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EDBSP1013 Language Acquisition

This unit provides undergraduate 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, the Communication Milestones of Speech Pathology Australia. 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.

Credit points
15
EFTSL
0.125
Band
Band 2

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) unit fee

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Australian Government, which means students only pay the student contribution amount of the tuition fee. CSPs are only available to eligible domestic students.

The student contribution amount depends on the unit and how much funding the Government provides. Each unit is classified into a band based on its discipline (which may be different to your overall course discipline).   

2025 student contribution amount: $1,164


2025 grandfathered student contribution amount (for students who commenced before 1 Jan 2021*): $1,164

* If you are a continuing student (who commenced your course before 1 January 2021) you will continue paying the same amount as you would have, had legislative reforms not been implemented for any units that would otherwise have an increased student contribution amount.

Clinical Psychology & Professional Pathways 

For Clinical Psychology & Professional Pathways bands, the student contribution amount is determined by the accredited course. Visit our CSP page for further information, including a list of accredited courses. Students not studying in an accredited course will pay the fees listed above. 

Domestic full fee–paying places

A domestic full fee–paying place is one that isn’t subsidised by the Australian Government. These places are offered to postgraduate students or those who are ineligible for a CSP. Domestic postgraduate tuition fees are course-based annual fees, which means individual unit fees vary according to the degree. To find out more about domestic tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website. 

International full fee–paying places

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