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Friday, 10 October 2008

Passionate about food and the written word? The University of Adelaide could help you make a career out of both, thanks to its world-first food writing program.

The University is now accepting applications for 2009 from people interested in obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Food Writing, the first university-accredited course of its kind in Australia and the only one in the world that can be completed predominantly online.

Taught by University of Adelaide academics together with a range of professional food writers and editors, the Graduate Certificate provides students with a professional approach to food writing through discussions, workshops and a variety of writing exercises, ranging from restaurant reviews to investigative journalism.

It is based on a semester of online study plus one week's intensive face-to-face study on campus at the University. Students should have a Bachelor's degree or relevant professional expertise, and need to submit a portfolio of writing, published or unpublished, with their application.

Internationally renowned scholar and food writer Professor Barbara Santich is the brainchild behind the program, which is now headed up by Jill Jones, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing.

Two of the most successful students from the 2008 intake are Hilary Duns (Melbourne) and Marianne Robins (Perth), joint winners of the Penny's Hill/Adelaide Review Prize for Food Writing.

"Throughout the course students are given a comprehensive understanding of simple and effective writing techniques to set us apart in this competitive field," Hilary said. "The online classes are very easy to manage and it's a great way to take on study while still maintaining work commitments."

Marianne said she found the program provided a flexible way to study online. "I learned a great deal about writing during the six-month course and appreciated the variety of genres we covered."

Adelaide graduate Roz Taylor is now a regular food writer for The Adelaide Review and also contributes restaurant reviews to several websites.

"To have my passion and profession recognised and awarded with an academic degree is indeed a wonderful feeling," said Roz.

For more information, visit http://www.hss.adelaide.edu.au/creativewriting/program/postgrad/#GradCert.
Deadline for applications for the 2009 course is 5 December, 2008.