Career information for your major
Discipline overview
The Bachelor of Creative Arts (Creative Writing) teaches skills and strategies so your writing is strong and clear. It helps you express ideas in imaginative ways that will impact your readers. Creative writers work in a range of areas: poetry, editing, writing for multimedia, commercial and content writing, commercial theatre and performance, short stories and novels, or even in ways that combine or challenge these forms. Creative writers might write to entertain or to educate – but they’re always drawing on the human condition, exploring what it means to be human.
Key employability skills
Graduates can use their skills across a range of careers. It is vital for you to not only become more aware of the skills you will gain through your course and other experiences, and also to learn to effectively articulate these skills to prospective employers.
The following is a sample list of key skills adapted from the QAA UK subject benchmark statement for this discipline. The full skills list can be found at QAA UK.
- initiate and take responsibility for their own work
- self-manage and show a distinct ability to work independently, set goals, manage workloads and meet deadlines
- select and employ communication and information technologies: source, navigate, select, retrieve, evaluate, manipulate and manage information from a variety of sources
- show considerable personal qualities, including an enthusiasm for enquiry and the motivation to sustain it, often displaying high levels of determination and adaptability
- work flexibly, both independently and collaboratively
- communicate their own ideas and the ideas of others concisely, accurately and persuasively in order to influence opinion, developing, constructing and presenting arguments in appropriate ways
- interact effectively with others, in team or group work, for example through collaboration or in workshop situations
- be sensitive to cultural contexts when working with others
- use high level information retrieval and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret, evaluate, synthesise and organise material, to formulate independent and
- critical judgements, creative solutions and articulate reasoned arguments
Related occupations
Whether you are considering a number of career possibilities, are starting to think deeply about your career future or have a clear career idea in mind, it’s useful to explore the range of career possibilities available.
The following list is of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation). Note that some of these graduates have undertaken further study:
- Associate Producer
- Freelance Copyeditor
- Features Editor
- Copywriter
- Freelance Journalist
- Social Media and Marketing Officer
- Social Media Representative
- Freelance Online Content Producer
- Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Employers
Explore the type of organisations you would like to work for by looking at some of the employers in your field.
The following list of employers of UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).
- Wollongong Writers Festival
- South Coast Writers Centre
- WestWords
- Society19
- Pacific Magazines
- Nextmedia Pty Ltd
- Word Travels
Key industry job websites
Many industries have job websites dedicated to careers within their industry. These also often have links to other career resources. Also be aware that LinkedIn Jobs is increasingly used by employers to target graduates.
Formal graduate programs
Make sure you consider the fast tracked career pathway programs which are offered by some large corporate organisations and government agencies.
Details of relevant graduate recruitment programs can be found on websites such as GradConnection.
Career research and networks
When researching possible careers, obtaining relevant information from a range of sources helps inform your career decisions.
HuffPost - article on careers with a creative writing degree
Labour Market Information Portal – Australian government website with salaries, industry growth and required skills for a wide range of jobs
Your career – Australian government website with a range of careers information
UK Prospects – Careers in creative writing from a UK based career exploration site
Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.
Postgraduate study and research
Some career paths require postgraduate study. The 2019 Graduate Outcomes Report identified that 18.9% of undergraduates Australia wide were engaged in postgraduate study four months after graduation.
You can specialise through academic coursework or pursue further research studies. Explore UOW's postgraduate coursework degrees and Higher Degrees by Research or postgraduate courses from other institutions for specific careers of interest.
Developing industry experience
Graduate employers increasingly value industry experience as an addition to formal qualifications to demonstrate your employability skills. This work related experience can be obtained through university internship subjects, co-curricular activities, student exchange or volunteering.
UOW Work experience subjects – Formal work integrated learning subjects available at UOW across all disciplines
UOWx – A range of co-curricular activities available for UOW students
Course information
The relevant undergraduate degree options available at UOW for this discipline are listed below. You may also wish to explore available courses more broadly to see if you might be interested in pursuing a double major or a double degree.
Discipline overview
Writing and English Literatures allows you to combine your love of writing with the analytics of literature. English literatures will challenge you to think creatively about the English language and give you the knowledge and understanding to express these thoughts and ideas through your own creative writing. Potential career industries can include media and publishing, marketing, journalism and teaching.
Key employability skills
Graduates can use their skills across a range of careers. It is vital for you to not only become more aware of the skills you will gain through your course and other experiences, and also to learn to effectively articulate these skills to prospective employers.
