Professional Writing and Publishing Major (GradDipA)

The Professional Writing and Publishing (PWP) Major will equip students with the skills, understanding and discipline to work in corporate communications and media in state, federal and local government, business and industry, the not-for-profit sector, arts organisations, and the magazine and book industries. These areas continue to demonstrate a significant growth nationally and internationally. It is expected that the degree will attract students with a strong command of the English language from a range of undergraduate disciplines from not only Humanities but also science and health sciences. Students will learn to convey information, issues and debate to colleagues, clients, constituents, and stake-holders by creating narratives that are rhetorically effective, ethically aware, well-researched, and cogently argued, in a range of media, genres and forms including print and online media, features and profiles, speeches, reports, discussion papers, narrative nonfiction, and promotion writing. Uniquely, the Curtin PWP program integrates creative practice and academic inquiry with training and experience in real-world technical and professional skills and competencies. It aims to foster its students' narrative nonfiction writing talents, developing their skills in storytelling whilst training them in the specialised genres and conventions of professional communication and delivering advanced instruction in research, writing, editing and publishing. This equips students to contribute to and influence public discourse which is increasingly being driven by narrative: stories that capture an organisation's identity, aspirations, and endeavours. Students will have an opportunity to practice their skills and develop their portfolio through internship with a professional organisation.

• understand the discipline of Professional Writing and Publishing, its theoretical underpinnings, ways of thinking and professional or creative approaches; understand and apply established knowledge, principles, and professional or creative practices in chosen aspects of the Arts
• apply logical and rational processes to analyse the components of a subject or project and engage critically with the subject matter to respond creatively within a selected communication paradigm
• acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national, and global perspectives and the impact of these on the Arts: recognise individual human rights, and appreciate the importance of cultural diversity and the sensitivities which may be created when engaging with and representing issues pertaining to ethnic and community groups
• demonstrate professional behaviour and standards and work collaboratively to apply them in all aspects of creative practice and production-related activities
• determine what information is needed and where it might be found using appropriate technologies; make valid judgements and synthesise information from a range of sources and apply best practice in developing a professional or creative work in response to a particular situation. Communicate appropriately with colleagues, professional and creative contacts and the general public and develop communication skills across one or more media forms appropriate to varying situations
• understand and apply a range of learning strategies; take responsibility for one's own learning and development; sustain intellectual curiosity and engage with emerging forms of theory and practice in the Arts. Think globally and consider issues from a variety of perspectives and apply relevant international standards, tools and practices to one's professional or creative practice