Contact Details
Ph +61 7 5562 1088
Fax +61 7 5562 1099
Click here to return to the homepage

Writing and Journalism Courses

Advanced Certificate In Applied Management (Publishing And Journalism) Duration icon 900 hours Qualification icon Advanced Certificate Modules icon 9 modules

Study, Learn and Work in the Publishing Industry

  • Develop publishing skills -both professional writing skills and management.
  • Writers are employed both by publishers and advertising companies, or they may work freelance.
  • Flexible, self paced, 100 hour course

The publishing industry is much more than just writing. It also employs: 

  • editors
  • graphics technicians
  • photographers
  • artists
  • salesmen
  • clerks
  • and managers.

Learn about the industry and lay a solid foundation toward developing more specialised skills.

Studying this course will help give you a competitive edge when seeking career advancement.

This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C

Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Advanced Certificate In Applied Management (Publishing And Journalism)

Advanced Freelance Writing Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

ONLINE WRITING COURSE - ONLINE TRAINING

EXTEND YOUR WRITING SKILLS
 
  • Improve your chances to sell your work
  • Seek employment with publishers; or elsewhere as a freelance writer
  • Sharpen your writing skills, under guidance from a professional, published writer, as your tutor and mentor.
  • Learn different writing techniques, conduct research and interviews, and plan projects.
  •  
    This is a course for people who already have skills in freelance writing, who have perhaps had some minor work published, but need to improve their overall technique and develop a more "efficient" approach to their work.  Our staff include well established and successful freelance writers; and through this course, you have opportunity to communicate with these professionals and be guided by their decades of experience.   Learn about:
    • educational writing
    • column writing
    • scienctific writing
    • biographics
    • news articles
    • fiction, science fiction
    • and more

    While all these career-building skills are important, they obviously take time to develop. This course builds on skills and experience you might already have. It assumes that you have a solid understanding of writing. You may already have had something published. If you want to build on your past experience and skill though; this is exactly what this course is designed for.

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Advanced Freelance Writing

    Associate Diploma in Publishing and Journalism Duration icon 1500 hours Qualification icon Associate Diploma Modules icon 15 modules

    Study Professional Writing and Journalism at Home
    • Start a business, start a magazine, proof reading business, or electronic publishing business
    • Work as a freelance writer, editor, blog writer or publishing industry professional
    • Get a job as an editor, publisher, journalisty or writer
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Associate Diploma in Publishing and Journalism

    Certificate in Creative Writing Duration icon 600 hours Qualification icon Certificate Modules icon 6 modules

    DISTANCE LEARNING CERTIFICATE - CREATIVE WRITING COURSES

    Nurture your Creativity and Become a Successful Writer
     
    To be successful as a creative writer, you need to develop not only writing skills; but also a technique and an ability to distil your ideas, focus on a project and follow that project trough to it's conclusion. Creative writing is stimulating, but also challenging, and not always completely what the student expects it to be. Then again... if it was what you expect; you would already know what this course sets out to teach you, and you would already probably be a successful writer.
    In this course you will study:
    • creative writing
    • dramatic writing
    • fiction writing
    • poetry
    • childrens writing
    • editing
    If you want to be a successful, creative writer; and have the commitment to follow that dream; this course could be the path you have been looking for.  Click below to read more.

    Accreditation:
    International Accreditation & Recognition Council I.A.R.C
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Certificate in Creative Writing

    Certificate in Editing and Proof Reading Duration icon 600 hours Qualification icon Certificate Modules icon 6 modules

    DISTANCE LEARNING - EDITING COURSE

    Become a Skilled and Certified Editor and Proof Reader

    This certificate is designed to provide the knowledge and skills to work as a freelance editor or proof reader; or seek employment in the media.  Proof Readers and editors work both as:

    • freelance contractors; running their own business from home; and
    • in house staff; employed by book or magazine publishers, printers, newspapers, broadcast media and other enterprises 

    You will be mentored by a team that includes many experienced media professionals; journalists, authors and editors; led by principal John Mason, himself former editor for four national magazines.
     
