Literary and Creative Communication

Develop writing and editing skills that can lead to a wide range of roles in and beyond the creative sector.

Literary and Creative Communication students develop clear, persuasive, and imaginative written communication skills, as well as the ability to critique and edit the writing of others. They learn how to write for diverse audiences and to understand the social and cultural contexts of their readers.

Roles and career pathways

Literary and Creative Communication graduates may go on to work as:

writers and editors for online content and publications
communications or media advisers
event managers and project coordinators
policy analysts and researchers
learning designers

Early roles could be as an online content developer progressing to editor if critique and review and developing content strategy are of interest. In a larger organisation they may progress to a senior content developer or team manager. Others could progress into usability research (UX) or business analyst roles with further study and experience.

Literary and Creative Communication graduates may also work in portfolio careers as independent writers, bloggers, lobbyists, and content developers for organisations on a contract basis or for their own companies.

For careers in policy and research in the creative and other sectors, study at postgraduate level can be valuable. A first step to this type of work may be an adviser, assistant, coordinator, or internship position before progressing to more senior advisory roles.

Where Literary and Creative Communication graduates work

Graduates can work in a wide range of fields and contexts such as government, local authorities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), media companies, digital media especially learning media, web development, and design companies.

Literary and Creative Communication graduates may work for organisations such as:

Build relevant skills and experience

During your programme you will build a portfolio of written work that you will be able to use to showcase your skills to employers.

Experiences such as internships, part-time work, and volunteering all help to increase your career options. Programmes such as Wellington Plus and Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) offer opportunities to gain diverse volunteer and leadership experience. Volunteering as a communications, marketing, or social media adviser for a university club will also help you gain relevant experience.

Internships can be offered by media, policy, and social change organisations. The WFHSS Internship course run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop skills and provides practical workplace experience. For more information about internships and how to make the most of your opportunity, see Internships. Current internship vacancies can be found on CareerHub.

Make career connections

Professional bodies provide students and graduates with the opportunity to make contacts, keep up to date with current industry knowledge, and learn more about specific areas of interest. Some options include:

Belonging to Wellington Young Professionals, Wellington Chamber of Commerce, university clubs and writing for student publications such as Salient, as well as joining mentoring programmes such as Alumni as Mentors for final-year students, can all enhance your employability while studying.