Freelance writing, in particular journalism, is a highly competitive field. Successful freelance writers not only have good writing skills, they have the ‘nose’ for a good story, the ability to write quickly and succinctly, and are experts in their chosen area of writing. This course is ideal for writers who are keen to build on their current skills and experience in order to enhance their career prospects, including being published!
The Certificate of Freelance Writing (Advanced) is an online program that will teach you about different writing techniques, help you access new contacts, and sharpen your skills.
In this professional development course, you will fine-tune your writing skills in the areas of sentence structure and theme development, including using deductive, inductive, chronological, descriptive, analogy, flashback and cause and effect concepts.
You will also learn about educational, fictional and scientific writing, and how to write columns, critiques, reviews, newsletters, news articles, biographical stories and TV and radio scripts.
On completion of this course, you will have improved your existing writing skills, discovered potential writing specialisations, and gained insights into how to achieve your ultimate career aspirations!
Course Structure
Unit 1 – Basic writing skills
- Sentences and phrases
- Writing effective sentences
- Choosing effective words
- Paragraphs
- Punctuation
- Summarising skills
- Key points to remember
- Types of writing
- Theme development
- Writing an analogy
- Writing a balanced theme
Unit 2 – Writing a regular column
- Writing columns
- Newsletter and new columns
- Know your audience
- Writing headlines
- Producing a newsletter
- Newsletter items
- Writing critical reviews
- Theatre, films and book reviews
Unit 3 – Educational writing
- Educational writing
- Concise wording
- Referencing
- Illustrations and captions
- Line drawings and technical illustrations
- Half tones, maps and tables
- Photos for publications
- Composing photos
- Composition and time
Unit 4 – Technical writing
- Characteristics of technical writing
- Golden rules
- Basic parts of a document
- Elements of a technical document
- Front matter, the body and end matter
- Technical writing guidelines
- Using jargon appropriately
- Gender neutral language
- Simple sentences
- Passive and unnecessary words
- Using an active voice
- Using imperatives
- Selecting first, second or third person
- Guidelines for writing directions
- Writing technical specifications
- Journal abstracts
Unit 5 – Writing a biographical story
- Writing biographies
- Creating a biography
- Interviewing skills and procedure
- Writing a personal biography
- Life story points
- Verb tenses
Unit 6 – Writing a news article
- Newsworthy articles
- News values
- Storyline
- Writing a news article
- Email newsletters
Unit 7 – Fiction writing
- Writing fiction that sells
- Types of fiction
- Character fiction characteristics
- Mainstream fiction characteristics
- Are you suited to writing fiction?
- Getting an idea
- Components of a story
- Fiction writing glossary of terms
Unit 8 – Other writing styles
- Writing TV and radio scripts
- TV formats
- Presenting comedy or drama series
- Script writing jargon
- The plot
- Procedure for developing a story
- Revising a script
- Conducting a survey
- Writing science fiction
- Writing for the web
- How is material published online?
- Management systems
- Key rules for web writing
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Freelance Writer
- Creative Writer
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