This Diploma is available part-time or full-time, a distance course is offered fully online. Graduates go on to further study or paid work.
[exit qualification from degree; direct entry only into online delivery.]
Online: Level 5
If you have a passion for writing, want to extend the range of your work, or develop the versatility of the free-lance writer, this course is for you.
Overview
This course is made up of six modules, each worth 20 credits. Students can study for the whole Diploma or choose individual modules. Each module is four months in duration. Study and practice involves approximately 12 hours per week.
What this course covers
Modules offered are:
- Short Fiction One
- Short Fiction Two
- Poetry
- Scriptwriting
- Non-Fiction
- Writing for children
Each online course begins with an introductory week where students get to know one other online, and practise using online communication facilities. Instruction is divided into week-long blocks. Students are assigned to a small group. The tutor is available for contact throughout the course and offers feedback on material presented at workshops at various intervals.
Modules: Diploma in Creative Writing (Online)
Short Fiction One - Mastering the Craft
This course has been developed by Adrienne Jansen, writer and teacher. It is an intensive, practical writing course, balancing imagination and craft. Each week you'll do writing exercises which may lead to completed short stories. You'll also work closely with others through a series of on-line workshops.
Short Fiction Two - Pushing the Boundaries
This course is for the fiction writer who wants to be challenged in technical skill and imagination, in both what you write about, and how you write it. You'll take part in on-line workshops, and there is a strong emphasis on revising and crafting the first draft. This course is also written by Adrienne Jansen.
Scriptwriting - The Short Film
This course is for writers who want to move into writing for the screen. It provides an introduction to the craft of visual writing, and the requirements of a screenplay. At the end of the course you will have a short film script - an invaluable calling card for entering the film writing industry. The course is written by Susy Pointon, a script consultant and teacher with many years experience in the industry both locally and overseas.
Poetry
Written by Wellington poet, James Brown, this course will take you through the many and varied forms of writing poetry. At the end of the course you will have a portfolio of work and a good understanding of critiquing poetry.
Non-Fiction
Learn the skills to write a feature article for a magazine, a proposal for a non-fiction book, write a portion of your memoirs, and write for the web. This course is a collaboration between Pip Byrne, journalist and editor, and Adrienne Jansen, with a special feature on writing memoirs by novelist and playwright, Renee.
Writing for Children
Teaching material from internationally renowned children's author Joy Cowley forms the core of this module, which guides writers through the requirements of writing for a variety of age groups. Writers will produce original pieces in a variety of genres - short fiction, plays, non-fiction and chapter books. This course draws on the expertise of a number of writers for children. Adrienne Jansen has compiled the course material.
To find out about the technical requirements needed to do this diploma online, go to the Online Learning section under Studying at Whitireia.
Online Access
Online students studying with Whitireia Community Polytechnic use the Moodle Learning Management System (L.M.S). Moodle is a highly interactive, self-paced learning platform. Here at Whitireia, we have named our Moodle 'Whitireia Online', which can be accessed:
- anywhere in the world
- at any time 24 hours a day
CLick here for information on introduction to creative writing courses
On Campus: Level 5
If you're serious about writing, this course will hone your skills as a versatile writer, and give you the practical knowledge to use them widely.
Overview
This is a practical 'hands-on' writing course. Through exercises, workshops, discussion, speakers, but most of all through writing itself, writers develop their strengths, their critical eye, their knowledge of how the writing business works, and where they fit in the rich world of writing.
The Diploma in Creative Writing is a one-year full-time diploma. It is an exit qualification at the end of year 1 of the Bachelor of Applied Arts, for students who wish to complete just this year-long comprehensive course. Students may also enrol in individual modules of the course. For information, go to the Bachelor of Applied Arts (Creative Writing)
This diploma is also offered online see above
What this course covers
The course provides a strong foundation in a range of genres. It encourages you to work in genres both familiar and unfamiliar to you; you discover unexpected strengths, and also develop versatility as a writer. You compile a portfolio of publishing outlets and develop the business skills of being a freelance writer.
The modules are:
- Short fiction 1
- Poetry
- Scriptwriting
- Non-fiction
Students completing the degree option also study
- Creative Enterprise
- Contextual Studies
- An elective
The programme recognises the two major literary and linguistic traditions in New Zealand, English and Māori, and students may write and submit work in English or in te reo Māori.
Modules: Diploma in Creative Writing
Short fiction
This module develops the craft skills for writing original short stories to a well-edited standard, develops critical skills and exposes writers to the professional industry. It is taught by Adrienne Jansen, writer and teacher. Like all the modules it is an intensive, practical writing course, balancing imagination and craft. Each day you do writing exercises which may lead to completed short stories. Topics covered include: character, structure, point of view, time and place, dialogue, researching for fiction writing, re-writing, editing, critiquing, workshopping, and publishing opportunities. Guest writers visit to talk about their work and the writing life.
Scriptwriting
This module develops the craft skills for writing original scripts for stage and film, develops critical skills and exposes writers to the professional industry. The module offers writers the chance to step into the world of dramatic and visual writing. Short drama scripts are workshopped with acting students. Topics include: developing concepts, theme and premise, conflict, character, dialogue, subtext, dramatic action, writing visually, script layout. Sessions with writers, directors and producers provide a practical understanding of the NZ film and theatre industry.
Poetry
This module develops the skills for writing original poetry. It is taught by poet Mary-Jane Duffy. Topics include: defining poetry, poetic forms (from list poems to pantoums), ways of seeing, analysing poetry, critiquing, waiata, vocal delivery and performance techniques. Students hear visiting poets and find out about the publishing industry.
Non-Fiction
This module develops skills for writing factual prose for a specified audience and purpose. During the course of the module students will write a short memoir, a feature article, a proposal for a non-fiction book, and a short piece for the web. Topics include: writing clear, concise prose; identifying the audience; interviewing techniques; structure for non-fiction; creative non-fiction; editing; developing an idea for a non-fiction book; writing for the web. As with all modules, there are sessions with guest speakers, and students explore the non-fiction publishing industry.
Contextual Studies
This module explores personal influences on the artist and expands to look at cultural influences, with emphasis on Māori culture and protocols. All arts students spend a night on a marae.
Creative Enterprise
This module looks at the skills and techniques required to survive in the world as a freelance artist. From organizing a business plan to understanding basic tax issues, the course ensures students are well prepared for flying solo in the arts-business world.
Hours, extra costs, facilities
On-campus study is four days each week between 9am and 3pm. Modules are taught in blocks of eight weeks except for Creative Enterprise and Contextual Studies which are taught in weekly sessions. The course is located on the Porirua Campus of the polytechnic.
There may be some extra costs for attendance at performances, purchase of books. Allow $200.
Academic staff
All tutors are experienced practising writers. In addition to the core tutors, you will meet with a number of other practising writers, as guest speakers and mentors.
Interviews are held from late November through to January.
All applicants are interviewed. Applicants out of Wellington may be interviewed by phone.