Build research skills in language and communication
Take four courses of specialised study in applied linguistics. Learn about language itself, the people who speak it, how it’s used, and what shapes the way we communicate. The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics (PGCertAppLing) is a great way to build on your undergraduate degree with focused professional development, or to take the first step towards further postgraduate study.
The PGCertAppLing has two core courses: one on quantitative research methods, one on qualitative research methods. This gives you a strong grounding in how to research language and language use.
From there, you choose electives to shape the rest of your study. Options include teaching language skills, task-based language teaching, and language assessment.
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:
Who can study for this qualification
You can study for the PGCertAppLing if you have a Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average or similar 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 PGCertAppLing if you have a lot of practical and professional experience, or if you have a suitable qualification in a different field of study.
International students
The PGCertAppLing is taught part time, with courses spread over at least two trimesters. This doesn’t meet the full-time study load required for a New Zealand student visa, so it isn’t suitable if you’re planning to study here on campus.
If you’re studying from outside New Zealand, you may still be able to complete the PGCertAppLing online.
Not sure if this applies to you? Contact us before you apply.
Email: lals@vuw.ac.nz
What you’ll learn
The PGCertAppLing builds on your undergraduate degree by broadening your understanding of how people learn and use language. It can include:
- exploring 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.
The PGCertAppLing mixes core courses and electives. You can use your electives to broaden your qualification and specialise in areas such as computer-assisted learning, teaching practice, and learning strategies.
To graduate, you’ll need to complete 60 points.
Core courses
If you don’t already have two years of professional experience in language education, you’ll need to complete a language teaching course worth 15 points.
All students will complete two courses about research theory and methods, worth 15 points each.
Elective courses
You’ll study a further 15 or 30 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 pursue research:
- research study (15 points)
- research project (30 points).
To be accepted into a research course, you need to have completed the two research theory and methods courses with a least a B+ grade.
How you’ll study
You can study for the PGCertAppLing part time only, over at least two trimesters.
- 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.
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 PGCertAppLing 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 PGCertAppLing
2. The course of study for the PGCertAppLing shall consist of courses worth a total of 60 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) Hands-on Practice in Quantitative Research (LALS 540), Hands-on Practice in Qualitative Research (LALS 541)
(iii) Further points from LALS 510–582
3. A candidate who has been awarded the PGCertAppLing shall abandon that qualification on being awarded the PGDipAppLing.
Globally ranked
Our Linguistics subjects are ranked in the top 100 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Future careers
The PGCertAppLing will develop your skills in research and project management. It will also improve your:
- analytical understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication
- observation skills
- active listening skills
- ability to maintain objectivity.
Explore career pathways in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad, including in:
- communications
- technology
- education and training
- interpreting.
More career information
Find out more about careers in linguistics and language sciences.
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. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Linguistics
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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. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Linguistics
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
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.
Further research or study
If you do well in your PGCertAppLing, you may be able to continue on to a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics or a Master of Applied Linguistics.
You wouldn’t need to repeat the coursework you’ve already completed for the Certificate.
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.