QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COURSE STRUCTURE AND SUBJECTS

How is the course structured?

The new course, reaccredited in 2006, did not substantially change in content; however, the structure of modules altered - most subjects run for the whole year rather than be divided into semesters. Some subjects still run for a half-year, e.g. Writer and Research. Professional Skills for Writers and Industry Overview, which are compulsory, last for one semester only but are now compiled of several smaller units. In choosing what you wish to study, it is best if you think about whether you want to follow a creative stream (fiction, poetry etc) or a business stream (non-fiction, desktop publishing etc). Staff can advise further.

What subjects do you offer?

This varies a little from year to year and is partly dependent on our students. At the end of each year we poll students about which subjects they would like us to offer the following year, and we offer the subjects that students are most interested in studying. This means that some subjects are only offered every second year (or perhaps every year if there is sufficient interest).

These are subjects we offer every year: Professional Skills for Writers, Industry Overview, Editing 1, Nonfiction 1, Fiction Elements, Story Structure, Novel B, Short Story B, Script or Screenwriting B, Comedy Writing 1, Desktop Publishing 1, Editing 2, Nonfiction 2, Screenwriting 2, Novel 2, Practical Placement.

These are subjects we usually offer every second year, sometimes more often: Writing for Children, Writing for Young Adults, Poetry 1, Myths and Symbols, Poetry 2, Advanced Novel, Corporate Writing, Internet Skills for Writers, Photography for Writers, Literature for Writers, Writer and Research.

What subjects are compulsory?

There are three compulsory core subjects: Editing 1, Professional Skills for Writers and Industry Overview, which are all Certificate (first year) subjects. All other subjects are electives.

I want to study part-time. Do I need to study subjects in any particular order?

For some subjects, there are prerequisite subjects, for example, if you want to study Novel 2 or Short Story 2, you must first study the equivalent first year subject. Most of the subjects that have a ‘2’ after them, have the ‘1’ subject as a prerequisite. You cannot enter a year-long subject at half-year. Otherwise, there isn’t a set order; however, we do recommend you study Editing 1 first (especially if you have poor grammar or punctuation skills) as this subject will help you with your assignments in all of your other subjects. Similarly, if you have poor computer skills, you should consider doing Computer Skills for Writers in your first or second year.

QUESTIONS ABOUT APPLICATIONS AND FEES

How much does the course cost?

The tuition fee currently (2008) is $1.37 per contact hour. (Each unit you study is 68 contact hours.) On top of this is a Materials Fee, which is approximately $10 per subject per semester. This will be the same in 2009.

If you are studying full-time, the maximum you will pay is $877 (tuition fee) plus Materials Fees.

If you are studying part time you will pay $1.37 per study hour, plus Materials Fees. For example, if you study one year-long subject the fee will be approximately $206, depending on the Materials Fee.

Most concession-card holders can study full-time or part-time for a flat fee of $55, though you will still have to pay the materials fees. Students who receive Austudy or Youth Allowance and undertaking a full-time load will pay 50% of the set fees.

For students outside Victoria or overseas, our online units are full-fee - AU$632 per unit.

I’ve put in an application. When will I hear back?

We contact VTAC applicants regarding selection interviews around the third week in November. Interviews will be scheduled through November and December. If you are applying for a full-time place through VTAC, you will have to wait for first round offers in mid-January to know whether or not we are offering you a place. Part-time applicants are contacted individually about their interview, and after that has taken place, they should hear within three weeks.

How hard is it to obtain a place in the course?

Professional Writing and Editing is very popular, so there is quite a bit of competition. In 2007, we had over 100 applicants competing for 26 full-time places.

QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDY LOADS, CLASS TIMES, SEMESTER DURATION ETC

How many units will I study as a full-time student?

As a full-time student you will study five subjects per semester in first year, and four subjects per semester in second year. This means you will complete your certificate in one year or your diploma in two.

How many will I study as a part-time student?

It’s really up to you. As a part-time student you can study one to three units per semester. You need to think about how many you can realistically cope with in terms of class time, homework and completing assignments.

How long will it take me to complete the Certificate or Diploma?

If you’re studying full-time, you will complete the Certificate in one year or the Diploma in two. If you’re studying part-time, it will depend on how many subjects you take each semester. You need to complete the equivalent of five subjects for the Certificate and nine for the Diploma (ie a further four). Some students take more than six years to complete their Diploma.

How many hours per week is each subject?

For each subject, you attend one four hour class per week, plus you need to complete homework and assignments.

How much homework would I be expected to complete?

We tell students to expect to do about the same amount of hours per subject at home that you do at school – so approximately four hours per week per subject.

Do you offer any subjects at night?

We have classes running on most nights to allow students in full-time jobs (or with other daytime commitments) to study. At night, we offer one editing class and several other subjects (which vary each year), so for example in 2009 we are offering Editing 1 and Literature for Writers at night. We also offer some subjects online.

What online subjects are available?
In 2009, we will be offering Writing Picture Books (Semester 1), Writing Chapter Books (Semester 2), Corporate Writing A (15 weeks beginning in April), Fiction Elements (Semester 1 and possibly Semester 2) and Industry Overview (Semester 2). Please email us for further information if you are interested.

How long are the semesters?

Each semester is fifteen weeks. This is the same for the online units. Both semesters have a two week mid-semester break that coincides with school holidays, and there is a four-week mid-year break between the semesters (again, this coincides with school holidays).

