Find out details about studying the Master of Linguistics at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

The MLing is a 180-point Master’s programme that starts either in February (Trimester One) or in July (Trimester Two). It has two parts—taught courses worth 120 points and a research component worth 60 points.

In the coursework component, you’ll receive training in key research methods and complete advanced courses in different areas of linguistics research.

In the research component, you’ll carry out your own extended research project working with academic staff.

The Master of Linguistics can be completed either full time or part time. Studying full time, the Master of Linguistics is usually completed in 16 months, although it is possible to finish it in 12 months. Studying part time, the programme can be completed in in 24 to 28 months.

Most students start the programme in February, but it is also possible to start in July.

Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 hours a week for much of the year. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.

If you are studying part time, you can estimate your workload by adding up the number of points you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 to 12 hours work.

Rather than starting with the Master’s programme, you may choose to study the shorter Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics or the Postgraduate Certificate in Linguistics. The 120-point Diploma has around two thirds of the workload of the Master’s, while the 60-point Certificate has around one third.

If you complete the Diploma or Certificate and want to continue your study to Master’s level, you can count your qualification towards the MLing.

BA(Hons)

Alternatively, you can progress from the BA(Hons) to a 120-point Master of Arts by thesis in Linguistics.