    You will gain practical skills in:
    • editing
    • photoshop
    • proofreading
    • and a range of electives in creative writing, children's writing, fiction or poetry

    Accreditation: International Accreditation & Recognition Council I.A.R.C

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Certificate in Editing and Proof Reading

    Certificate In Journalism Duration icon 600 hours Qualification icon Certificate Modules icon 6 modules

    ONLINE JOURNALISM COURSE

    GAIN SKILLS IN JOURNALISM & WRITING 
     
    This course will provide you with a skills and knowledge base that prepares you to start a career as a freelance writer, an editor or a publisher. Many journalists begin their careers as freelance writers, submitting articles to newspapers and magazines. The broad scope of this course will prepare you to work as a writer in a publishing business, a freelancer, or in other areas of publishing.  
    • Improve your writing skills
      Discover what work opportunities exist
    • Network with professionals
    • Gain insights into this industry, and start building your networks
    • Study, learn, take a step toward earning whilst doing something you are passionate about
    • Start with a certificate course that is achievable and upgrade to a diploma later on (NB: We offer many pathways for further studies)

    Accreditation: International Accreditation & Recognition Council I.A.R.C

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Certificate In Journalism

    Childrens Writing Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 10 lessons

    Learn how to write children's books from the comfort of your own home!

    Remember Puff the Magic Dragon?  Snugglepot and Cuddlepie?  Miss Twiggley's Tree?  The Rabbits?    Want to be as wealthy as J.K Rowling?  We can't promise that of course but we can give you the skills to try. 

    Anyone who has tried to entertain a child for more than two minutes knows this is no easy task. Writing for children is a specialised craft. It is a rewarding, inspirational, and often demanding branch of writing. 

    Very few people can easily recall their own childhood and therefore write in a manner that children can relate to.  For most, it takes many hours, months, and possibly years, to write a unique and appealing story that children will want to read. This course is designed to set you on a course for more successful writing geared to the children's market.
     
    You will study:
    • Short stories for children
    • children's fiction
    • children's non-fiction
    • fantasy
    • picture & non picture books
    • editing & more
    Click below to find out more about this magical course...
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Childrens Writing

    Communications Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

    ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS COURSE - DISTANCE EDUCATION

    Become a better Communicator at Work, At Home and in Business
     
    This course improves your ability to communicate in all situations. Communication is a two-way process i.e. a person is sending a message and another is receiving it. Communication is not effective if it is one-way i.e. the information is sent but not understood by the person receiving it: or the receiver does not indicate that they do not understand the message. Learn to:
    • write and speak more fluently
    • write letters and reports
    • conduct meetings

    Understand: 

    • behaviour
    • visual communications
    • language
    • public speaking
    • communications technology
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Communications

    Creative Writing Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 10 lessons

    Distance Education - Learn Creative Writing

    Write for profit or pleasure

    This stimulating course will develop your ability to write a good story and to think more critically about your writing. You will learn the basics of different kinds of writing - magazine and newspaper columns, short stories, books - while improving your basic writing skill. Your development will be guided by qualified and experienced tutors. No matter what your current writing ability, if you put in the effort, you will become a better and more confident writer. Some students have been published even before finishing the course!
    • Develop passion, creativity and writing technique
    • Discover what publishers and readers want
    • Become a successful, creative writer.
    • Self Paced, 100 hour,Creative Writing Course

    Dan Read, a student on our creative course has recently had an article purchased for publication.  He said of the course - "I feel that the course has given me the tools and confidence necessary to make this possible."
     
    Click below to find out more..
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Creative Writing

    Diploma In Journalism Duration icon 2100 hours Qualification icon Diploma Modules icon 10 modules

    ONLINE DIPLOMA - JOURNALISM
     
    GAIN A JOURNALISM DIPLOMA FROM HOME

    Writing can be an exciting profession, but before embarking on a substantial course of study with us or anyone else; be sure you fully understand what is involved. Some people simply don't succeed perhaps because the dream is not the same as the reality; or maybe they are simply not the right personality. This job is not just about writing well; it also requires you to be able to write quickly and work under pressure. You also need to be prepared to write what an employer wants, which is not always the same as what you want. This is the reality of journalism. If you can get past these considerations, and with a bit of luck, you may be able to forge a serious career. 

