Why Bachelor of Creative Arts?
Can poetry change the world?
For millennia, humans have used stories to educate, entertain, and inspire. Stories play an important role in shaping human beliefs, values and culture – and help us make sense of the world.
Creative writing focuses on storytelling, character development, and emotional engagement. It can take many forms – from fiction such as novels, short stories, poetry, and screenplays to creative non-fiction such as memoirs or travel writing. The act of writing can also be a deeply personal and emotional process, requiring vulnerability.
If wordsmithery is your wheelhouse, the Bachelor of Creative Arts majoring in Creative Writing is for you.
Overview
Explore the big themes: love, death, power, conflict, identity, free will vs fate. How did the writing masters of yesterday tackle them? Learn how they went about their craft, and then give it your own slant.
In the Bachelor of Creative Arts majoring in Creative Writing you’ll learn to write a beginning, middle and end – with a clear plot across multiple genres. Share your worldview with others to make connections and evoke empathy in readers.
Push the boundaries of imagination and create new worlds for your readers. Experiment with language, voice, structure and form. Play with themes and symbols and shine a light on important topics to prompt readers to think differently or take action. Incite informed conversation and thoughtful reflection as you contribute to social commentary.
Key features
Reflect on your craft as you write, revise and polish your own works to a high standard. - Focus on imagination, originality, and expression. Develop your own tone and style.
- Learn the process professional writers use: framing your project, planning and doing the research, meeting deadlines.
- Explore how writing has changed over time in different literary forms.
- Engage deeply and critically with key creative and theoretical texts. Consider their global and historical contexts.
- Become part of a community of writers as you share your words.
What you'll learn
There’s more to the Bachelor of Creative Arts majoring in Creative Writing than writing. You’ll learn to spot opportunities in Australia's cultural sector. Consider the institutions and policies that shape it. Join the debate on how culture – in the form of values, beliefs, customs, and the arts – affects the economy and vice versa. Take a global perspective on arts production around the world. Hone transferable skills that will be of value throughout your career.
Choose your own adventure with a wide range of electives. Take core courses in:
First year
- Creative worlds: industries, identities and opportunities
- Creative writing essentials 1: prose, poetry, performance
- Writing life: from concept to practice.
Second year
- Creative solutions: reimagining projects
- Creative writing essentials 2: narrative theories, forms and approaches to practice
- Fiction: theory and practice
- Screenwriting: theory and practice.
Third year
- Creative arts professional experience
- Creative writing essentials 3: the writer as researcher
- Experimental forms: theory and practice
- Poetry: theory and practice.
Majors
The Bachelor of Creative Arts is also available with majors in the following:
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 30 units for Core courses, and
- 96 units for 2 Majors from Majors, and
- 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 units for Electives
Complete 30 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core, and
- 12 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities
|
Course code
CREA1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects
|
Course code
CREA2001
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities
|
Course code
CREA1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 1: Prose, Poetry, Performance
|
Course code
WRIT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Writing Life: From Concept to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fiction: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 2: Narrative Theories, Forms and Approaches to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects
|
Course code
CREA2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Screenwriting: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
MDIA2016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Poetry: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 3: The Writer as Researcher
|
Course code
WRIT3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Arts Professional Experience
|
Course code
CREA3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Experimental Forms: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 1: Prose, Poetry, Performance
|
Course code
WRIT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Writing Life: From Concept to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Screenwriting: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
MDIA2016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 2: Narrative Theories, Forms and Approaches to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fiction: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Forms: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 3: The Writer as Researcher
|
Course code
WRIT3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Poetry: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3005
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities
|
Course code
CREA1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 1: Prose, Poetry, Performance
|
Course code
WRIT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Writing Life: From Concept to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fiction: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 2: Narrative Theories, Forms and Approaches to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects
|
Course code
CREA2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Screenwriting: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
MDIA2016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Poetry: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 3: The Writer as Researcher
|
Course code
WRIT3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Arts Professional Experience
|
Course code
CREA3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Experimental Forms: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Creative Arts Professional Experience
|
Course code
CREA3901
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities
|
Course code
CREA1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 1: Prose, Poetry, Performance
|
Course code
WRIT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Writing Life: From Concept to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fiction: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 2: Narrative Theories, Forms and Approaches to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects
|
Course code
CREA2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Screenwriting: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
MDIA2016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Poetry: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 3: The Writer as Researcher
|
Course code
WRIT3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Arts Professional Experience
|
Course code
CREA3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Experimental Forms: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units for all University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities
|
Course code
CREA1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 1: Prose, Poetry, Performance
|
Course code
WRIT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Writing Life: From Concept to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fiction: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 2: Narrative Theories, Forms and Approaches to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects
|
Course code
CREA2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Screenwriting: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
MDIA2016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Poetry: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 3: The Writer as Researcher
|
Course code
WRIT3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Arts Professional Experience
|
Course code
CREA3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Experimental Forms: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Creative Industries
|
Course code
CREIBCRAR
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Performing Arts
|
Course code
PERFBCRAR
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Festivals
|
Course code
FESTBCRAR
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Comicbook Creation
|
Course code
COMIBCRAR
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Digital Media and Web Design
|
Course code
DIGMBCRAR
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Games Design and Production
|
Course code
GAMEBCRAR
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Immersive Media
|
Course code
IMEDBCRAR
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Screen Production
|
Course code
SCRPBCRAR
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities
|
Course code
CREA1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 1: Prose, Poetry, Performance
|
Course code
WRIT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Writing Life: From Concept to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fiction: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 2: Narrative Theories, Forms and Approaches to Practice
|
Course code
WRIT2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects
|
Course code
CREA2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Screenwriting: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
MDIA2016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Poetry: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing Essentials 3: The Writer as Researcher
|
Course code
WRIT3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Arts Professional Experience
|
Course code
CREA3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Experimental Forms: Theory and Practice
|
Course code
WRIT3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Beyond writing as an author or novelist, there are so many places creative writing can take you. You could write scripts for film or theatrical performances. Perhaps you’ll help businesses create engaging content for their websites or maybe you’ll use your strong communication skills to write reports, user manuals, product guides and technical documents. If you love games, why not write for them? Create storylines, worlds, dialogue and scripts for video games.
Creative writers gain employment in all kinds of fields including:
- Education
- Entertainment and gaming
- Media and marketing
- Publishing.
Other potential careers might include:
- Copywriter
- Editor
- Ghost writer
- Grant writer.
Industry Trends
Being skilled in creative writing and communication is relevant in many careers. A LinkedIn report found that communication is the most in-demand soft skill across industries, with 92% of hiring managers saying it’s critical to hiring decisions (LinkedIn, 2019). Another study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) revealed that 73.4% of employers prioritise candidates with strong written communication skills across roles (NACE, 2023). A Nace 2024 report also indicates that communication skills, including both written and verbal competencies, are among the most sought-after qualities (NACE, 2024). With your writing skills, you’ll be an in-demand professional across a range of sectors.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
