A dream creative writing career

Alice Robinson pursued her passion for writing with a PhD at VU and achieved her dream of becoming a novelist and academic.

Since completing her PhD, Alice has authored two novels, both published by Affirm Press. Her debut novel, Anchor Point (2015), was longlisted for the Stella Prize and the Indie Book Awards. The Glad Shout (2019) was shortlisted for an Aurealis Award and The Colin Roderick Literary Award and won the Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction.

"When I enquired about studying at VU, the course coordinator offered to meet me for coffee to discuss my writing and research.

I had never experienced this kind of personal care in a large institution before. It made me feel valued and valuable, and that’s why I chose VU.

"Completing my PhD has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. I was so beautifully supported and nurtured by my supervisors, the school and the institution throughout my study that I emerged from the experience so much more confident in myself and in my ability to pursue opportunities relating to my passion: writing.

"The novel I wrote as part of my PhD project was picked up for publication not long after I completed the PhD. Anchor Point was published in early 2015 and I recently signed a contract for my second novel. I was also been appointed as a lecturer in the writing and publishing at Melbourne Polytechnic.

"The highlight of recent years was winning the Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction. I also received grants from Yarra City Council and from Melbourne City Council to work on my third novel, which I am doing in 2021.

"VU changed my life and set me on a professional path I could have previously only dreamed about."

Alice studied

Doctor of Philosophy

Find out more about postgraduate studies at VU.