    Accreditation: International Accreditation & Recognition Council I.A.R.C

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Diploma In Journalism

    Diploma In Publishing And Journalism Duration icon 2100 hours Qualification icon Diploma Modules icon 21 modules

    Learn, study and develop a comprehensive, solid basis for a career in journalism.

    Study Media, Writing and Publishing with a view to becoming:

    • A Journalist or Writer
    • Publishing Assistant or Manager
    • Web Developer
    • A Marketing Manager
    • A Production Manager ...etc

    This course is suitable for students considering careers in any aspect of journalism, including photo journalism and publishing.

    The course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Diploma In Publishing And Journalism

    Dramatic Writing Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

    DRAMATIC WRITING - NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

    Learn to Write Drama!
     
    Learn at home, guided by an international team of experienced, published, professional writers. 
    • Are you worried that your stories are boring?
    • Do you want to learn how to write engaging and powerful plots?
    • Do you want to spend less time obsessed with syntax and more time thinking about what you want your reader to feel and what you are trying to express?
    • Do you have great story ideas but don't know where to start?

    This course will help you no matter what style of writing you do, or where in the world you live. There are many different types of writing - short stories, poems, novels, screen plays etc.  Dramatic writing can be useful in all of these.  This course takes lessons from many different writing styles (including screen writing) and allows you to apply them to your own work. 

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Dramatic Writing

    Editing I (Editing and Proof Reading) Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

    Study editing and proof reading from home


    ACS Graduate Comment: "It took me a while but in the end it was a very useful course for my work.  I would like to really thank my tutor for all her feedback which improved my proofreading skills.  You will see the results in our 2011 catalogue." Premo Jackniacki, Australia - Editing 1 course.
     
    This course provides students with a first step toward a career in editing and proof reading.

    Graduates of this course may well start with part time work editing web sites, newsletters or low circulation magazines; but over time (and perhaps with further study) can work up to full time employment as a proof reader, sub editor, book or magazine editor, copy editor, freelance editor, or even publishing assistant or publisher.

    Editors work for publications both in house (eg. in a magazine, newspaper or web development office), or outside as contractors (eg. self employed from home).

    Alone, this course does not make you a professional editor, but it can lead to valuable career opportunities when combined with other courses that develop your knowledge and skills in publishing and journalism.

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Editing I (Editing and Proof Reading)

    Editing II Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

    Improve your editing skills!

    Develop a capacity to edit a broad range of publishing material including both print and electronic media, text and graphics, commercial and non-commercial material.

    A great follow on course from Editing I, this course is designed for self-editors, aspiring professional editors and desktop publishers. Its aim is to develop the student’s understanding of the editing processes.

     

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Editing II

    Editing Practice Duration icon 100 hours

    Gain hands-on experience as an editor in a student publishing team!

    In this course, you will develop essential practical knowledge and skills that you will need in your career as an editor or publisher. Under the guidance of a mentor (a member of our academic staff), you will plan, design, write, and publish articles in a magazine, journal, or other publication. Think of how good that will look on your resumé!

    Gain hands-on experience as an editor in a student publishing team!

     

    Prerequisites

    • Publishing I and Editing I, or equivalent
    • Medium level computer skills
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Editing Practice

    Efficient Writing Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 6 lessons

    Learn How to Write!

    The ability to write is priceless (it's true the pen is mightier than the sword).

     

    This course will be particularly useful for people who wish to "brush up" on their writing skills or to obtain basic skills which they did not develop properly while at school.

    Learn how to:

    • write clearly and efficiently
    • clearly communicate thoughts using a minimum number of words
    • write clearly and unambiguously
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Efficient Writing

    Esl Writing Fundamentals Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 12 lessons

    Need English for Business Purposes?

