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Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing

This course is only available for domestic students

Entry requirements

Study structure, fees & scholarships, how to apply.

Use your creative wisdom to craft copy for a wide range of genres; from fiction, to journalism, and public relations. The Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing teaches you to write in a range of creative and professional contexts and to editing your own and others’ work. Seek employment as an editor, journalist, creative, or non-fiction writer. 

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Is your course available for Midyear entry?

Starting midyear means getting your study goals under way before the year is over. Semester 2 begins Monday 29 July, 2024.

Skills you’ll learn

• Evaluate writing

Your career opportunities

• Corporate writer
• Non-fiction writer
• Education writer
• Creative writer

International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Location options

Staff spotlight

Spiri Tsintziras

Spiri Tsintziras is an award winning-author, creative writing teacher and business writing trainer. 

She has had articles and stories published in newspapers, magazines and anthologies, and is the author of several non-fiction books published in Australia and abroad. 

She’s written content for community, business and government organisations for over 25 years. 

In the spirit of lifelong learning, she is trying her hand at writing a crime novel as part of a Master of Arts at Swinburne University.

This course requires a high level of language and literacy.

For entrance to the Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing at Swinburne, students must have completed Year 12.

Applicants who have not completed year 12, but have relevant or significant work experience will also be considered for the course.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements  for general information about the admission process.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

• IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
• Swinburne’s  English for Academic Purposes  (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65%
• or equivalent measures available at  English language requirements .

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing

Diploma of Screen and Media - Film and Television

Diploma of Social Media Marketing

Course structure.

To gain the award of a Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing, participants must complete the 12 units of competency listed below.

This course is delivered face-to-face and through workshops and practical classroom work in writing.

Full fee* ($AUD)

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($aud), yearly fee* ($aud), fees are estimates only.

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2024 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Skills first government-subsidised place

To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

• log in to My Financials
• check your Australian bank account details are correct 
• check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
• pay using your preferred payment method.

Concessions rates for vocational students

If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2024 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

"What I like most is the supportive environment . Our tutors are always available and very generous with feedback. Weekly exercises have taught me about writing for different audiences and purposes. I've even had a few pieces published . This course can also be a stepping stone to a diploma or degree."

Margareta , Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing

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Claiming Commission

Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing | CUA40118

Your course

The Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing (CUA40118) is a new nationally accredited course.

It is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to write and edit professionally.

• Do you have unpublished writing you'd like to see in print or as an ebook?
• Do you want to learn how to edit so your work can be published?

This industry standard course has been designed to introduce participants to the skills required in the contemporary writing and editing industry. It will suit the needs of people seeking a career as a writing industry professional.

To complement your creative and technical skills, you will graduate with employability skills, know how to deliver to a deadline, and develop project management skills.

You will also develop a portfolio of your original written work and have an opportunity to be published in Painted Words, an annual, professionally produced and printed anthology of student writing.

Digital skills

Through hands-on experience, you will develop the foundation skills required to use industry-standard applications such as Microsoft Word and digital-publishing programs such as Adobe's InDesign, Acrobat and Photoshop to prepare you for work in the rapidly changing digital world.

When you graduate, you'll be equipped to write and edit in various fields and you'll have the confidence to write in an engaging style with accuracy and flair.

Your career as a writer and editor starts here!

Do you have unpublished writing you don't know what to do with? Do you want to know how to properly edit and present your work to get it published? This industry standard course has been designed to introduce participants to the skills required in the contemporary writing and editing industry and will suit the needs of a range of writing industry professionals.

Our course delivery features a combination of on-campus and remote (online) learning. This flexibility allows our students to continue to study in a safe, guided and supported manner.

Core and elective units

To be awarded the qualification you must successfully complete six core units and six elective units.

Your course is delivered face-to-face with clusters of units designed to give you hands-on instruction in a range of writing and editing techniques you can expect in the writing industry.

Study areas

• Computer skills for writers
• Introduction to industry skills for writers
• Editing foundations
• Introduction to writing fiction
• Introduction to writing non-fiction
• History of writing and literature
• Introduction to poetry and lyric writing
• Introduction to content creation for new media
• Introduction to writing for video, film and television

You will be regularly assessed during the course to show that you have achieved the skills and knowledge required. Assessments may include practical written project-work and oral tasks. Your course is classroom centered in a studio-based environment in which you will study individually and occasionally in groups; you will use industry-standard equipment and the latest digital publishing software.

• Professional Writing & Editing

Got questions? Call 13 TAFE (8233)

Course Snapshot

Certificate iv in professional writing and editing, learn the tools of the trade.

View All Course Modules

Career Opportunities

Qualification details.

Employment Opportunities

Qualifications

Further Study

Training is delivered with Victorian & Commonwealth Government funding.

Some or all of this training is provided with State or Federal Government funding. Are you eligible for Government Subsidised fees?  Find out now !

You may be eligible for concession.  Find out now !

 To you check your eligibility click  here .

