Build the research skills to explore how language works
Enhance your undergraduate degree with specialised study in Applied Linguistics, or take the first step towards more advanced study. The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics (PGDipAppLing) explores language and the people who use it—how it’s used, and the conditions that shape how we communicate.
The PGDipAppLing 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 a range of elective courses to shape the rest of your study. These cover topics like teaching language skills, task-based language teaching, and language assessment. You’ll also have the option of doing an independent research project.
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 PGDipAppLing if you have a Bachelor’s degree, or similar, with at least a B average in a relevant subject. Many students have Bachelor’s degrees in Education, English, Language Sciences, or Modern Languages.
You can also study the PGDipAppLing if you have a lot of practical and professional experience, or if you have qualifications in another field.
What you’ll learn
The PGDipAppLing builds on your undergraduate degree by broadening your understanding of how people learn and use language. It can include:
- exploring how language shapes identity
- how language knowledge is structured in the lexicon
- how theories 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 PGDipAppLing mixes core courses and electives.
Core courses
You’ll study two 15-point courses on research theory and methods, covering 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 15-point language teaching course.
Elective courses
You’ll study a further 90 points from courses covering topics such as:
- teaching language skills
- language testing and assessment
- discourse analysis
- bilingualism and multilingualism
- second language acquisition
- grammar and vocabulary
- task-based language teaching.
Optional research courses
You can also do a research course on a chosen topic:
- a research study (15 points)
- a research project (30 points)
- a research dissertation (60 points).
To enrol in a research course, you need a B+ or higher in the research theory and methods courses.
How you’ll study
If you study full time, you'll complete PGDipAppLing over two trimesters, which is around 10 months.
- 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, which is one course each trimester. Studying part time, you can complete your PGDipAppLing in up to two 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 PGDipAppLing shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) with a B grade average or better in Linguistics, 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; and
(iii) at least two years of professional experience in language education or another area of applied linguistics or a related field.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) in the Wellington 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
(c) Requirement (a)(iii) may be waived by the programme director in exceptional circumstances. Applicants with limited or no relevant experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be expected to complete some bridging courses depending on the nature of their previous qualifications.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGDipAppLing
(2) Except as provided for in 4, the course of study for the PGDipAppLing shall consist of courses worth a total of 120 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 510–584
3. A candidate who has been awarded the PGDipAppLing shall abandon that qualification on being awarded the MAppLing.
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
You'll develop skills in research and project management. The PGDipAppLing also gives you:
- an analytical understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication
- excellent observation skills
- active listening skills
- the ability to maintain objectivity.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
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 and language sciences
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in English Literature offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka Victoria—University of Wellington in the year following application.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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 and language sciences
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 PGDipAppLing, you may want to continue studying for a Master of Applied Linguistics.
The courses you’ve completed for the Diploma could count towards the Master's.
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.