    IMPROVE YOUR WRITTEN ENGLISH SKILLS - AN IDEAL COURSE FOR ANYONE WITH ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

    This course is written for those with English as a Second Language.  This course will develop your knowledge of English grammar and your ability to write in English for business and study. The course is aimed at students who can write and speak basic English and wish to strengthen their English language skills, in particular their writing skills. Students will learn by reading the course notes, completing written and spoken exercises for each lesson, and submitting them for comment and correction.


    Comment from one of our ESL students: "Studying with ACS was a wonderful experience. I have learnt a lot and will take a new course soon" M. Khaovong

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Esl Writing Fundamentals

    Freelance Writing Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 10 lessons

    Study from home to become a freelance writer!

    ACS Student feedback: Yes [this course is a valuable learning experience]. I have never had the benefit of a writer give feedback on my work. That along with structure and content lessons have been beneficial.Many professional writers start out by freelancing. Learn how to write, what to write, and how publishers buy from freelance writers. Bradley Clark, Australia - Feelance Writing
     
    Ten lessons cover everything from good grammar to planning and writing newspaper and magazine articles, advertisements, books and more. Emphasis is placed on things which are important to publishers who might buy your work.

    Tutors concentrate on your ability to properly structure an article, and to be both concise and clear in your use of words.

    Graduates of this course should:

     

    • Have improved communication skills, particularly with respect to clarity, conciseness and correct grammar.
    • Be familiar with the "writing industry"; having a clear idea of where opportunities exist for obtaining work as a freelance writer.
    • Know how to go about approaching potential clients to obtain work.
    • Have an understanding of the processes involved in publishing books, magazines and newspapers; from generating concepts to seeing the finished publication on sale.

    Here's what one of our students has said:

    "(The course) has helped me focus on writing and increased my confidence. Provided me with valuable information and improved skills so that I can move forward in my ambitions".  Justine
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Freelance Writing

    Journalism Practice I Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment

    Gain valuable journalism experience by writing for a student publication. This course takes you through the processes of writing for a specific publication, submitting work for publication, and meeting the requirements of an editor and publisher. Under the guidance of a mentor (a writing/editing tutor), you will learn to write according to specific criteria, deal with a publisher, and communicate effectively with others involved in the publishing process. And, you will come away with at least one published work (maybe more), which will set you on the path to a career as a writer. No matter what you want to write, you will find this a great learning experience.

     

    Prerequisites

    • Freelance Writing, Publishing I, and Editing I, or equivalent
    • Medium level computer skills, or higher.
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Journalism Practice I

    Journalism Practice II Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment

    Like Journalism Practice 1, this module gives you valuable experience in writing for a student publication, which will greatly enhance your resumé. Publishers are more likely to employ writers who have already been published! Under the guidance of a mentor (a writing/editing tutor), you will participate in the production of a specific publication. As a feature writer, you will prepare and submit works for the publication and work with other students to produce a polished, professional-looking online publication that you can proudly show to a prospective employer.

     

    Prerequisites

    • Freelance Writing, Publishing I, Editing I, and Journalism Practice 1; or equivalent
    • Medium level computer skills or higher
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Journalism Practice II

    Legal Terminology Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

    Understand Legal Language

    Legal terminology is the collection of words and phrases that have a precise or peculiar use in the law profession. Legal Terminology is not only used by Lawyers; but is also used in a wide range of associated legal professions. 

    This course is valuable for anyone who needs to understand and communicate better with legal language, from people who write about business and politics, to Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Solicitors, Law Professors, Legal Receptionists/Secretaries, Private Investigators, Authorised Government Inspectors and Officers, Law Enforcement Officers and many others.

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Legal Terminology

    Photojournalism Practice I Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 11 lessons

    Learn how to become a photojournalist!
     
    Publish your photos online and gain valuable photojournalism experience.

    Learn how to:

    • deal with ethical dilemmas
    • generate your own ideas for photo stories
    • select photos for a specific publication
    • submit work for publication
    • meet the requirements of an editor and publisher
    • publish your work online
    Under the guidance of a mentor (a photography/publishing tutor), you will learn to shoot according to specific criteria, deal with a publisher, and communicate effectively with others involved in the publishing process.
    You will come away with at least one published work (maybe more), which will set you on the path to a career as a photojournalist. No matter what subject you want to shoot, you will find this a great learning experience.