 The fees listed below relate to 2024 courses and are indicative pricing only as total costs vary depending on the units you elect to study.

 Payment plans are available.  Click here  to find out more. Course availability is subject to enrolment numbers.

Your total course fee will typically include your tuition fee (table 1), any applicable consumables and/or material fees (table 2).

Tuition Fees

#The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

* Materials/Consumables fees may vary for each individual based on the units they are studying.

Average tuition fees are based on the typical number of student contact hours undertaken by a student to complete this course. Average fees displayed are purely indicative and may not be your actual fee. Fees vary based on the number/hours of electives chosen by the student.

Click here  to view maximum tuition fees. We strongly urge you to  contact us  for a more exact calculation of your fees. Additional fees may apply.

Your total course fee will typically include your tuition fee and non-tuition fees (table 1) and any applicable consumables and/or material fees (table 2).

Student Contact Hours

^This is based on the maximum number of student contact hours for the total duration of the course. Hours may vary depending on electives chosen by the student.

*This is based on the maximum number of student contact hours for the calendar year of 2024. Hours may vary depending on electives chosen by the student. If you have to undertake training as part of Skills Recognition, your tuition fees are charged according to the applicable rate per Student Contact Hour depending on your eligibility for government subsidised, concession or full fees.

For more information about our fees structure,  click here .

Course Dates

Launch your career, can i apply, lets get started.

How Will I Be Selected?

How Do I Apply?

For course information, please call 13 TAFE (13 8233) or fill our enquiry form.

Click here to find out more about our Online Service Standards .

For information on disability support at Bendigo TAFE, click here .

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Turn your creative talents into a rewarding career. Develop the skills to work in fashion, floristry, music, photography, graphic design, performance, visual arts, and more.

Creative industries study areas

• Digital and interactive media 2
• Performing arts 2
• Visual arts and design 4
• Floristry 1
• Cultural arts 1

Digital screen and media

Be a part of the next generation of Australian film makers with our digital screen and media courses. Develop the skills you need to work across a variety of roles behind the scenes in radio, film, television, or interactive media.

What will I be able to do?

• 3D animator
• Camera operator
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• Motion graphic artist
• Production assistant
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• Sound recordist
• Video editor

Games and interactive design

Be a part of the next generation of Australian games makers and media designers with our games and interactive design courses. Develop the skills you need to work across a variety of roles behind the scenes in design, illustration, development, software engineering, animator, and management.

• 3D modeller
• Concept artist
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Fashion design

Whether you want to unleash your creativity as a designer, dressmaker or milliner, or pursue a more technical job in textile production, grading, or patternmaking, we have a fashion course for you.

• Fashion designer
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• Textile designer

Jewellery design

Add some sparkle to your career as a jeweller or jewellery designer with an industry-endorsed course at TAFE Queensland.

• Jewellery Designer
• Jewellery Tradesperson

Develop the practical skills and experience required to work in the performing arts as a stage and film actor, performing artist, performance maker, or arts facilitator.

• Arts administration
• Arts education
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• Film and TV
• Independent theatre
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• Voice-over work

Whether you want to be centre stage as a musician or vocalist, or work behind the scenes as a sound engineer, composer, or music manager, our courses can help turn your musical dreams into a reality.

• Music arranger
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Graphic design

Embrace your creative flair and get the skills you need to work in graphic design, digital design and visual communications, in a variety of commercial contexts, across both print and digital media.

• Design assistant
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Interior design and decoration

Lay a solid foundation for a career in interior design and decoration at TAFE Queensland. Develop industry-ready skills to work on both residential and commercial projects.

• Interior designer
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Photography

Capture memories and create art with a career in photography. Develop industry-ready skills to work in portrait, wedding, commercial, documentary, editorial, landscape, fashion photography, and more.

• Commercial photographer
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Visual arts

Follow your passion and turn your creativity into a career in visual arts. Our courses will allow you to develop your artistic voice and enhance your command of creative techniques across a range of art forms.

• Digital media designer
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Let your skills bloom and get qualified to work as a florist in a range of businesses including retail floristry shops, studios, and online floristry businesses.

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Cultural arts

Express your culture and turn your passion into a career in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry. Our courses will help you develop your understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity and learn to apply this knowledge to an arts context.

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About creative industries

Explore your passion in creative industries, whether it’s to be part of the next wave of film makers or game developers, to unleash your creativity as a fashion designer, or to build your career in the music industry.  

TAFE Queensland offers a range of creative facilities including acting spaces, fashion precincts, film and TV studios, and more. Our art studios, along with the Banggu Minjaany Art Gallery, support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to visually express their culture and identity. 

Whatever your passion, TAFE Queensland offers creative courses to help you launch your career in style and define your greatness.  

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TAFE Gippsland has made every reasonable effort to ensure the information contained in this publication is current at the time of publishing. For updated information go to tafegippsland.edu.au or call 1300 133 717. Training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. TAFE Gippsland reserves the right to alter this information and/or withdraw courses listed herein. © TAFE Gippsland 2024. National Provider Number 0417