The following is a sample list of key skills adapted from the QAA UK subject benchmark statement for this discipline. The full skills list can be found at QAA UK.
- Discover and synthesize complex information and diverse evidence
- Write clearly, accurately and effectively
- Respond creatively and imaginatively to research tasks
- Test, interpret and analyse information and evidence independently and critically, producing from that analysis cogent arguments and decisive judgements
- Plan, organise and report to deadline
Related occupations
Whether you are considering a number of career possibilities, are starting to think deeply about your career future or have a clear career idea in mind, it’s useful to explore the range of career possibilities available.
Below is a list of jobs held by UOW graduates up to four months out from graduation, sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey.
- Administration Officer
- English Tutor
- English Teacher
- Librarian
- Marketing Officer
- Media Research Analyst
- News Editor
- Public Relations Consultant
- University Academic and Research Staff
- Writing Consultant
- Sales Assistant
The following list is of jobs held by UOW Alumni up to four years out from graduation, as advised by the UOW Alumni Team. Note that some of these graduates have undertaken further study:
- English High School Teacher
- Career Consultant
- English Translator
- Journalist
- Primary School Teacher
- Policy Officer
- Librarian
- Marketing Analyst
- Writer
- Editorial Assistant
- Communications Officer
- Manuscript Assessor
- Auditor
Employers
Explore the type of organisations you would like to work for by looking at some of the employers in your field.
Below is a list of UOW graduate employers up to four months out from graduation, sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey.
- The Iconic
- NumberWorks’nWords
- NSW Department of Education
- Nine Network
- Nuvesco
- Microsoft
- Peak Media Relations
- Stellar
- University of Wollongong
- Wealth Harbour Services
- ZARA
- Zipmoney
The following list of UOW graduate employers up to four years out from graduation, as advised by the UOW Alumni Team.
- Department of Education, Skills and Employment
- University of Wollongong
- NSW Department of Education
- TAFE NSW
- University of Sydney
- News Corp Australia
- CommBank
- The Illawarra Grammar School
- ABC
- The Illawarra Mercury
- Hardie Grant Publishers
- Driftwood Manuscript
Key industry job websites
Many industries have job websites dedicated to careers within their industry. These also often have links to other career resources. Also be aware that LinkedIn Jobs is increasingly used by employers to target graduates.
Formal graduate programs
Make sure you consider the fast tracked career pathway programs which are offered by some large corporate organisations and government agencies.
Details of relevant graduate recruitment programs can be found on websites such as GradConnection.
Career research and networks
When researching possible careers, obtaining relevant information from a range of sources helps inform your career decisions.
Labour Market Information Portal – Australian government website with salaries, industry growth and required skills for a wide range of jobs
Your career – Australian government website with a range of careers information
UK Prospects – a UK based career exploration site
Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.
- Association of Writers and Writing Programs - support, advocacy, resources, and community to nearly 50,000 writers, 550 college and university creative writing programs, and 150 writers’ conferences and centres.
- Association for the Study of Australian Literature - promotes the study, discussion and creation of Australian writing
- Australian Writers Guild - professional association representing writers for stage, screen, radio and online
- Sydney PEN - defends freedom of expression: campaigning on behalf of writers who have been silenced by persecution or imprisonment
- Australian Society of Authors - provide advocacy, support and advice for authors and illustrators in matters relating to their professional practice
- Australian Library and Information Association - national professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector
Postgraduate study and research
Some career paths require postgraduate study. The 2019 Graduate Outcomes Report identified that 18.9% of undergraduates Australia wide were engaged in postgraduate study four months after graduation.
You can specialise through academic coursework or pursue further research studies. Explore UOW's postgraduate coursework degrees and Higher Degrees by Research or postgraduate courses from other institutions for specific careers of interest.
Developing industry experience
Graduate employers increasingly value industry experience as an addition to formal qualifications to demonstrate your employability skills. This work related experience can be obtained through university internship subjects, co-curricular activities, student exchange or volunteering.
UOW Work experience subjects – Formal work integrated learning subjects available at UOW across all disciplines.
UOWx – A range of co-curricular activities available for UOW students
Course information
The relevant undergraduate degree options available at UOW for this discipline are listed below. You may also wish to explore available courses more broadly to see if you might be interested in pursuing a double major or a double degree.
