Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing)

Note

Students who commenced the Bachelor of Communication (Creative Writing) before 2022 can view their revised program of study here.

For those with an interest in different forms of creative writing and publishing, this practice-based course provides the skills and industry knowledge to work in the field. The Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) at UTS is an industry-led course, designed and taught by a team of award-winning published authors, editors, scholars and industry professionals. Writing and Publishing builds students’ knowledge of Australian and global publishing contexts, as well as writing and storytelling across an array of formats, like fiction and nonfiction, screenwriting, digital content and games. Students also develop strengths in critical thinking, research, editing and publishing and storytelling in broader contexts – all skills transferable to a wide range of industries and careers.

To hone their skills, students engage in interactive classes led by skilled practitioners. Subjects often rely on workshopping, with students learning key concepts, applying these to their own writing, and collaborating with other students to provide and receive feedback. In this way the course provides students with a brilliant opportunity to be a part of a unique writer’s studio and develop their craft, finishing with a folio of works covering key forms and genres.

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Course aims

The aims of this degree are:

to produce graduates with a strong grounding in, and comprehensive knowledge of, contemporary writing practices and the publishing industry,
to enable students to develop innovative, creative and ethical practices as writers and editors, appropriate to a variety of professional and cultural contexts,
to equip students with the critical, creative and collaborative skills, aptitudes and experiences to gain employment or progress to further study.

Innovation and Transdisciplinary program

Transdisciplinarity and Innovation at UTS

All UTS students have the opportunity to develop distinctive capabilities around transdisciplinary thinking and innovation through the TD School. Transdisciplinary education at UTS brings together great minds from different disciplines to explore ideas that improve the way we live and work in the world. These offerings are unique to UTS and directly translate to many existing and emerging roles and careers.

Diploma in Innovation

The Diploma in Innovation (C20060) teaches innovation, supports personal transformation and provides the hard skills needed to support the inventors and inventions of the future. Students come out of the Diploma in Innovation, with the hard skills to create and support sectoral and societal transformation. Graduates are able to fluently integrate ideas, across professional disciplines and are inventors of the future.

All UTS undergraduate students (with the exception of students concurrently enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation) can apply for the Diploma in Innovation upon admission in their chosen undergraduate degree. It is a complete degree program that runs in parallel to any undergraduate degree. The course is offered on a three-year, part-time basis, with subjects running in 3-week long intensive blocks in July, December and February sessions. More information including a link to apply is available at https://dipinn.uts.edu.au.

Transdisciplinary electives program

Transdisciplinary electives broaden students' horizons and supercharge their problem-solving skills, helping them to learn outside, beyond and across their degrees. Students enrolled in an undergraduate course that includes electives can choose to take a transdisciplinary subject (with the exception of students concurrently enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation). More information about the TD Electives program is available here.

UTS Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) video transcript

[Text] UTS Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing)

[Music]

Aerial shot of UTS campus

Students with books sit and talk on Alumni green

[Text] Discover the craft of writing and storytelling across different formats and genres

Students and staff in classrooms

Book launch event

[Text] Learn from acclaimed writers and publishers

[Text] Build a portfolio of work to take to industry

Students and staff discuss work around desks

A student picks up a book, writes notes

[Text] Contribute to the UTS Writer’s Anthology or work on the editorial team

Student writes on a laptop

A group of students discuss a task with an academic

[Text] Study a second major to broaden your skillset

A student writes in a journal

Students discuss their work

[Text] Study Writing and Publishing at UTS

[Text] Copyright University of Technology Sydney 2023, CRICOS 00099F, TEQSA PRV12060

Study plan

Typical course programs are shown below for students commencing in either Autumn or Spring session who are completing 8 credit point elective subjects. Students also have the option to complete 6 credit point elective subjects under CBK92062 Elective Choice instead.

All students choose a second major stream when enrolling in their first session. This 18 credit point stream consists of three major subjects from another major (excluding Media Arts and Production).

Students who choose not to continue with their second major choice can continue in their course by choosing 30 credit points of electives (i.e., five 6 credit point subjects) - this should be requested via eRequest.

Please make a selection:

First year

Autumn session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Citizenship and Communication	54000	8
Narrative in Theory and Practice	52690	6
Writing and Editing Foundations	52691	6
Select 6 credit points from the following:		6
Stream choice	cbk92086	18

Spring session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Digital Literacies	54001	8
Imagining the Real	52692	6
Select 12 credit points from the following:		12
Stream choice	cbk92086	18

Second year

Autumn session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Communicating Difference	54002	8
Screen Story	52650	6
Publishing Cultures	52694	6
Select 6 credit points from the following:		6
Second Major Choice	cbk92080	48
Electives	cbk92066	30

Spring session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Adaptations	52695	6
Select 8 credit points from the following:		8
Elective Choice	cbk92062	24
Select 12 credit points from the following:		12
Second Major Choice	cbk92080	48
Electives	cbk92066	30

Third year

Autumn session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Professional Pathways in Writing and Publishing	52696	6
Select 6 credit points from the following:		6
Second Major Choice	cbk92080	48
Electives	cbk92066	30
Select 8 credit points from the following:		8
Elective Choice	cbk92062	24

Spring session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Major Writing Project	52697	6
Select 6 credit points from the following:		6
Second Major Choice	cbk92080	48
Electives	cbk92066	30
Select 8 credit points from the following:		8
Elective Choice	cbk92062	24

Honours

The Bachelor of Communication (Honours) (C09047) is available with an additional year of full-time study for eligible students.

