Course: Introduction to Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Writing Certificate

Whether you enjoy writing for pleasure or seek a pathway to a writing career, this specialised Open Colleges (formerly Cengage Education) course provides a fascinating introduction to a booming genre.

Encompassing both short and longer forms of the craft, the course provides core information about bringing a fantasy world to life. You will receive training in the elements of an effective story, developing plot ideas, writing dialogue and setting scenes. You will also learn about the roles of various stakeholders in the publishing process, such as the literary agent, publisher and editor, and gain an overview of the business from the publishing perspective.

Course Number	94320
Course Fees From	View our payment options

Delivery mode:	Print or online
Course duration:	Max 18 months
Assessments:	8 written assessments
Qualification:	Open Colleges Certificate
Nationally Recognised	No
Government Funding	No

Career One jobs for:

ID	Subject expand all

	Introduction to Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Writing Becoming a writer Knowing your genre The short story The novel
	The arithmetic of publishing The publisher The editor Short story markets Literary agents Writers groups
	Ideas are only half the fun: finding the right idea Testing ideas Good story elements Inside the story The plot: don't lose it
	Tropes and themes Good versus evil The quest story Hero story Everything old is new again Looking at sub-genres
	The skills of writing Sentence, theme, premise Tools that work Show don't tell Dialogue
	Exposition Scene setting Simple character scene Scene plus 2 characters
	Form versus structure Short stories and flash fiction The novella The synopsis Atmosphere Building a fantasy world The importance of a timeline
	Understanding the business from the publishing side The big press The small press Self-publishing Printing methods

Entry requirements

Minimum education

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.

Minimum age

Minimum age of 16 years. If you are under 18 your application must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Computer requirements

Students will need access to a computer and the internet. For students who do not have access to either a computer or the internet please contact a student support officer to discuss alternative methods of communication.

Minimum specifications for the computer are:

Microsoft Office 2003 or equivalent, and
Microsoft Windows 98, or
Mac OS X, and
CD-ROM drive.

Students will also need access to a printer and the following applications:

Adobe Acrobat Reader and
Macromedia Flash player.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language and you did not complete the last two years of secondary education in English, you are required to provide evidence of English language competency before enrolling into the course. Examples of appropriate evidence are listed below:

Evidence	Example
IELTS	Overall score of 5.5
TOEFL	530 (paper), 197 (computer) or 71 (internet)
12 months in English-speaking employment	Testimonial, statutory declaration

Additional requirements

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Upon completion of this course, you will have developed a better understanding of the subject area and be able to put your new skills into practice.

Robert Stephenson

Robert is an accomplished author, editor, agent and publisher, and shares his passion for writing with his students.

Robert has published more than 40 pieces across genres including crime, science fiction, fantasy and horror. His work completing a novel started by the deceased author George Turner won the Harper Collins prize in 1999. In addition to his fiction work, Robert is also a prolific poet.

For the past 12 years, Robert has been running his own editing business and literary agency, which has edited best-seller novels for clients in Australia as well as Hong Kong.

No Jobs found for this Course.

Available payment options

Pay Just $44.38 per week with a $100.00 deposit

Pay in full $1,216.00 and save $304.00

Fortnightly and monthly payment plans are also available through EduPay. Click Enrol Now and choose a payment plan or call a Course and Careers advisor on 1300 853 033 for more details. (Prices shown are for the online study option only. A surcharge is applicable for the print study option).

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