Frequently Asked Questions

Who does this course suit?

Professionals - People in this group would undertake studies in professional writing primarily for the benefit of their occupation. This would include professional writers, business executives in many industries (whom are required to communicate through reports, e-mails and various other means), teachers at all levels of education. This group encompasses all people undertaking study for the primary purpose of developing skills to be used in their employment.

Recreational - Though the professional group would gain benefits from this course in their recreational time, the recreational group have varying motives for undertaking this course of study. Motives for study may be to satisfy an interest in writing creatively or perhaps to improve letter writing skills. There may even be interest in writing for a hobby to express views or document life experiences.

Enrolment and Selection Criteria

What are the selection criteria?

You can find information about the formal selection criteria here. All students wishing to be considered must submit a one-page discussion as to why they should be accepted into this course.

This should include your:

• aims
• experience
• interest and goals
• publications achieved
  

Is it necessary to have experience in writing?

Yes, however we define writing in the broadest possible terms. We assume that everyone has a need to write as part of their everyday life. This writing can be in the area of storytelling, business communication, journalism, family history, or many other areas.

To be accepted into the course do I need a portfolio?

It is not necessary to have a developed portfolio before commencing the course, as the aim of the course is to develop a portfolio. This may come from work already undertaken in a wide range of experiences from business to personal writing.

Can I speak to someone about my individual requirements?

Absolutely. We understand the importance of being able to customise the course to your needs and each unit has been developed to ensure that it will meet your individual writing needs. You should outline your individual needs in the one-page discussion of why you wish to take the course, and follow this up further with your eTutor.

How do I apply?

Read all the course information on this website. You will find an application form here.

What are the dates of the teaching periods?

1st intake (teaching period 2), 2007
26 February - 25 May
Census date: 16 March 2007

2nd intake (teaching period 4), 2007
28 May - 24 August
Census date: 6 July 2007

3rd intake (teaching period 7) , 2007
27 August - 23 November
Census date: 19 October 2007

How many units should I enrol in?

A full time load is 4 units each teaching period.
A part time load is 2 units each teaching period.

Can I change from part time to full time and vice versa?

Yes. When you enrol in the next teaching period enrol in either more or less units.

Questions specific to the units

Product

What modules are studied in each course?

Unit details are available on this website and should be looked at carefully before you make a decision as to which units you will study. Click here to view details using Coursefinder. .

Can you tailor your course of study to suit your personal requirements? Eg. Different target markets will have different needs.

Yes, the aim of this course is to let you use the work that you do for your creative and/or professional life to be extended, polished and accredited for an academic qualification.

Who are my eTutors? What qualifications and experience do they have?

All eTutors will have extensive experience in teaching, reading and writing in a range of professional and creative areas. Your course convenor is Ms Kitty Vigo.

Is it recognised by industry? Will I be able to gain employment as a journalist, editor etc?

There is no single industry group which would be relevant in this area. The courses are accredited by Swinburne University of Technology.

Cost

What are the fees?

For information regarding the fees for this course, please click on the link below:

http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/student_affairs/fees/

Can I defer payment?

Yes, payment of fees can be deferred.

FEE–HELP will be available to students enrolled in full-fee paying coursework programs and Higher Degrees by Research programs.

For more information about FEE–HELP and to see if you are eligible, go to the following website:

http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/

The Online Learning Experience

How is the information distributed to the students? What mediums of communication are used?

Students will receive some printed material, including unit outlines. They will also receive a unit CD ROM and the G21 Global Cultural Dreaming (Arnold, Vigo and Green) CD ROM in the mail. Websites will be available for each unit. These sites include learning materials, and email and virtual tutorial facilities.

Do I have interaction with other students?

You can interact with other students through the virtual Discussion Threads and email.

If I have any problems is there a support infrastructure available?

Support infrastructure does exist through the eTutor and the University's student helpdesk. Should the network be down for some reason students can work through the CD ROM.

Do I have to own a computer or can I use the University computers?

The University makes computers available through the University Library student computer labs on campus. However, students are strongly advised to purchase an up-to-date computer with a CD ROM drive and email.

What are the hardware and software requirements to undertake online studies?

Swinburne University of Technology, Lilydale operates in an IBM compatible environment:

What are the minimum computer requirements?

A computer purchased new in the last five years.

N.B.: The specifications below are a guide only.

Windows

• Pentium IV processor
• 512MB RAM
• 1024 X 768 pixel display resolution with a 65,536 colour colour palette
• 16X speed CD-ROM drive or better
• 16-bit sound card and speakers or headphones
• Keyboard and mouse
• 56Kb modem or network connection for internet access
• Printer (optional)
• Microsoft Windows 98, Windows NT Workstation 4.0 or later, Windows XP.
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0
• Microsoft Media Player 10 or 11
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 or the PowerPoint viewer (installer included on CD)
• Microsoft Word 2000 or the Word viewer (installer included on CD)

Macintosh

• PowerPC G3 266Mhz processor
• 512MB RAM
• 800 X 600 pixel display resolution with thousands of colours
• CD-ROM drive
• Speakers or headphones
• Keyboard and mouse
• 56Kb modem or network connection for internet access
• Printer (optional)
• Mac OS 9.0 or later
• Microsoft Word 98 or later
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2001 or later
• Apple QuickTime 6.0 or later

How long will it take to receive work back from tutors?

eTutors will be involved in the virtual Discussion Threads each week. See the unit websites for specific dates for assessment work. eTutors will attempt to have work returned to student within two weeks of the submission date.