Writing Studies

Do you love expressing yourself in words? Would you enjoy a learning environment in which you could explore your creativity as a poet, or as fiction writer?  Acquire the skills in written communication you will apply in business environments, or in public relations, or in professional speech-writing. Learn to write for digital media, or for the screen.  Write more effectively in academic contexts.

A major in Writing Studies will help you to achieve your personal and career goals by enabling you to identify who you are writing for, and how to choose the best language and structure for your purpose. It will equip you with the research skills you will need to write convincingly about the past, or when you want to create a vivid sense of the contemporary world. It will help you develop the reading and analytical skills which are essential for effective writing.

Graduates of the Writing Studies major will acquire the following skills and attributes:

• An ability to write confidently, effectively and correctly in a range of literary, academic and professional genres and context
• An ability to write effectively and appropriately for specific audiences
• An ability to construct coherent and persuasive arguments informed by appropriate research
• An ability to use language effectively and responsibly as a critical and intellectual tool
• An ability to communicate clearly and persuasively
• The critical and analytical thinking skills which are prerequisite for strong applied writing

In addition to the compulsory papers required for the Writing Studies major, students can choose from one of the following strands:

• Creative Writing
• Writing for media and the professions
• Academic skills-based writing
• Academic written English for non-native speakers

Creative Writing is available as a specialisation for the BA and BMCT. Creative Writing enables students to develop an additional strength in imaginative writing and creative non-fiction, and will enhance their ability to write effectively in a range of genres, irrespective of their major subject area.

Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts

Writing Studies can also be taken as a second major or supporting subject within most degrees.

School subjects required

There are no specific subjects you need to study at secondary school to study Writing Studies at Waikato.

Other subjects that may interest you

Creative Practices, English, History, Screen and Media Studies, Theatre Studies.

Career Opportunities

• Business Communication Journalism
• Copy Writing for Advertising or Marketing  
• Creative Writing  
• Journalism  
• Literary Non-Fiction
• Public Relations  
• Report Writing  
• Speech Writing  
• Teaching  
• Writing for Digital and Broadcast Media  
• Writing for Stage and Screen  

Potential Employers

• Government
• Schools
• Councils
• Media
• Theatre
• Publishing Houses

Papers

ALED100 Writing for University Purposes
This paper introduces the writing process: generating ideas; researching the topic; composing drafts; editing; register, tone, appropriate language; writing conventions; critical thinking; critical review, report and essay writing. It is a practical paper for students of any discipline who are concerned about the adequacy of their language control and written expression for university study.

ENGL104 Telling the Story
This paper surveys the great story-telling traditions of the English language using tales of creation, chivalry, dragon-slaying, adventure, crime and romance, from the Book of Genesis to Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories.

ENGL112 From Page to Screen: Literature as Text and Film
A comparative examination of the techniques used to tell stories by novelists, dramatists and directors.

ENGL113 English Confidence
This paper examines the structure of the English language and, by linking structure to practical application, offers support for student writing. This can be a useful preparatory paper for language, linguistics and creative writing papers.

ESLA101 Academic Writing and Research
This paper introduces students to the academic study culture of Western universities and covers research, writing style, referencing, approaches to different genres of academic writing, techniques for structuring written work and examination approaches.

LING132 Introduction to Linguistic Communication
This paper introduces that branch of linguistics which examines the way in which language is used as an expression of a speaker’s culture and social group, and considers how language varies according to social context.

MCOM103 Journalism and Professional Practices
Knowledge of journalism has relevance for many career options such as organisational communication, corporate communication and public relations. This paper provides an introduction to print and broadcast journalism.

MCOM104 Business Writing
This paper provides students with the writing and communication skills, as well as the tools for analysis and argumentation, needed to write effective business documents.
Restriction: ALED100

MCOM122 Diversity Management and Communication
Learn about managing diversity, including communicating ethically and responsibly across a wide range of differences. Māori models of communication and their implications for management and communication practices in Aotearoa/New Zealand are also explored.

PHIL103 Critical Reasoning
This paper helps students to engage critically with the sorts of arguments encountered both inside and outside the University.