First year

Spring session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Digital Literacies	54001	8
Writing and Editing Foundations	52691	6
Imagining the Real	52692	6
Select 6 credit points from the following:		6
Stream choice	cbk92086	18

Second year

Autumn session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Citizenship and Communication	54000	8
Narrative in Theory and Practice	52690	6
Select 12 credit points from the following:		12
Stream choice	cbk92086	18

Spring session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Publishing Cultures	52694	6
Adaptations	52695	6
Select 12 credit points from the following:		12
Second Major Choice	cbk92080	48
Electives	cbk92066	30

Third year

Autumn session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Screen Story	52650	6
Professional Pathways in Writing and Publishing	52696	6
Select 6 credit points from the following:		6
Second Major Choice	cbk92080	48
Electives	cbk92066	30
Select 8 credit points from the following:		8
Elective Choice	cbk92062	24

Spring session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Major Writing Project	52697	6
Select 6 credit points from the following:		6
Second Major Choice	cbk92080	48
Electives	cbk92066	30
Select 8 credit points from the following:		8
Elective Choice	cbk92062	24

Fourth year

Autumn session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Communicating Difference	54002	8
Select 8 credit points from the following:		8
Elective Choice	cbk92062	24
Select 6 credit points from the following:		6
Second Major Choice	cbk92080	48
Electives	cbk92066	30

Course fees

For relevant fee information, please choose from the following:

Local student

All students at UTS pay tuition fees to contribute towards the cost of their studies.

In 2024 all offers made to domestic undergraduate students will be for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), which means that the Australian government makes a substantial contribution towards the cost of your education, and you pay the balance through student contributions.

The amount you pay depends on your area of study and the number of credit points (cp) in which you enrol. At UTS 48 credit points is considered to be one Equivalent Full Time Study Load (EFTSL).

The table to the right shows the amount a student can expect to pay for one year of full-time study (1.0 EFTSL).

Students can choose to pay their student contribution upfront, or if eligible, can defer their fees through HECS-HELP.

In addition to tuition fees, students are required to pay a Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The purchase of textbooks and other course materials may also result in additional cost.

You can calculate your student contribution as a percentage of the amounts shown on the table. Fee rates are divided into four bands covering broad discipline areas. It is important to note that a particular subject within a course may fall within a different band.

For example, if you are enrolled in a 6-credit point Architecture subject, your contribution would be 6/48 x $9,314 = $1,164.

Student contribution amounts for 2025 commencing students

2025 student contribution - Area of Study	Amount for 48 cp
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications and Society and Culture	$16,992
Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science	$13,241
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual & Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science and Pathology	$9,314
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing or Foreign Languages and Agriculture	$4,627

International student

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students can be found using tuition fees search.

Tuition fees must be paid in advance each session and are subject to annual increase. Fees for future year(s) published in fees search, whilst unlikely to change, are estimates only. UTS makes every effort to provide up to date future year(s) fee estimates and to limit any changes, however, UTS reserves the right to vary fees for future year(s) at any time.

For this course, the cost per credit point for 2025 is $876. The total credit points are 144.

All international students should familiarise themselves with the following documents:

Protocol on refund of fees for international students - contains the refund of fees information for international students.
Tuition Protection Service - designed to ensure that students receive the tuition they have paid for

In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Textbooks and other course materials will also result in additional costs.

UTS Alumni save 10%: alumni.uts.edu.au/advantage

For further information on costs related to your study at UTS, visit the international students' fees information page.

Careers

To increase career flexibility, students can add a second major from five of the other majors offered in the Bachelor of Communication, and build further skills and portfolios that equip them for a range of work options in media and communication. These courses give students practical and transferrable skills for the expanding media industries.

Graduates of this course have found work as writers of fiction and nonfiction in a variety of forms, both as freelance writers and in media organisations. These skills are transferable to careers in communication and marketing, and in organisations with communication processes, such as government, NGOs, industry and cultural groups.

Course structure

Course structure explained

Students must complete 144 credit points consisting of 24 credit points of core subjects, a 48-credit-point major, a potential 48-credit-point second major, and 24 credit points of electives.

Industrial training/professional practice

Students participate in two Work-Integrated Learning subjects. In the second year of their degree, in a simulated work environment, they edit and produce a literary journal, experiencing each stage of the publication process first-hand. In their third year, students undertake an inquiry-based project investigating current issues in writing and publishing, with input from industry mentors. As writers in their final year, they develop an extended piece of creative writing in a form or genre of their choice.

