What Can You Do With a Creative Writing Degree?
In our digitally-driven era, where rapid change is the only constant, the question “what can you do with a creative writing degree?” holds new weight. Fortunately, the answer also holds many possibilities that you may not have considered.
While artificial intelligence and other technological advancements can change how we work and live, the value of human creativity remains irreplaceable. A postgraduate degree in creative writing can be a catalyst for not only honing this unique skill but leveraging it to expand job prospects.
As a creative writing degree graduate, you will develop skills that can lead to success in a range of fields - including careers as a social media manager, English coordinator, literary agent, media and communications professional and more.
Let’s explore a number of the top positions you can pursue with a creative writing degree, plus additional benefits of obtaining this postgraduate qualification.
What careers can I pursue with a creative writing degree?
The ability to crystallise original ideas and craft compelling stories holds strong value that extends well beyond the page (or computer screen). A creative writing degree provides a solid pathway toward a number of lucrative and in-demand careers.
Here are some examples.
Content manager
A content manager is responsible for overseeing the ideation, production and distribution of an organisation’s content strategy. Depending on the priorities, budget and structure of the business, this can include social media content (visual and captions), emails, advertisements, podcasts and more.
Content managers can work in-house for brands, at agencies that serve a number of clients, or in a freelance or self-employed capacity. Because there is such variety in the type of content manager positions available, the salary varies too. In Australia, entry-level positions can start at around $90,000 and can exceed $140,000.
Senior content writer
Senior content writers are the wordsmiths behind a wide range of internal and external communication for a business. Their role can span anything from crafting short-form social media content and email marketing campaigns, to long-from blogs, case studies, website copy, ebooks and more.
Like content managers, content writers can work in-house, for agencies or run their own businesses. In Australia, entry-level positions start at $90,000, while more experienced content writers can earn up to $116,000 and beyond.
Literary agent
If you’re a lifelong lover of reading but don’t see yourself becoming a published author, the role of literary agent may be perfect for you. Literary agents act on behalf of writers to help their stories get published. Their role involves reading hundreds (if not more) of stories to find the strongest ones and then finding publishers who will pay the writers for their work.
Literary agents typically work on a commission basis and, according to the Economic Research Institute, earn an average of just over $100,000 a year.
Editor or proofreader
Editors can work in newspapers, magazines, publishing houses, agencies, marketing departments, video and radio news outlets, or for themselves. Their key responsibility is to ensure the messaging, tone and overall structure of a piece of writing is as strong and aligned with its relevant goals as possible. A proofreader can work in the same settings as an editor but typically comes in at the final stage of the process to amend surface-level errors in spelling and grammar. Both of these roles will only become more important as more businesses begin to integrate AI. In Australia, editors earn on average between $76,000 - $117,000 and proofreaders can earn between $62,000 - $76,000. Many outlets will combine the responsibilities.
English coordinator
The responsibilities of an English coordinator include the planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating of English programs in schools and educational institutions. These positions play an important role in both the operational aspects of the English department and the aptitude of the school’s curriculum and learning goals.
In Australia, academic coordinators typically earn between $55,000 - $137,000, depending on experience level and place of employment.
TV and film writer
Have you ever been so gripped by a television series that you binged a whole season in one hit? Behind every addictive TV show and movie are great writers. As the title implies, TV and film writers are responsible for the concept ideation, plot development and scriptwriting of TV series and movies. Often, they’ll work in teams, but in some cases they may work alone.
In Australia, the average screenwriter's salary is over $107,000. This increases in certain cities like Sydney, where it is over $114,000.
Journalist
Journalists are responsible for sourcing, writing and producing stories for news publications, a role that may include conducting interviews and uploading/editing copy and videos. Journalists can work for print newspapers, magazines, online publications, TV programs, social media outlets, radio, or on a freelance basis.
In Australia, the average salary for a journalist ranges from $64,000 for entry-level positions to just over $100,000. In some cases, such as a news anchor, the salary can be closer to $200,000.
Media communications
Media communications professionals can work in a number of roles under the media umbrella, including public relations (PR), marketing, advertising, film production, and more. Many of these roles require and develop transferable skills, making it easy to expand or pivot from one position into another.
In Australia, the average salary ranges from $83,000 to $110,000, but more senior positions can earn closer to $200,000 and well beyond.
Social media writer
A social media writer or social content producer works closely with the content manager and sometimes senior content writer to create compelling on-brand content for a brand’s social platforms. This may include TikTok, Instagram and Facebook organic captions or copy for paid advertising.
In Australia, the average salary for a social media content creator is $60,000 to $85,000. This can increase significantly depending on level of experience and the employer.
Published author
Contrary to popular belief, consumers still buy books. In 2022, book sales in the US alone surged by a significant 9 per cent. If becoming a novelist and/or published author is something you’ve always dreamed of, a creative writing course could be the perfect stepping stone. While it can be very challenging to find a publisher, understanding the industry and opportunities that are out there will put you in a great position to get your work out in the market. Luckily, this course helps you learn these strategies.
The salary for an author varies significantly based on the publisher, notoriety of the author and sales of the book. The average earnings vary from $80,000 to $131,000, but of course can go much higher depending on your success.
What are the other benefits to studying a postgraduate creative writing degree?
Still wondering what you can do with a creative writing degree? The possibilities extend beyond advanced career prospects. Here are some other benefits.
Elevate your creativity
A creative writing degree offers the opportunity for self-discovery and artistic growth. By exploring the nuances between different creative genres, and tapping into cutting-edge methodologies and techniques for writing, you’ll also uncover different aspects of yourself and your own creativity.
Expand both career and personal opportunities
From social media writer to English coordinator to internal comms officer, the number of career opportunities facilitated by a creative writing degree are extensive. Why? Because the abilities to recognise and develop original ideas, express creativity, communicate with excellence, and recognise or craft a compelling story are skills you’ll have for life. They’re also skills that can improve your relationships, creative fulfilment and overall well-being. The examples outlined above are only the beginning.
Stand out to employers
Postgraduate degrees are heavyweight qualifications. Being accepted into a postgraduate course and then completing it shows employers you’ve studied the craft at a high level and learned from the best. You’ll also be equipped with distinctive creative skills that can help you stand out in the sea of same-sounding copy as more businesses integrate AI.
Learn from experts
During a Master of Creative Writing, you’ll learn from world-class academics and published, award-winning writers. These experts will not only help you understand creative theory and methodology, but help you hone your own unique ability - so you can channel it toward whatever career or creative aspirations you wish to achieve.
Unleash your creative writing potential
Edith Cowan University (ECU)’s online Master of Creative Writing was created to nurture writers by fuelling their creativity. With immersive, contemporary learning experiences, accelerated learning options and industry experts at the helm - students will be armed with a deep understanding of creative techniques and publication-ready work.
Amplify your creativity and refine your skills with ECU Online’s Master of Creative Writing or Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing.
To find out more, reach out to one of our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 707 760, email future.student@studyonline.ecu.edu.au, or download a brochure.
