Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
Overview
The Graduate Diploma of Linguistic Studies at CDU is a postgraduate degree that prepares you for analysis, evaluation, and application of linguistic understandings to language, its use, and its role in various contexts. You will build theoretical foundations in linguistics for developing knowledge and awareness in the field that targets developments in practice and research. The focus of the program is on contextualised evaluation of language, which can be applied to theoretical analysis or contribute to the continuing professional development of forensic linguists, language teachers, TESOL practitioners, education policy makers, and those working in language revitalisation and maintenance. You will explore content incorporating aspects that can be applied to local, regional and global contexts, and offer directed engagement with First Nations, Australian, Asian and global content and perspectives.
Study opportunities exist on campus or online, in full-time or part-time study modes. The course is structured around four key areas within the field of linguistics: TESOL, forensic linguistics, language revitalisation and maintenance, and general linguistics.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in fields concerned with forensic linguistics, applied linguistics, language education, policy making, language revitalisation and maintenance, and professional domains where language, its use and role are a priority.
On successful completion of the course, students have the option to continue their studies in the Master of Applied Linguistics.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
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
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $37,672.00. This equates to $4,709.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia. See 2026 Higher Education International Annual Tuition Fees.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
What will I study?
The course is structured around three core units (30 credit points) that lay the foundation by covering essential topics such as linguistic diversity in First Nations languages and global Englishes.
Course structure
Additionally, students can select specialist electives focusing on TESOL, forensic linguistics, language revitalisation and maintenance or general linguistics.
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 (3 units) | 30cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 30 credit points as detailed below. IAS570 Diversity in First Nations Languages |
| Specialist Elective Units (5 units) | 50cp | Specialist Elective Units totalling 50 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below. The following groupings serve as a guide to help you choose units that align with your future study or career goals. You may select all specialist electives from a single linguistics discipline or combine units from across disciplines. TESOL Forensic Linguistics Language Revitalisation and Maintenance First Nation Languages |
| 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 Plan provided below is 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.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| TES507 Global Englishes in Context | CO | IAS570 Diversity in First Nations Languages | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | TES504 Understanding Language Acquisition | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| TES507 Global Englishes in Context | CO | IAS570 Diversity in First Nations Languages | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | TES504 Understanding Language Acquisition | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
Specialist Elective Availability
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| TES501 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics | TES501 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics |
| TES502 Language, Meaning and Learning | TES506 Language Testing and Evaluation |
| TES503 Applied Language Teaching Methodologies | IAS568 Sounds and Sound Systems: Phonetics and Phonology |
| TES505 Intercultural Communication | IAS565 Meaning in Language and Context: Semantics and Pragmatics |
| IAS510 Language, Crime, and the Law: Forensics Linguistics | IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm |
| IAS569 Word and Sentence Structure: Morphology and Syntax | IAS541 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 |
| IAS563 Language Policy and Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | IAS542 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 |
| IAS541 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 | IAS543 Yolngu Literature |
| IAS542 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 | IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies |
| IAS543 Yolngu Literature |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is 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.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS570 Diversity in First Nations Languages | CO | ||
| TES504 Understanding Language Acquisition | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| TES507 Global Englishes in Context | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS570 Diversity in First Nations Languages | CO | ||
| TES504 Understanding Language Acquisition | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| TES507 Global Englishes in Context | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
Specialist Elective Availability
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| TES501 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics | TES501 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics |
| TES502 Language, Meaning and Learning | TES506 Language Testing and Evaluation |
| TES503 Applied Language Teaching Methodologies | IAS568 Sounds and Sound Systems: Phonetics and Phonology |
| TES505 Intercultural Communication | IAS565 Meaning in Language and Context: Semantics and Pragmatics |
| IAS510 Language, Crime, and the Law: Forensics Linguistics | IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm |
| IAS569 Word and Sentence Structure: Morphology and Syntax | IAS541 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 |
| IAS563 Language Policy and Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance | IAS542 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 |
| IAS541 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 | IAS543 Yolngu Literature |
| IAS542 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 | IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies |
| IAS543 Yolngu Literature |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or equivalent international qualification.
International entry pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP2, ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*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, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL 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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
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
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 8.
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.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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