Postgraduate Linguistics –
Build on your degree and advance your linguistic knowledge and skills with postgraduate study.
In an ever more connected and multilingual world, there is increasing demand for researchers who have an understanding of how language works—of linguistic diversity, intercultural communication, and language processing.
Join a postgraduate programme that combines a foundation of research skills with extended research projects. Get the knowledge and experience you need to carry out advanced independent research in linguistics, that includes interdisciplinary perspectives.
To qualify to study postgraduate Linguistics you'll need a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics or a related subject, such as languages, psychology, anthropology or computer science.
Available qualifications
Globally ranked
This programme is ranked in the top 50 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Part of the School’s ethos that I really value is knowing that I am supported and encouraged to conduct independent research in the areas of language which intrigue me the most.
Full storyKaitlyn Smith
Master of Arts in Linguistics
Research opportunities
Take the opportunity to work with academic staff on their research projects, and contribute to the research culture at the school.
You’ll gain a grounding in the quantitative and qualitative methods key to working with linguistic data, and learn to develop your own complex ideas related to linguistic structure and language use. Learn to communicate these effectively in different contexts and through different media.
In the summer trimester, students in the taught Master's programme will have the opportunity to carry out research internships tied directly to current research projects in the School. These may include projects done while on a placement in a private sector or public sector agency, or non-governmental organisation.
Research topics
You’ll be part of a research-intensive programme, working with internationally renowned researchers who have externally funded projects. Research areas include language in the workplace, languages of the Pacific, New Zealand English, heritage languages, language variation and speech processing and the syntax-phonology interface. You can research an area of linguistics that relates to your goals and interests.
Here at the University, you feel like you are part of a community of big thinkers who are pursuing research across a wide range of linguistic areas. This creates freedom and flexibility when deciding what research to do, as well as opportunities to create research projects that cross subject areas.
Full storyKaitlyn Smith
Master of Arts in Linguistics
Interdisciplinary perspectives
The MA programme can include students from different subject backgrounds, giving you opportunities to explore interdisciplinary links in human language research. You can also choose to include approved courses from related subjects in your MA.
Careers
Your linguistic expertise will be attractive to employers looking for high-level researchers, policy analysts and communicators on a wide range of language-related areas. Take your career in any number of interesting directions, such as speech therapy, language teaching, voice recognition software design, dictionary editing, policy advice or communication roles in government and business sectors.
The MA programme will also give you an excellent foundation to move on to PhD study, in Wellington or internationally.
Linguists are behind Google searches, government policy, HR recruitment, speech therapy, as well as saving threatened languages and their communities.
Full storyProfessor Meredith Marra
Professor of Linguistics
Community
As a postgraduate student in Linguistics you'll be fully integrated into the life of the School, and build close relationships with your peers, lecturers and future colleagues. You'll have opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops and social functions.
The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.
Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact and vibrant capital. You'll be learning with one of the biggest and most respected linguistics departments in New Zealand. Be part of a vibrant and multicultural community with links to institutes, applied language centres and national research projects.
Scholarships and employment
The School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies awards some prizes for academic merit, and you can apply for the Linguistics Taught Postgraduate Scholarship.
You can look for other scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.