Graduate Certificate (GradCert) in Writing Studies

Summary

If you are looking to quickly acquire skills for a new career, a graduate certificate is a great option for you.

Why study a GradCert?

Graduate certificates are intended to develop your knowledge and skills in a subject area that is different to your first degree's major. You may be eligible if you haven't studied for a degree before if you can demonstrate an interest in the subject area and a satisfactory academic ability. By choosing to study a graduate certificate you can quickly develop career competency in a single subject area.

A graduate certificate is a shorter version of a graduate diploma, is studied at undergraduate level, and can be completed in the equivalent of one trimester of full-time study.

The Graduate Certificate comprises a minimum of 60 points at 100 level or above, including 45 points at 300 level or above in the Graduate Certificate subjects listed below, and including at least 45 points from one of the subjects listed in Schedule A. Normally it involves one trimester of full-time study (or more extended part-time study).

Why study Writing Studies?

Acquire the skills in written communication that you can apply in business environments, or learn to write for digital media or for the screen. Writing Studies at Waikato offers a writing-intensive learning experience that will enable you to grow as a writer no matter where your interest lies. It will give you the research skills needed to write convincingly about the past, or create a vivid sense of the contemporary world. It will develop the reading and analytical skills essential for effective writing. You can structure your Writing Studies programme to suit your interests and needs. There are papers offered in: Creative writing

Literary non-fiction, including food writing

Business communication

Professional speaking and speech writing

Public relations writing

The philosophy of language and communication

Understanding the requirements of specific audiences and readers

Science communication

Writing for screen media

Theories of reading

Academic writing and research. Writing Studies graduates seek employment opportunities working for newspapers and magazines, central and local government, schools, the media, theatres and publishing houses. Writing Studies also lends itself to a freelance career.

Career Opportunities

Copy Writer

Digital and Broadcast Media Writer

Journalist

Literary Non-Fiction Writer

Public Relations Practitioner

Report Writer

Speech Writer

Teacher