Develop advanced expertise in language and linguistics
Language is central to human cognition, communication, culture, and society. Postgraduate Linguistics gives you the opportunity to explore how languages are structured, how they vary and change, and how they are used across different communities and contexts.
Drawing on a broad range of areas in linguistics, our programme combines theoretical knowledge with advanced research training. You’ll develop the skills to investigate language systematically. You’ll also carry out independent research on questions that matter to you.
Postgraduate Linguistics gives you a strong foundation in theory, analysis, and research. You can go on to further research, specialise in an area you care about, or use your skills in a professional setting.
Who can study Postgraduate Linguistics
To study this subject, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, Language Sciences, or a related subject with coursework in Linguistics.
A related subject could include Psychology, Anthropology, or Computer Science.
Choose your study path
There are several ways you can study Postgraduate Linguistics with us.
Postgraduate study pathways
Postgraduate Linguistics combines advanced coursework with independent research, so you can shape your study around your interests and goals.
Coursework deepens your knowledge across linguistics through seminars, readings, assignments and research projects. At Master’s level, all pathways include at least 60 points of independent research, supervised by an academic.
A more research-intensive pathway gives you time for an extended research project. Whichever pathway you choose, you’ll build advanced analytical, research, and academic skills on topics that interest you.
Focus on coursework
- Graduate Certificate in Arts
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Master of Arts (by coursework)
Focus on research
- Master of Arts (by thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy
Qualification 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 through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Linguistics at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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:
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
Postgraduate students develop skills in research and project management. Postgraduate Linguistics 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.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Linguistics
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This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
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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.
Scholarships for international students
We are 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 Postgraduate 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.
Academic staff research areas
Oliver Ballance
Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics
Sasha Calhoun
Head of School
Victoria Chen
Senior Lecturer
Irina Elgort
Associate Professor
Julieta Fernandez
Senior Lecturer
Peter Gu
Professor
Ha Hoang
Lecturer in Applied Linguistics
Rachel McKee
Associate Professor
Robby Nadler
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Jonathan Newton
Associate Professor
Sara Pivac Alexander
Senior Lecturer (Teaching)
Stephen Skalicky
Senior Lecturer
Matthew Packer
Interested Party
Rachael Ruegg
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.