Associate Degree Arts, Design & Architecture Full Time

Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing

at RMIT University · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

074927G

CRICOS provider code

00122A

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$76,320 total

Per year

A$38,160/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT University offers practical training for those keen to sharpen their writing and communication abilities. You’ll explore nonfiction and fiction techniques, feature writing, editing, grammar, digital content, and publishing. Real editing and publishing projects form part of the curriculum, giving you hands-on experience that reflects industry standards.

Over two years of full-time study in Melbourne, you will complete a sequence of units, each with set credit points that count towards your graduation. Australian associate degrees like this one often blend classroom learning with industry connection, and you may undertake work-integrated learning such as placements or industry projects with publishers, businesses, or digital content teams. The mix of creative and technical classes prepares you for roles across publishing, media, communications, or freelance work.

This course suits people who enjoy working with words, organising information, and communicating stories or messages clearly. There’s a strong industry presence in Melbourne, with opportunities to network at events, participate in live projects, and receive feedback from working writers and editors. Graduates develop skills in writing, editing, manuscript assessment, digital publishing tools, and collaborating in creative teams.

International students meet standard Australian English requirements (for details see the official site) and can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study. After completing an eligible Australian associate degree, you may be able to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) which allows post-study work rights in Australia. Be sure to confirm all application and visa information directly with RMIT and the Department of Home Affairs.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Editorial assistant in publishing houses or magazines
Copywriter for advertising and marketing agencies
Content writer for business and online media
Proofreader or manuscript assessor
Assistant digital publisher
Freelance writer or editor
Communications support in non-profits or government
Roles in Melbourne’s strong creative industries sector

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT University?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$76,320 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Editorial assistant in publishing houses or magazinesCopywriter for advertising and marketing agenciesContent writer for business and online mediaProofreader or manuscript assessorAssistant digital publisherFreelance writer or editorCommunications support in non-profits or govern...

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