Discipline overview
A Bachelor of Creative Arts at UOW encourages you to immerse yourself creatively, critically and practically. The Creative Industries is one of the fastest-growing, most dynamic sectors in the world.
The study of music integrates physical, intellectual and emotional aspects, including instrumental or vocal performance, composition, music production and recording, history and theory. This degree offers a deeper understanding of how music works, as well as the skills to develop as a creative practitioner and prepare for a career in the arts.
This is a versatile, hands-on degree that prepares you for a career in the global creative industries. With a strong focus on contemporary music practice, this major combines performance, composition and both electronic and acoustic media so you can build your skills and expertise across three interrelated areas: music studio, audio production and critical studies in music.
Key employability skills
Graduates can use their skills across a range of careers. It is vital for you to not only become more aware of the skills you will gain through your course and other experiences, and also to learn to effectively articulate these skills to prospective employers.
The following is a sample list of key skills adapted from the QAA UK subject benchmark statement for this discipline. The full skills list can be found at QAA UK.
- Highly developed creative skills including conception, interpretation, innovation and versatility.
- Self-motivation: the ability to acquire new skills, to engage in further learning and exploration and to keep abreast of developments in ever-changing environments.
- Self-critical awareness: the ability to monitor and assess progress, to reflect on achievements.
- The ability to work independently: to understand one's own learning style and work regime.
- Time management and reliability: the ability to construct one's own timetable, ensuring adequate preparation and the meeting of deadlines.
- Organisational skills: the ability to set priorities, plan and implement.
- Oral and written communication skills, as appropriate to context.
- Presentation: the ability to use a range of techniques to enable effective communication (of musical intentions) clearly to others (performers, audiences).
- Collaboration: the ability to work with co-creators, including those from different artistic disciplines.
- The acquisition of information and communication technology (ICT) skills.
Related occupations
Whether you are considering a number of career possibilities, are starting to think deeply about your career future or have a clear career idea in mind, it’s useful to explore the range of career possibilities available.
Below is a list of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).
- Youth Camp Worker
- Music Teacher
- Filmmaker
- Private Music Tutor
- Instrument Tutor
- Entertainer or Variety Artist
The following list is of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation). Note that some of these graduates have undertaken further study:
- Piano Teacher
- Marketing/PR Manager
- Digital Coordinator
- Music Teacher
- Freelance Audio Tour Writer
Employers
Explore the type of organisations you would like to work for by looking at some of the employers in your field.
Below is a list of employers of UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).
- Wedderburn Christian Campsite
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
- Music Star
- Engadine Music
- TJProductions
- Haworth Music Centre
- Sole Trader
The following list of employers of UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).
- Wollongong Music Room
- PACT Centre for Emerging Artists
- Illawarra Music Festival, Conservatorium of Music Wollongong
- Micon Office National
- Virgin Australia
- The Music Bus
Key industry job websites
Many industries have job websites dedicated to careers within their industry. These also often have links to other career resources. Also be aware that LinkedIn Jobs is increasingly used by employers to target graduates.
Formal graduate programs
Make sure you consider the fast tracked career pathway programs which are offered by some large corporate organisations and government agencies.
Details of relevant graduate recruitment programs can be found on websites such as gradconnection.
Career research and networks
When researching possible careers, obtaining relevant information from a range of sources helps inform your career decisions.
Labour Market Information Portal – Australian government website with salaries, industry growth and required skills for music professionals
Your career – Australian government website with a range of careers information for music professionals
UK Prospects – music related career information by a UK based career exploration site
Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.
Australian Music Association – comprehensive list of Music Industry Organisations
Postgraduate study and research
Some career paths require postgraduate study. The 2019 Graduate Outcomes Report identified that 18.9% of undergraduates Australia wide were engaged in postgraduate study four months after graduation.
You can specialise through academic coursework or pursue further research studies. Explore UOW's postgraduate coursework degrees and Higher Degrees by Research or postgraduate courses from other institutions for specific careers of interest.
Developing industry experience
Graduate employers increasingly value industry experience as an addition to formal qualifications to demonstrate your employability skills. This work related experience can be obtained through university internship subjects, co-curricular activities, student exchange or volunteering.
Go Volunteer – Music and entertainment volunteering opportunities
Volunteer.com.au - Music and entertainment volunteering opportunities
UOW Work experience subjects – Formal work integrated learning subjects available at UOW across all disciplines.
