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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
Overview
The Diploma of First Nations Language Work, grounded in First Nations language practices, perspectives and knowledges, provides an offering in languages, linguistics and language teaching, with a focus on Australian First Nations language contexts. The course provides you with knowledge and practical skills that can be applied and adapted to your own language situations, including contexts of language revitalisation, maintenance, learning and teaching. The course will appeal to First Nations people who are currently involved in, or wish to be involved in language work in their communities, or people interested in community development, language planning, language revitalisation and maintenance, and language education.
The course covers key areas of:
- the structure of languages (their sounds, words, sentences and meanings)
- the importance of language to our identity
- how language use differs depending on context, culture and society
- applied skills in language revitalisation and maintenance
- practical tools in areas of community language planning, language documentation and resource development
- approaches and methods to language and culture teaching and learning.
You can choose from three specialisations: i) language revitalisation and maintenance, ii) language teaching and learning, iii) Yolngu languages.
The course is available on-campus or online,in full-time and part-time study modes (depending on the specialisation chosen). Flexible learning options are available for First Nations students, including attending face-to-face workshop blocks held on-campus in Darwin where free travel from anywhere in Australia and catered accommodation on-campus is offered during the workshops through Away-From-Base.
The course provides pathways into other CDU courses. If you are interested in First Nations language education, you can continue into the Associate Degree of First Nations Cultural and Language Education (XFNLE1). If you are interested in community language work, language planning, resource development and linguistics, you can continue into the Bachelor of Arts (Languages, Linguistics and Culture) (WARTS3).
Career opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for a range of professional opportunities, especially working with First Nations languages in different contexts, such as language centres and schools. Graduates might pursue careers in education and language teaching, community language planning and policy, translating and interpreting, journalism and broadcasting. Graduates may also choose to undertake further studies and research in the fields of languages, linguistics and language teaching.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study Indigenous knowledges at CDU?
Study Indigenous knowledges at CDU to ensure the advancement and preservation of Indigenous knowledge systems. We're uniquely positioned to offer learnings from cultural experts so you can make change through careers in Indigenous policy, advocacy, research, or more.
- Relevant to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students
- Strong relationships with Indigenous community groups
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study Indigenous knowledges at CDU?
Study Indigenous knowledges at CDU to ensure the advancement and preservation of Indigenous knowledge systems. We're uniquely positioned to offer learnings from cultural experts so you can make change through careers in Indigenous policy, advocacy, research, or more.
- Relevant to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students
- Strong relationships with Indigenous community groups
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
Two core units, IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics and IAS166 Language Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance, provide foundational skills and knowledge in the domains of language structures of First Nations languages, and applications to community language planning.
Course structure
Specialist electives build on the core units, and allow students to focus on particular areas of interest. Students can choose from three specialisations:
- Language Revitalisation and Maintenance
- Language Teaching and Learning
- Yolngu Languages
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (2 units) | 20cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 20 credit points as listed below. IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics |
| Specialist Electives (4 units) | 40cp | Specialist Elective Units totalling 40 credit points from the units detailed below. Students considering further study in XFNLE1 Associate Degree of First Nations Cultural and Language Education should take the Language Teaching and Learning OR Yolngu Languages specialisations. Students considering further study in WARTS3 Bachelor of Arts should take the Language Revitalisation and Maintenance OR Yolngu Languages specialisations. Language Revitalisation and Maintenance Language Teaching and Learning Yolngu Language |
| General Electives (2 unit) | 20cp | General Elective Units totalling 20 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. You may take 2 general elective units, selected from undergraduate units offered by CDU, including units offered within the Associate Degree of First Nations Culture and Language program that are not part of your discipline area selection. When selecting electives, choose units at a suitable level. The first number in each unit code indicates the year level at which the subject is taught. You may only select units that are at 100 to 300 level. If students select the Yolngu Language specialisation and intend to pathway into the XFNLE1 Associate Degree of First Nations Cultural and Language Education, they should complete their general electives for the core units within that course. |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
LANGUAGE REVITALISATION AND MAINTENANCE SPECIALISATION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | IAS264 Language Documentation Methods and Tools (INT-4) | SE |
| IAS166 Language Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | CO | IAS270 Dictionary Making (INT-4) | SE |
