Writer (NSW) | Job Guide

Writer (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

You can work as a writer without formal qualifications. Skills are usually developed through practice and experience. However, you will improve your chances of employment by undertaking some associated formal training.

Relevant courses can range from part-time interest courses to university degree courses. You may like to consider a VET qualification in communication, creative writing, English literature, film and media studies, journalism, literary studies, screen production, theatre studies and professional writing. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information

Alternatively, you can become a writer by studying a degree in a related area at university. A number of universities in Australia offer relevant degrees. Entry to these courses usually requires you to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Writers are usually self-employed or work under contract.

Business writers may be employed by government departments and private businesses. Technical writers are usually employed under contract to publishers.

People interested in writing should consider related occupations until they are able to establish themselves as writers. These may be in areas such as journalism, editing, teaching and advertising.

New technologies have increased the expectation that writers will have multimedia skills and will work on personal computers, submitting their work electronically. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you have basic computer skills.