UOWx – A range of co-curricular activities available for UOW students
Course information
The relevant undergraduate degree options available at UOW for this discipline are listed below. You may also wish to explore available courses more broadly to see if you might be interested in pursuing a double major or a double degree.
Discipline overview
The Bachelor of Performance and Theatre at UOW is a highly practical course that will prepare you for a career in the performing arts and broader creative industries. You will learn the techniques, strategies and processes of contemporary theatre-making and performance in a range of contexts.
Complementing the practical aspects of your degree, you will undertake core subjects in the history and theory of theatre, as well as core subjects including professional practice. You will also have the opportunity to undertake electives or a minor study in associated areas such as stage management and sound and lighting design, as well as creative writing, audio production or media arts among others. All students participate in producing and performing in their own productions throughout their degree, thereby gaining industry-relevant experience.
Key employability skills
Graduates can use their skills across a range of careers. It is vital for you to not only become more aware of the skills you will gain through your course and other experiences, and also to learn to effectively articulate these skills to prospective employers.
The following is a sample list of key skills adapted from the QAA UK subject benchmark statement for this discipline. The full skills list can be found at QAA UK.
- have developed skills in self-management, demonstrating the ability to set goals, manage workloads, work under pressure and meet deadlines
- be able to assess and manage risk, health and safety and to employ ethical working practices
- have developed skills in critical engagement, demonstrating the ability to operate and think reflexively, creatively and critically, to develop ideas and to construct and present arguments in appropriate ways
- be able to work in a group or team and to have the skills needed for the realisation of collaborative project-based work
- have an ability to manage creative, personal and interpersonal issues
- have acquired skills in communication and presentation with the ability to articulate and communicate ideas and information in a variety of forms, as appropriate to content
- have developed information skills and be able to critically retrieve information, and to gather, sift, manipulate, synthesise, evaluate and organise material
- have an ability to select, employ and adapt digital media and information technologies
- be able to use project management skills involving the ability to investigate, organise, curate and realise activities
Related occupations
Whether you are considering a number of career possibilities, are starting to think deeply about your career future or have a clear career idea in mind, it’s useful to explore the range of career possibilities available.
Below is a list of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).
- Singing Teacher
- Children’s Entertainer
- Functions Supervisor
- Actor
- Education Coordinator
- Door Hostess
The following list is of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation). Note that some of these graduates have undertaken further study:
- Project Coordinator
- Associate Producer
- Production Technician
- Lighting Technician
- Performer
Employers
Explore the type of organisations you would like to work for by looking at some of the employers in your field.
Below is a list of employers of UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).
- Madame Tussauds Sydney
- Wollongong Conservatorium of Music
- Fairy Fantasy Parties
- Foundation Theatres
- QT Canberra
The following list of employers of UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation).
- Bondi Feast Winter Festival
- Merrigong Theatre Company
- Illawarra Production Services
Key industry job websites
Many industries have job websites dedicated to careers within their industry. These also often have links to other career resources. Also be aware that LinkedIn Jobs is increasingly used by employers to target graduates.
Career research and networks
When researching possible careers, obtaining relevant information from a range of sources helps inform your career decisions.
Guardian article – What to do with a degree in drama
Labour Market Information Portal – Australian government website with salaries, industry growth and required skills for Actors, dancers and other entertainers
Your career – Australian government website with a range of careers information
UK Prospects – careers in performing arts from a UK based career exploration site
Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.
Postgraduate study and research
Some career paths require postgraduate study. The 2019 Graduate Outcomes Report identified that 18.9% of undergraduates Australia wide were engaged in postgraduate study four months after graduation.
You can specialise through academic coursework or pursue further research studies. Explore UOW's postgraduate coursework degrees and Higher Degrees by Research or postgraduate courses from other institutions for specific careers of interest.
Developing industry experience
Graduate employers increasingly value industry experience as an addition to formal qualifications to demonstrate your employability skills. This work related experience can be obtained through university internship subjects, co-curricular activities, student exchange or volunteering.
UOW Work experience subjects – Formal work integrated learning subjects available at UOW across all disciplines.
UOWx – A range of co-curricular activities available for UOW students
Go Volunteer – Music and entertainment volunteering opportunities
Volunteer.com.au - Music and entertainment volunteering opportunities
Course information
The relevant undergraduate degree options available at UOW for this discipline are listed below. You may also wish to explore available courses more broadly to see if you might be interested in pursuing a double major or a double degree.
