Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Learn the craft of writing through exercises, workshops, course reading, regular feedback, but most of all through writing itself.
Develop skills in genres including short fiction, non-fiction, script writing and poetry. This programme is run entirely online offering the flexibility to study around other commitments. It can be undertaken full-time, part-time or even paper-by-paper to suit your needs and lifestyle.
This diploma has a team of specialist tutors who cover a range of genres. The team includes: children’s writer Justine Baddeley; award-winning scriptwriter Lisette de Jong; IML graduate and short story writer Gerard O’Brien; prose writer, artist and poet Ruby Porter (2017 winner of the Wallace Foundation Short Fiction Award, and inaugural winner of the 2018 Michael Gifkins Prize); and leading freelance editor Lesley Marshall.
NorthTec offers qualifications up to level 7 in applied writing:
- New Zealand Diploma in Writing for Creative Industries (Level 5)
- New Zealand Diploma in Creative Writing (Level 6)
- Diploma in Advanced Applied Writing (Level 7)
Our programmes are ideal for people who wish to work independently as writers, for those already working in the creative industries who wish to enhance their skills, and for those working in other industries who wish to improve their writing skills to allow higher-level employment.
What you will learn
In this programme you will gain knowledge and learn skills to create fiction and nonfiction works. Our courses cover writing for traditional and online publishing, digital platforms, performance and business.
In this programme you will learn to:
- Apply writing processes (analysis, research, planning, drafting, editing and rewriting) to produce original works for specific audiences (in print, digital platforms, radio, screen or stage) in the creative industries.
- Use practical writing and analytical tools that can be applied to a variety of professions and writing-related fields.
- Apply professional, legal and ethical principles in a socially responsible manner to writing practice.
- Work independently as well as contribute to group discussions.
- Work to a brief and solve problems in order to develop and complete writing projects and meet deadlines.
Courses in the programme
Semester One:
- Poetry I
- Writing in New Zealand
- Long Texts
- Project Management
Semester Two:
- Script Writing (Stage)
- Non-Fiction
- Short Fiction
- Storytelling
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Applicants under the age of 20
- An example of the applicant’s original creative writing.
- A minimum of 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 including at least 14 credits in an English-rich subject (e.g. English, history, art history, classics, geography) or equivalent; or
- Successful completion of a recognised writing foundation programme or equivalent.
Applicants aged 20 years and over
Evidence that the applicant can successfully achieve the qualification graduate outcomes.
English language requirements
All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level. Those students whose first language is not English should have:
- An international English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score of at least 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each band), or an accepted international equivalence.
Special Entry
In exceptional circumstances, an applicant who does not meet the full entry requirements may be granted admission to the Programme on the approval of the Head of Department or delegate if he/she is confident of the applicant’s ability to successfully undertake the Diploma with a reasonable likelihood of success.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy.
The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) and funds key services for students.
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST, and are for domestic students only, unless otherwise stated. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment pathway
Graduates of this qualification are likely to work as freelance writers, or be employed as technical writers, scriptwriters, writers of website content, educational writers, speech writers, museum writers, newsletter writers and writers of other professional content, and/or as book reviewers.
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