QUESTIONS ABOUT WHETHER PWE IS THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOU

I’m not sure whether I want to study at TAFE or at university. What’s the difference?

The focus of the courses is different. Our course is a very practical, hands-on approach to get students industry-ready. We concentrate on the skills you will need to become a professional writer or editor. We do a lot of writing and workshopping in the classroom, and our editing subjects include working on publications. In non-fiction, our students write for our publications, and our DTP students gain experience that way too. We are also involved in "workplace" projects, such as broadcasting on VU radio and presenting scripts through community theatre companies.
The Higher Education approach is more academic – and will give you a more in-depth understanding of the theory of literature, writing and publishing.

Can I go on to a Higher Education degree after completing the Diploma? What credit do I receive?

Yes, some of our students go on to study Professional Writing or Creative Writing at university – either at VU or elsewhere. Certainly, at VU, you will receive some credits for subjects you have done, but how many credits depends on which subjects you have studied with us and the standard attained. We now have a pathway to the BA in Professional Writing.

Can I get Recognition of Prior Learning for other courses I have completed?

Yes, but you will need to talk to the Course Co-ordinator to determine if this is an option, depending on whether the course content you have studied is closely aligned to what we are teaching. For example, in Computer Skills students who have good computer skills can sit a credit test (either after the first class, or sometime through the semester when they feel ready) rather than complete the whole unit. If you have studied in this course at another institution, you can arrange for a Credit Transfer.

What kinds of jobs do people get after completing your course?

Our students have gone on to a variety of different jobs in the publishing industry. Some work as editorial assistants, editors and proofreaders, some work for publishing houses, newspapers and television shows, some work at manuscript assessment agencies, some have articles, poems, stories and books published. A few of our students have moved into journalism and received cadetships. Some students choose to move into other fields, but take with them better communication skills.

Is the course mainly about novel writing? What if I’m not interested in writing novels?

Many of our students aren’t – though we also cater for students who are. You choose your elective subjects, and you can focus on nonfiction and editing subjects if you prefer.

Do I need a computer to study this course?

Although it is possible to complete the course without a computer by using the computers in the student access area, it really isn’t recommended. You will need at the very least to type up all assignments, and you may need to liaise with your tutor and other students via email. Some assessment tasks have an internet component. Think of it this way: if you are serious about becoming a professional writer or editor, these days you are going to need a computer anyway.

QUESTIONS ABOUT PWE AT VICTORIA UNIVERSITY

Why should I study at VU?

Students choose VU over other institutions for a variety of reasons. Many choose VU because of our location; others have heard friends recommend our course; some say they have changed their preferences after having an interview with us because they found us friendly, or liked the atmosphere of the university. If you apply to us and we call you in for a selection interview, we encourage you to walk around the campus and see all that we have to offer.

Which campuses do you offer subjects at?

Currently, our classes all run at St Albans.

A view of St Albans campus

Are most of your students school leavers?

We have a great mix of school leavers and mature age students and both bring something different into the classroom. School leavers have energy and ambition, new ways of seeing the world; mature age students have a broader world view, dedication and commitment. We find that all of our students have something to offer, and both school leavers and mature age students have something to learn from each other.

What is the mix of full-time and part-time students?

The mix (as with school leavers and mature age students) is about fifty-fifty.

How many people are in each class?

This varies a lot. Our smallest classes are around ten people and our largest classes up to thirty. Most classes will have between fifteen and twenty students. Small classes are not always better – larger classes will give you more feedback on your work when workshopping and will usually contain a greater range of opinions to get a healthy discussion going.

Who is teaching in your course?

Our teachers are all industry professionals – writers and editors who understand what it takes to become professionals. We have a dynamic and enthusiastic group of teachers who are committed to their teaching and their students, just as they are to their writing and editing.

For more information about our teachers, visit our staff page.

What if I want to do a subject (like Writing for Radio) at another institution?

One of the great advantages of the Professional Writing Course is that you can do units with other institutions if you like. This gives you a greater range of subjects and more flexibility in how you choose to study. When you have completed your subject, it is simple to arrange a Credit Transfer.

I haven’t studied at school for a long time – will this be a disadvantage? Will I be the only one?

You won’t be the only one. Many of our mature age students haven’t studied for years. This usually isn’t a problem for them at all. Mature age students understand that to ‘get on’ they have to work hard, and so bring a commitment to their studies that overcomes any difficulties they may encounter because of not having studied for a long time.

I have children who attend school. How do the classes and semesters fit in with school hours?

Classes, generally, run in one of three time slots: 9.00–1.00, 1.00–5.00, 5.00–9.00 pm. Most of our students who are parents choose to study in the mornings or evenings so they are free to pick up their children after school. Semesters are planned so that breaks coincide with the school holidays. This makes it easy for students (and teachers!) who have children at school.

Can I do any of this course on-line?

Yes. See above for a list of current subjects available. If you wish to study online subjects, we can provide more information. Generally, people who study at home find it suits them because of work and/or time commitments - however, it does require a fairly high degree of self-discipline and motivation.

I’ve heard students are expected to do a lot of workshopping. What is ‘workshopping’ exactly?

Workshopping is when you submit a piece of writing (a poem, short story, article, novel chapter or extract) for your fellow students and teacher to comment on. Everyone will take home your piece, read it, and make constructive comments on what is and isn’t working and how this may be improved. The next week your teacher will ask your fellow students to comment on your work, and the class will discuss it in a structured manner. Workshopping may be done in small groups or with the whole class participating.

Professional Writing and Editing
Victoria University