| TES203 Language Teaching Approaches and Methodologies | SE | TES204 Understanding Language Acquisition | SE |
| General Elective | E | General Elective | E |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | IAS264 Language Documentation Methods and Tools (INT-4) | SE |
| TES203 Language Teaching Approaches and Methodologies | SE | TES204 Understanding Language Acquisition | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS166 Language Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | CO | IAS270 Dictionary Making (INT-4) | SE |
| General Elective | E | General Elective | E |
LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LEARNING SPECIALISATION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| IAS166 Language Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| General Elective | E | General Elective | E |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| IAS166 Language Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| General Elective | E | General Elective | E |
YOLNGU LANGUAGES SPECIALISATION
Full-Time Study Plan
Not available full-time
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 | SE |
| YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 | SE | General Elective | E |
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS166 Language Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | CO | YOL262 Yolngu Languages and Culture 4 | SE |
| YOL261 Yolngu Languages and Culture 3 | SE | General Elective | E |
SPECIALIST ELECTIVE AVAILABILITY 2026
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | Intensive | |
| Language Revitalisation and Maintenance | ||||
| IAS264 Language Documentation Methods and Tools | INT-4 | |||
| IAS270 Dictionary Making | INT-4 | |||
| TES203 Language Teaching Approaches and Methodologies | Yes | |||
| TES204 Understanding Language Acquisition | Yes | INT-6 | ||
| Language Teaching and Learning | ||||
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning | Yes | Yes | INF-2 | |
| LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability | Yes | Yes | Yes | INT-6 |
| EST202 First Nations Languages and Literacies | Yes | Yes | INT-3 | |
| EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice | Yes | Yes | Yes | INT-5 |
| EST211 Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages in Schools (not offered 2026) | ||||
| TES203 Language Teaching Approaches and Methodologies | Yes | |||
| Yolngu Language | ||||
| YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 | Yes | Yes | ||
| YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 | Yes | Yes | ||
| YOL261 Yolngu Languages and Culture 3 | Yes | Yes | ||
| YOL262 Yolngu Languages and Culture 4 | Yes | Yes | ||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
LANGUAGE REVITALISATION AND MAINTENANCE SPECIALISATION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS264 Language Documentation Methods and Tools (INT-4) | SE | ||
| IAS270 Dictionary Making (INT-4) | SE | ||
| TES204 Understanding Language Acquisition | SE | ||
| General Elective | E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | ||
| IAS166 Language Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | CO | ||
| TES203 Language Teaching Approaches and Methodologies | SE | ||
| General Elective | E | ||
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS264 Language Documentation Methods and Tools (INT-4) | SE | ||
| TES204 Understanding Language Acquisition | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | IAS270 Dictionary Making (INT-4) | SE |
| TES203 Language Teaching Approaches and Methodologies | SE | General Elective | E |
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS166 Language Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | CO | ||
| General Elective | E | ||
LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LEARNING SPECIALISATION
Full-Time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| General Elective | E | ||
| General Elective | E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | ||
| IAS166 Language Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| General Elective | E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | General Elective | E |
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS166 Language Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
YOLNGU LANGUAGES SPECIALISATION
Full-Time Study Plan
Not available full-time
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 | SE | ||
| General Elective | E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | YOL261 Yolngu Languages and Culture 3 | SE |
| YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 | SE | General Elective | E |
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS166 Language Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | CO | ||
| YOL262 Yolngu Languages and Culture 4 | SE | ||
SPECIALIST ELECTIVE AVAILABILITY 2026
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | Intensive | |
| Language Revitalisation and Maintenance | ||||
| IAS264 Language Documentation Methods and Tools | INT-4 | |||
| IAS270 Dictionary Making | INT-4 | |||
| TES203 Language Teaching Approaches and Methodologies | Yes | |||
| TES204 Understanding Language Acquisition | Yes | INT-6 | ||
| Language Teaching and Learning | ||||
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning | Yes | Yes | INF-2 | |
| LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability | Yes | Yes | Yes | INT-6 |
| EST202 First Nations Languages and Literacies | Yes | Yes | INT-3 | |
| EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice | Yes | Yes | Yes | INT-5 |
| EST211 Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages in Schools (not offered 2026) | ||||
| TES203 Language Teaching Approaches and Methodologies | Yes | |||
| Yolngu Language | ||||
| YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 | Yes | Yes | ||
| YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 | Yes | Yes | ||
| YOL261 Yolngu Languages and Culture 3 | Yes | Yes | ||
| YOL262 Yolngu Languages and Culture 4 | Yes | Yes | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. All applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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