Language Acquisition (EDMST6010)

This unit provides post-graduate students with an understanding of the major theories of language acquisition, the developmental milestones in first and second language development and research-based best practice for supporting the language needs of diverse learners. Students in this unit will learn about the differences and similarities between first and second language acquisition, the major theories of language acquisition, developmental benchmarks and communicative milestones, and the differences between adults and children learning a second language. Socio-cultural and cognitive approaches to language acquisition will be covered. Topics include the acquisition of grammar, vocabulary, phonology and phonetics, semantics and pragmatics, and the development of reading and writing in a second language (in particular academic writing). Students will also be able to read current research, use research to inform practice, and differentiate instruction for language learners with different needs and language backgrounds. They will be able to interpret professional practice documents relating to language acquisition, such as the curriculum documents, including but not limited to the Australian Curriculum, the Victorian EAL Developmental Continuum. Students will gain an understanding of the various developmental stages in language acquisition across the lifespan, and learn about language drawing on fields such as linguistics, sociology, education, speech pathology, audiology and psychology.

For further information regarding the course please refer to the Course Outline found at the following link (PDF, 181kB).

Credit point 15
EFTSL 0.125
Band 1

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government and students pay a contribution amount. Each unit is classified into a student contribution band, depending on the study area of the unit (this discipline may be different from the study area of your course).

2024 contribution amount* - $555
2024 contribution amount - continuing student who commenced before 1 Jan 2021* - $555

* for Clinical Psychology (Clin Psych) & Professional Pathways (Prof Path) bands the contribution amount is determined by accredited course. Students in Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, Professional Pathway Psychology or Professional Pathway Social Work accredited courses should visit our CSP page for further information.

Note: The Job-ready Graduates Package introduced new funding clusters and contribution amounts from the 2021 academic year. If you are a continuing student who commenced before 1 January 2021 studying units in disciplines with increased contribution amounts, you will continue paying the same amount (indexed each year) as you would have. For further information visit the Australia Government's Study Assist website.

Domestic Full Fee-paying

These places are offered for postgraduate studies or to CSP ineligible students and tuition fees are not subsidised by the Australian Government. Domestic postgraduate tuition fees are course-based annual fees and the unit fee you pay will vary according to the degree you are studying. To find out more about domestic tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.

International Full Fee-paying

International tuition fees are course-based annual fees and the unit fee you pay will vary according to the degree you are studying. To find out more about international tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.

Semester census dates

It is important to check unit delivery details including location and census date, prior to making decisions about enrolment. Detailed semester and census date information can be found on the Important Dates page.