Course completion requirements

Requirement	Credit Points
STM91104 Communication core	24
MAJ09477 Writing and Publishing	48
CBK92062 Elective Choice	24
CBK92092 Second Major/ Electives	48
Total	144

Additional information

Course duration

The course is offered on a three-year, full-time basis.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

Check to see if there are additional admission requirements for this course.

Additional information relating to this course, including the ATAR profile of domestic students who commenced this course in Autumn 2022, is located under UTS' admissions requirements, alongside information relating to the commencing student cohort who were enrolled in this course past the Autumn 2022 census date.
If you don't meet the admission requirements for this course, there may be alternative pathways to help you gain admission.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential to the successful completion of a course. For more information about inherent requirements and where prospective and current students can get assistance and advice regarding these, see the UTS Inherent requirements page.

Prospective and current students should carefully read the Inherent Requirements Statement below and consider whether they might experience challenges in successfully completing this course.

UTS will make reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional experiences, course related work experience and other course activities to facilitate maximum participation by students with disabilities, carer responsibilities, and religious or cultural obligations in their courses.

For course specific information see the Communication Inherent (Essential) Requirements Statement.

ATAR and selection ranks

To find out further information regarding ATAR and selection ranks from previous applicants who received an offer to this course, please visit our Admissions Stats Tool

Year 12 adjustment factor scheme

To see a list of courses where HSC subjects provide adjustment factors, please refer to the Year 12 adjustment factors page.

Alternative entry

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has established credit recognition packages with the following institutions:

UTS College: Diploma of Communication
Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore
Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore
Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore

Scholarships and prizes

Scholarships

For Communication students

Only for international students

For all domestic students

Only for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander students

Prizes and awards

For Communication students

Download a course guide

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Course Guides

UTS: Handbook

See the Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) in the UTS: Handbook for comprehensive course details.

Information for international students

Find out about support services, the Australian education system, accommodation and more to help you get the most out of your study at UTS.

Part of UTS Arts and Social Sciences

Bachelor of Communication FAQ

Do you have a question about one of our courses? Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about admission, careers, assessments, internships and more.
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International opportunities

Find out about In-country study (ICS) programs FASS has on offer for students wanting to study overseas as part of their degree.

Domestic students

Before you apply

Here are a few important things for you to check out before you apply:

admission requirements for this course.
These can be found on the overview tab and there may also be additional entry requirements
required levels of English proficiency for the course you're interested in.
recognition of prior learning guidelines if you've undertaken previous study that might be credited towards your course at UTS.

How to apply

Domestic applicants can apply via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens an external site)

UAC code(s): 600033 (Autumn session, Spring session, Spring session)

Make a note of the relevant UAC code before starting the UAC application.

Intake

Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025

Important dates

NOVEMBER 2024
1	Closing date for change of preferences (November Round 1)
8	UAC offers released (November Round 1)
14	Closing date for change of preferences (November Round 2)
21	UAC offers released (November Round 2)
28	Closing date for change of preferences (December Round 1)

DECEMBER 2024
5	UAC offers released (December Round 1)
18	UTS Info Day
18	Closing date for change of preferences (December Round 2)
23	UAC offers released (December Round 2)

JANUARY 2025
2	Closing date for change of preferences (January Round 1)
9	UAC offers released (January Round 1)
16	Closing date for change of preferences (January Round 2)
23	UAC offers released (January Round 2)
30	Closing date for change of preferences (February Round 1)

FEBRUARY 2025
3 - 14	Autumn session orientation
6	UAC offers released (February Round 1)
7	Closing date for change of preferences (February Round 2)
13	UAC offers released (February Round 2)
17	Autumn session commences (main calendar)
27	Closing date for change of preferences (March Round 1)

MARCH 2025
3	Last day to enrol for Autumn session
6	UAC offers released (March Round 1)
20	Autumn census date – last day to withdraw from subjects or apply for leave of absence

Need more information?

Ask UTS

Scholarships, prizes and awards

Scholarships

For Communication students

Only for international students

For all domestic students

Only for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander students

Prizes and awards

For Communication students

International students

Before you apply

Here are a few important things for you to check out before you apply:

admission requirements for this course.
These can be found on the overview tab and there may also be additional entry requirements.
required levels of English proficiency for the course you’re interested in.
recognition of prior learning guidelines if you’ve undertaken previous study that might be credited towards your course at UTS.

You can meet an international student advisor at one of our events worldwide to ask questions and submit an application.

Important dates

Visit the UTS Handbook for full academic dates. Visit essential information for international students for the application closing dates.

How to apply

International applicants can apply to study through UTS International.

International applicants who are currently doing:

an Australian Year 12 qualification in or outside Australia
an International Baccalaureate, or
a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3

can apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens external site).