creative Writing Practice A: The Industry(24 units)
CMN320 Professional Creative Writing Practice B: Industry Engagement
Elective courses (8)
Select 8 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 4 required introductory level (100 coded) courses.
- Complete 11 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete 8 elective courses.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course.
- Register any selected Majors or Minors with your Faculty.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Electives may be used to complete an additional minor.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Faculty Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.