Master of Creative Writing Online

What you will study

To complete the Master of Creative Writing, students must complete 150 credit points

Foundation units

• Writing Fiction
• Writing Realities
• Writing for Performance
• Writing and Audience
• Editing and Publishing

Advanced units

• Writing for the Planet’s Future
• Writing and Empathy
• Writing Fiction that Scares and Unsettles

Capstone units (double-weighted)

• Writing Project Research and Development
• Writing Project Resolve and Reflect

Entry requirements

Master of Creative Writing admission requirements:

To gain entry to the online Master of Creative Writing, applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
• Equivalent prior learning, including at least five years of relevant professional experience.
• Students must submit a full-length publication (book) or a portfolio of creative works published in literary journals, online or in print. For example, short stories, essays or poems which constitute the equivalent of a full-length publication, or a minimum of 40,000 words of prose/100 pages of poetry. This excludes all self-published works.

Fast-track your Master of Creative Writing:

Eligible students can fast-track their Master of Creative Writing and complete their degree in only seven units*. To gain entry to the fast-tracked master's degree, applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in English, Journalism, Communications, Writing or Creative Writing, Secondary English Teaching or similar (as assessed by ECU)^.

To gain entry to the fast-track master’s, students must apply after they accept the offer for the 10-unit master's. Applications for the fast-tracked master's degree are subject to ECU’s assessment.

Bachelor degree or higher must be completed within the last 10 years.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Your previous studies can be credited towards your postgraduate studies, provided 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's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details. 

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

ECU’s Online Master of Creative Writing empowers aspiring writers to hone their skills and make a profound impact through innovative storytelling and literary finesse, reaching audiences across various media.

Craft compelling stories

• Refine and enhance your proficiency in the realm of fiction.
• Explore the appeal and nuance of various genres from Gothic Literature to Science Fiction.
• With the guidance of industry experts, you'll uncover the secrets to crafting stories that elicit powerful emotions and leave a lasting impact.

Refine your writing mastery​

• Invigorate your writing craft and ignite a passion for creative expression.
• Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and artistic growth.
• Discover the art of originating new ideas and cultivating a wellspring of inspiration to fuel your imagination and breathe life into your written work.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated total price in 2026: $46,780 (domestic full-fee paying place).

Estimated total price in 2026: $35,080 (Fast-Track) (domestic full-fee paying place).

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

• The number of subjects studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of subjects.
• 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 course.