Program Overview

Graduate Diploma of Linguistic Studies

The Graduate Diploma of Linguistic Studies at Charles Darwin University is a postgraduate degree that prepares students for analysis, evaluation, and application of linguistic understandings to language, its use, and its role in various contexts.

Overview

This course builds theoretical foundations in linguistics for developing knowledge and awareness in the field, targeting developments in practice and research. The focus of the program is on contextualized 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 revitalization and maintenance.

Career Opportunities

Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in fields concerned with forensic linguistics, applied linguistics, language education, policy making, language revitalization and maintenance, and professional domains where language, its use, and role are a priority.

Course Structure

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. Additionally, students can select specialist electives focusing on TESOL, forensic linguistics, language revitalization and maintenance, or general linguistics.

Units

A candidate must successfully complete units totaling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.

• Core Units (3 units): 30cp
  • Compulsory Core units totaling 30 credit points as detailed below.
    • IAS570 Diversity in First Nations Languages
    • TES507 Global Englishes in Context
    • TES504 Understanding Language Acquisition
• Specialist Elective Units (5 units): 50cp
  • Specialist Elective Units totaling 50 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below.
  • The following groupings serve as a guide to help choose units that align with future study or career goals.
    • TESOL
      • TES501 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
      • TES502 Language, Meaning and Learning
      • TES503 Applied Language Teaching Methodologies
      • TES505 Intercultural Communication
      • TES506 Language, Testing and Evaluation
    • Forensic Linguistics
      • IAS510 Language, Crime, and the Law: Forensic Linguistics
      • TES501 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
      • TES502 Language, Meaning and Learning
      • IAS565 Meaning in Language and Context: Semantics and Pragmatics
      • IAS569 Word and Sentence Structure: Morphology and Syntax
    • Language Revitalization and Maintenance
      • IAS563 Language Policy and Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance
      • IAS565 Meaning in Language and Context: Semantics and Pragmatics
      • IAS568 Sounds and Sound Systems: Phonetics and Phonology
      • IAS569 Word and Sentence Structure: Morphology and Syntax
      • IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm
    • First Nation Languages
      • IAS541 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1
      • IAS542 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2
      • IAS543 Yolngu Literature
      • IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies

Study Plan

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.

Entry Requirements

• Successful completion of a recognized bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's 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.

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.
  • Year 12: Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language.
  • 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.
  • 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 recognized TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia.
  • AHPRA Registration: Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse.
  • English Test: Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined.
• INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: 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.

Fees

• Non-Commonwealth supported places: Full fee-paying places are available in this course.
• 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.

Why Study 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.
• CDU offers flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
• #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).
• Top 100 university globally for quality education.
• Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries.