Lifespan Development and Communication

HEASP5022 Lifespan Development and Communication

This unit introduces students to the concept of human development across the lifespan with a focus on communication, feedback and swallowing. Physical, cognitive and psychosocial development is examined in relation to major theorists and stages of the human lifespan, with a focus on the role of speech pathologists in monitoring and supporting communication, feeding and swallowing. Students will explore how to build and maintain a therapeutic alliance with speech pathology clients across life stages within the culturally diverse context of Australia. Students will reflect on enablers and barriers to effective communication within professional and academic contexts and apply communication techniques and strategies essential for effective oral and written communication with a range of audiences.

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

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

2026 contribution amount* $1,192
2026 grandfathered contribution amount^ $1,192

^ 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.

* For Psychology and Social Work bands the unit fee amount is determined by accredited courses. Students in Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, Professional Pathway Psychology or Professional Pathway Social Work accredited courses should refer to the information below.

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.

Course or unit outline