    NEW COURSE !!!

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Photojournalism Practice I

    Poetry Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 9 lessons

    Learn to Write All types of Poetry -Serious, Witty, Funny

    Take lessons from the work of famous poets.
     
    Unlock your inner artist.

    Develop your ability to write and understand different types of poetry.
     
    This course provides those interested in poetry with an introduction to the different elements of poetry and how to write it.
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Poetry

    Publishing I Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 10 lessons

    Become a Publisher; or Get a Job in the Publishing Industry! 

    It is easier today than ever before for anyone to become a publisher; particularly for electronic publishing.

    This course provides an excellent start for anyone considering self publishing or seeking employment in publishing. It is equally relevant to electronic or print publishing.

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Publishing I

    Publishing II Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

    Learn About the Publishing Industry.

    Suitable for anyone with some experience or prior studies who wants to build their knowledge and understanding of opportunities in any area of this industry, irrespective of whether electronic or print media.


    There are all kinds of publishers. Most deal in hard copy or electronic publishing via the Web.

    Anything printed and disseminated can be described as a publication:

    • a simple flyer or handout
    • a 500,000-copy-a-month magazine
    • a scholarly journal
    • an e-zine
    • a paper
    • a book

    Anyone who engages in the production of any of these might describe themselves as a publisher.

    Develop your knowledge of the nature and scope of the publishing industry.

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Publishing II

    Publishing III Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 7 lessons

    Develop your ability to plan and manage a publishing business.
    Publisher are continually needing to consider: “What to publish?”
    Some establish a limited repertoire of publication activities, focusing on academic books, novels, westerns, romance novels, text and educational books, informative or self-help books or material on specific topics such as health and wellbeing, ostrich farming etc., fashion or gardening magazines, music scores etc. Other publishers will engage in a wider range of activities, publishing books, journals, monographs and newspapers in their different branches. The nature of the publishing enterprise will determine what kinds of texts they will publish, and how they choose which texts to publish.
    Whilst it can be taken alone, this course is ideally studied as a follow on from Publishing I and II.
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence Read more & enrol: Publishing III

    Technical Writing (Advanced) Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 9 lessons

    Develop skills to write technical information for a variety of different purposes.

    ACS student comments:
    I think the course is a valuable learning experience as I feel I’m being challenged along the way. Generally, I am impressed with the service I have received from ACS since enrolling. The enrollment process was very quick and all email support has been prompt and helpful. The tutors seem very pleasant and helpful in their remarks, and this keeps me motivated. It is very encouraging when they offer additional information or ask questions of me/my writing. Sally Vanston, Malaysia - Technical Writing course.

    Students taking this course should have a basic understanding of technical writing including referencing procedures. If the subject is totally new, you may need to undertake some additional reading before progressing beyond the first lesson.
    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Technical Writing (Advanced)

    Writing Fiction Duration icon 100 hours Qualification icon Statement of Attainment Lessons icon 8 lessons

    Learn to Write Fiction!  Study from home. 

    • write your own fiction
    • analyse the writing of others
    • improve your writing skills
    • plan a novel

    Fiction is writing that encompasses imaginary characters, events, and/or settings created by the writer.  All of the components of a fictitious story do not necessarily need to be fictitious though!

    Comments from our Writing Fiction students:

    I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. Thank you for making it available"  S. Cooke

    "Having a (tutor available) who is able to critique my work was essential. I needed to know where my strengths and weaknesses lie. An informed and knowledgeable tutor helps a lot".    Wendy

     

    Learning methods available: This course can be studied via Correspondence Correspondence This course can be studied Online Online This course can be studied through E-Learning E-Learning Read more & enrol: Writing Fiction
     

    Refine results:

    Only show courses which can be studied through:







      2012 is ACS's 33rd year in business! Click here to read about our history.

    Subscribe to the ACS Newsletter

    Subscribe for Special Offers, New Services, Courses, Books, Opportunities, Free Stuff and more!