An education to whet the taste buds

Creative Writing

If you have a passion for food and words, the University of Adelaide is offering a unique course in 2007 to get the creative juices flowing.

The Graduate Certificate in Food Writing is the first of its kind in Australia and draws on the University's expertise in creative writing and gastronomy.

Designed to equip course participants with advanced food writing skills, the program will include a semester of online study preceded by one week's intensive face-to-face study on campus at the University. Specialist lecturers and University staff will also host workshops and presentations.

Chair of Creative Writing at the University of Adelaide Professor Nicholas Jose will oversee the new course.

"Food writing - from restaurant reviews and cookbooks, to memoir and social history - is recognised in its own right and in conjunction with other kinds of writing, from travel articles to fiction and poetry. This program will produce graduates with skills that are directly transferable to the workplace," Professor Jose said.

"Students will visit Adelaide's famous Central Market on assignment, encounter local gastronomic traditions and engage with Australia's leading literary and culinary figures."

Award-winning food writer, author and internationally renowned culinary historian Dr Barbara Santich is also contributing to the course.

As well as Professor Jose and Dr Santich, the teaching staff include: Dr Susan Hosking (senior lecturer in English), Gay Bilson (national food writer), Dr Kerryn Goldsworthy (writer, essayist and columnist), Marion Halligan (author), and David Sly (food and wine editor of SA Life magazine).

Applicants will need a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, or relevant professional experience, and a portfolio of creative or journalistic writing. For more information about the course, contact Professor Nicholas Jose on (08) 8303 3861.

Story by Candy Gibson