The Graduate Certificate in Language Development (GCertLD) provides students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to work with local communities, in particular non-dominant language groups. The languages people use directly impact their social, emotional, intellectual, financial, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Graduates, integrating faith, knowledge and skills, will be able to apply language expertise that promotes meaningful development, education and engagement with Scripture, that supports communities to flourish using the languages they value the most.
The GCertLD is an early exit point from the Master of Language Development. The one- semester, 4-unit GCertLD provides the opportunity for students to gain specialised knowledge and skills in the area of language development. This award may build on professional practice and enhance existing knowledge and skills. Or, it may provide the opportunity for students new to the field to develop professional skills and knowledge in a range of language development domains.
Along with specialist knowledge and professional workplace skills in applying language solutions for communities speaking non-dominant languages, the GCertLD equips students with skills in critical thinking, communication, teamwork, planning and evaluation.
Drawing on SIL Global’s experience and expertise as a Christian International Non-Government Organisation (INGO) working with non-dominant language communities globally, Eastern’s GCertLD equips students to advocate, build capacity, and work with communities to apply sustainable language solutions for underdocumented and minoritised languages, and the communities who use them. Such solutions include language assessment and survey, language documentation, language program management and Scripture engagement. The GCertLD content and streams provide a foundation in these fields of language development. Vocational outcomes for graduates include roles such as language program manager, Scripture Engagement worker and language surveyor.
The course is endorsed by SIL Australia and SIL Global. SIL Global is the primary employer of graduates with an award in language development from Eastern College Australia. Opportunities with global mission organisations and other NGOs are also available.
The course trains students across 4 units, totalling 24 credit points.
All students undertake:
Streams:
The units will typically be delivered hybridly, with the option for online and on-campus study. The core unit is typically run at the campus in Kangaroo Ground as a 4-week, in-person intensive.
Graduates will:
All applicants will be required to meet Eastern’s General Entry Requirements.
Applicants will be considered based on their work, other experiences, and a demonstrated capacity to study at this level.
Applicants must demonstrate suitability for the course in an interview with an Academic staff member and the Academic Administrator (New Student Interview).
As for Admissions Criteria(General).
The Graduate Certificate will accept students directly into the course based on successful completion of an undergraduate degree from a recognised University or higher education institution registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, or an equivalent overseas institution (certified transcripts are to be provided).
Applicants will be assessed on the recency of their studies, which should be less than ten years prior, unless working in a language-relevant field.
Applicants who have completed previous studies relevant to the course may wish to apply for transfer of credit or recognition of prior learning by completing the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/Transfer of Credit Application form. Details of the process can be found in the Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit Transfer Policy (LINK)
Professional Entry
Applicants without undergraduate studies who have strong professional work history in language development (minimum five years) will be considered for professional entry by meeting Eastern’s Admissions Criteria (General) requirements plus:
Readiness Assessment
After applying, applicants will be provided with a case study and are required to write a response of no more than 2000 words identifying key language and identity factors and proposing solutions to the challenge described in the case study.
The applicant’s capacity will be assessed with regard to the following:
Students will not be assessed on the particular solution offered to the identified challenge; however, there is an expectation that solutions offered will be sound and within the general understanding of sustainable language development.
The applicant will have two weeks to complete and submit the Readiness Assessment and this will be followed by a New Student Interview with a Course Advisor. The Readiness Assessment will form part of the basis of the interview.
If not born in a designated English-speaking country or studied at least one year of tertiary education in English, IELTS 6.5 overall. More information is available here: https://ww2.eastern.edu.au/admissions/english-language-requirements
English and academic support is available for Australian First Nations students and for students from non-English speaking backgrounds. For applicants who are required to demonstrate English language proficiency, support may include assistance in preparing for an IELTS test prior to enrolment.
You may be entitled to credit for prior learning, whether formal or informal. Formal learning can include previous study in higher education, vocational education, or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning or various kinds of work and life experience. Credit can reduce the amount of study needed to complete a degree. For further information about credit and recognition of prior learning please see https://www.eastern.edu.au/admissions/information or call the College on 03 9790 9200 and speak to the Registrar.
Successful completion of this award will allow entry into the Graduate Diploma of Language Development award.
For a breakdown on the fees for this course please visit our fees page→
By filling out the above form, you are agreeing to Eastern College Australia’s Privacy Policy, including the consent to contact for various marketing-related activities.
Discover what it’s like to study at Eastern. Explore courses, meet our faculty and students, and experience campus life firsthand.
