University of Queensland
Graduate Certificate in Writing, Editing and Publishing
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
In a world of rapid change, there has never been a greater demand for the mastery of the written word.
Course overview
In today’s fast-evolving digital economy, a wave of new roles has emerged, many of which demand strong writing and editing expertise, alongside the established careers that underpin Australia’s vibrant creative industries. This program equips you with writing, editing, publishing, design and research skills to support a fulfilling career in print or digital environments.
The Graduate Certificate in Writing, Editing and Publishing guides you through every stage of the writing and publishing process, preparing you to meet increasing industry demands. Completed in half a year full-time (or part-time equivalent), the program offers hands-on experience in writing and editing across a wide range of genres, including creative writing, corporate and technical communication, creative arts research, advertising and marketing.
You’ll learn from award-winning authors and experienced arts professionals, alongside guest lecturers who bring specialist knowledge from across the professional writing and publishing sectors. Together, they offer current, industry-focused perspectives spanning both traditional and emerging media.
The course also explores the shifting landscapes of Australian and international publishing, with opportunities to undertake internships at leading arts organisations. These include the University of Queensland Press, literary journals, educational and trade publishers and UQ’s own Corella Press, which focuses on rediscovering nineteenth-century crime and mystery writing.
Key facts
27th July, 2026
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Writing, Editing and Publishing, you must complete eight units or four courses comprising:
Zero to two units from GCWEP Flexible Core Course
- Publishing and Professional Practice (two units)
Six to eight units from GCWEP Program Elective Courses
- Writing Creative Non-Fiction (two units)
- Fundamentals of Advertising (two units)
- Digital Storytelling (two units)
- Strategic Communication: Foundations (two units)
- Digital Media Theory and Practice (two units)
- Performative Communication: Presentation and Public Speaking (two units)
- Workplace Writing and Editing (two units)
- Industry Internship (two units)
- Fiction, Ideas, Creativity (two units)
- Nonfiction for Publication: Think Pieces, Features and Podcasts (two units)
- Editing the Manuscript (two units)
- Writing the Speculative Short Story (two units)
- Writing and Publishing for Children and Young Adults (two units)
- Advanced Writing: Grammar, Syntax and Style (two units)
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- An applicant must submit a ten-page portfolio for the review of the Program Convenor (see below) and have either:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline or;
- Have completed post-secondary study or;
- Two years full-time equivalent relevant work experience.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit towards your postgraduate studies, provided that they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
This postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Author
- Editorial writer
- Editor
- Book editor
- Content creator
- Content producer
- Copywriter
- Publishing coordinator
- Sub-editor
- Online publisher
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $15,600 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight units (four courses).
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.