Master the theory and practice of language learning
Study for a Master of Applied Linguistics (MAppLing) to research topics related to using, learning, and teaching additional languages.
You’ll explore how language shapes who we are, how our knowledge of words is organised in the mind, and how theories of language learning inform the way we teach. You’ll also learn how to assess someone’s language ability.
You’ll gain skills that are valuable in fields such as language testing, language assessment, and language education policy and planning.
Who can study for this qualification
You can study for the MAppLing if you have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. Many students have Bachelor’s degrees in Education, English, Language Sciences, or Modern Languages.
You may also be able to study for the MAppLing if you have a lot of practical and professional experience, or if you have a qualification in another field.
What you’ll learn
The MAppLing builds on your undergraduate degree by combining theory, practical experience, and research.
Topics you’ll cover include:
- how language shapes identity
- the way language knowledge is structured in the lexicon
- how theoretical accounts of language acquisition inform teaching practice
- assessing competence in a second or additional language
- independent research into a topic you choose, supervised by an academic staff member.
This degree combines core courses and electives. You can use your electives to broaden your qualification and specialise in areas like computer-assisted learning, teaching practice, or learning strategies.
To graduate, you need to complete 180 points.
Core courses
You’ll study two core courses worth 15 points each. These courses cover research theory and methods, where you’ll learn how to design and evaluate qualitative research in applied linguistics.
If you don’t have two years of professional experience in language education or a related field, you’ll also complete a language teaching course worth 15 points.
Elective courses
You’ll study a further 150 points from courses that cover:
- teaching language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing
- language testing and assessment
- language for specific purposes
- computer-assisted language teaching
- discourse analysis
- formulaic language
- bilingualism and multilingualism
- identity and language
- second language acquisition
- teaching pronunciation
- grammar and vocabulary
- task-based language teaching
- independent research.
Optional research courses
You can also choose to do further research:
- research study (15 points)
- research project (30 points)
- research dissertation (60 points)
- research thesis (90 points).
To be accepted into a research course, you need to have completed the research theory and methods courses with a least a B+ grade.
Planning your courses
Use our course planner guide to plan your postgraduate study in Applied Linguistics.
How you’ll study
If you study full time, there are two ways you can complete the MAppLing:
- four trimesters of study—three courses per trimester over 16 months
- three trimesters of study—four courses per trimester over 12 months.
Both options are officially recognised as full-time enrolment. Most students choose to complete their study over four trimesters to better manage their study workload.
- You can start the degree in any trimester—February, July, or November.
- Classes are taught either:
- in-person on campus
- online, for students studying by distance.
- Courses are interactive and taught through lectures, case studies, and in-class presentations.
Part-time study options
If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time and complete your MAppLing in up to four years.
A family of qualifications
We offer a family of related postgraduate Applied Linguistics qualifications. These are ‘staircased’, so that courses completed for a smaller qualification can count towards a larger one.
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics (60 points)—professional development over four courses, including two research methods courses.
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics (120 points)—more in-depth study over eight courses. Combines core courses in research methods and teaching practice with a range of electives.
Master of Applied Linguistics (180 points)—the most comprehensive option. Includes 12 courses, with the option of a research project or dissertation.
Choose the qualification that matches your study goals and other commitments.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MAppLing degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) with a B grade average or better in Languages Sciences, Linguistics, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL), English Language, Education, or a language other than English (or another relevant degree); and
(ii) been accepted by the programme director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study;
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MAppLing
2. (a) The personal course of study of a candidate for the MTESOL shall consist of courses worth a total of 180 points including:
(i) Language Teaching Practice (LALS 560)
Note: Language Teaching Practice (LALS 560) will not be required for students who have completed at least two years of professional experience in language education or a related field.
(ii) Three courses from Listening and Speaking in the Language Classroom (LALS 510), Teaching Reading and Writing (LALS 511), Language Curriculum Development (LALS 515), LALS 521–524, Task-Based Language Teaching (LALS 529), Computer-assisted Language Learning (LALS 531)
(iii) Two courses from Exploring Language using Corpus Linguistics (LALS 512), The Pronunciation of English (LALS 513), Teaching English as an International Language (LALS 530), Discourse Analysis (LALS 544), Sociolinguistics and Language Education (LALS 563)
(iv) Two courses from Second Language Acquisition (LALS 520), Learner Autonomy and Learning Strategies (LALS 525), Interaction and Identity in Language Learning (LALS 542)
(v) A further 75 points from LALS 510–584*
(b) The head of school may approve special topics, LALS 516–519 as meeting one or more of the requirements in (a).
(c) *An MTESOL candidate permitted to enrol in the thesis (LALS 584) will be exempt one course from (a)(ii)–(iv).
(d) Candidates for a MTESOL with a DipTESOL or equivalent qualification, or with a BA(Hons) or equivalent in a relevant subject, may be exempt from up to 60 points from the requirement in (a)(v).
Future careers
The MAppLing boosts your research and management skills. It helps develop your:
- intercultural communication and competency
- interpersonal and observation skills
- active listening skills
- ability to be objective.
With the MAppLing, you can explore a range of career pathways in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad. For example:
- language teaching—teach English to adults in Aotearoa or to children abroad
- literacy support—work in schools, libraries, or community organisations
- curriculum and assessment development—create language learning materials or standardised testing tools
- community and refugee support—work with agencies or community organisations to teach migrants and refugees English language skills.
More career information
Find out more about careers in teaching English.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Linguistics
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The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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This scholarship has been established by the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Linguistics
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The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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This scholarship has been established by the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Why Wellington
Benefit from more than six decades of expertise in language teaching and research. Our English Language Institute, established in 1961, marked the start of our longstanding leadership in Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, and TESOL.
Today, our Linguistics programme is consistently ranked among the world's best. It's recognised as the leading programme in Aotearoa New Zealand and among the strongest in Australasia.
Our School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies also maintains strong industry connections, including partnerships with:
Study for a PhD
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you could apply to do a PhD—the highest-level qualification we offer.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research, supervised by our world-class academics.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Academic staff research areas
Oliver Ballance
Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics
Julieta Fernandez
Senior Lecturer
Peter Gu
Professor
Robby Nadler
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Jonathan Newton
Associate Professor
Corinne Seals
Associate Dean, Research
Anna Siyanova
Head of School
Stephen Skalicky
Senior Lecturer
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.