Discipline overview
The Visual Arts and Design major is for those who love not only painting and making, but also designing for real-world environments. The course will develops skills in traditional areas such as painting and drawing, print-making and photography, and sculpture and textiles. Students also learn contemporary digital design skills, including visual communication design, innovations in design practice and interface design – all underpinned by learnings in history and theory. This dynamic major offers extensive studio time, while equipping students with the design skills essential for success in the contemporary arts and creative industries.
Key employability skills
Graduates can use their skills across a range of careers. It is vital for you to not only become more aware of the skills you will gain through your course and other experiences, and also to learn to effectively articulate these skills to prospective employers.
The following is a sample list of key skills adapted from the QAA UK subject benchmark statement for this discipline. The full skills list can be found at QAA UK.
- study independently, set goals, manage workloads and meet deadlines
- anticipate and accommodate change, and work within contexts of ambiguity, uncertainty and unfamiliarity.
- analyse information and experiences, and formulate independent judgements
- articulate reasoned arguments through reflection
- interact effectively with others, for example, through collaboration, collective endeavour and negotiation
- articulate ideas and information comprehensibly in visual, oral and written forms
- communicate and present ideas and work to audiences in a range of situations.
- source and research relevant material, assimilating and articulating relevant findings
- navigate, select, retrieve, evaluate, manipulate and manage information from a variety of sources
- innovation, creativity and enterprise: the ability to generate, develop and communicate ideas; manage and exploit IP; gain support and deliver successful outcomes.
Related occupations
Whether you are considering a number of career possibilities, are starting to think deeply about your career future or have a clear career idea in mind, it’s useful to explore the range of career possibilities available.
Below is a list of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (up to four months after graduation).
- Junior Graphic Designer
- Creative Director
- Print Journalist
- Marketing Coordinator and Graphic Designer
- Visual Merchandiser
- Creative Arts/Painting Instructor
The following list is of jobs held by UOW graduates sourced through the UOW Alumni Team or the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (up to four years after graduation). Note that some of these graduates have undertaken further study:
- Graphic Designer
- Digital Marketer
- Visual Arts Teacher
- Interactive Designer
- Social Media Admin Assistant
- Artist
- Designer
Employers
Explore the type of organisations you would like to work for by looking at some of the employers in your field.
Below is a list of UOW graduate employers up to four months out from graduation, sourced from the 2018 and 2019 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey.
- Samuel Smith & Son
- Meditech Staffing
- Anytime Fitness (Marketing)
- H&M
- City Beach
- Flipside
The following list of UOW graduate employers up to four years out from graduation, as advised by the UOW Alumni Team.
- NSW Department of Education
- Wollondilly Shire Council
- Think Design Company
- Solotel
- The Colour Club
- Semi Permanent
- AI Australia
- Creatik Design
- The Collective Co.
Key industry job websites
Many industries have job websites dedicated to careers within their industry. These also often have links to other career resources. Also be aware that LinkedIn Jobs is increasingly used by employers to target graduates.
Formal graduate programs
Make sure you consider the fast tracked career pathway programs which are offered by some large corporate organisations and government agencies.
Details of relevant graduate recruitment programs can be found on websites such as gradconnection.
Career research and networks
When researching possible careers, obtaining relevant information from a range of sources helps inform your career decisions.
Artshub – Australian arts industry key resource
Labour Market Information Portal – Australian government website with salaries, industry growth and required skills for a wide range of jobs
Your career – Australian government website with a range of careers information
UK Prospects – a UK based career exploration site
Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.
Postgraduate study and research
Some career paths require postgraduate study. The 2019 Graduate Outcomes Report identified that 18.9% of undergraduates Australia wide were engaged in postgraduate study four months after graduation.
You can specialise through academic coursework or pursue further research studies. Explore UOWx and or postgraduate courses from other institutions for specific careers of interest.
Developing industry experience
Graduate employers increasingly value industry experience as an addition to formal qualifications to demonstrate your employability skills. This work related experience can be obtained through university internship subjects, co-curricular activities, student exchange or volunteering.
UOW Work experience subjects – Formal work integrated learning subjects available at UOW across all disciplines.
– A range of co-curricular activities available for UOW students
Go Volunteer – Arts volunteering opportunities
Volunteer.com.au - Arts volunteering opportunities
Course information
The relevant undergraduate degree options available at UOW for this discipline are listed below. You may also wish to explore available courses more broadly to see if you might be interested in pursuing a double major or a double degree.