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EDBSP1023 Phonetics, Phonology and Oral Communication

This course teaches undergraduate students to identify and understand the sounds of the English language. Australian Standard English, like all languages, is composed of a set of specific sounds, i.e. phonemes, and all words are made up of these sounds. Understanding the sounds of the English, including how they are articulated, is essential for a range of professions, including teachers of English, in particular for teaching phonics, speech pathologists, audiologists, and learning integration aides. Students completing this course will be able to identify the sounds that make up any given word of English, articulate and explain these sounds for pedagogical purposes. They will have the skills to transcribe English words in the international phonetic alphabet, and understand place and manner of articulation and the acoustic relations of the phonetics and phonology of English. The course introduces students to the articulatory and acoustic phonetics and phonology of English, including stress and intonation patterns, and how these function to create meaning in oral communication. Students will be able to identify stress patterns in English words and sentences. Students will also understand the communication milestones in speech development, and oral communication development across the lifespan. Students will learn about research into how oral language supports literacy development, and evidence-based practices such as phonics instruction. Students will also understand how oral language development supports reading and writing development. The course covers phonemic awareness, phonological awareness, and the grammar associated with spoken discourse and oral communication.

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