Qualification options | Postgraduate Linguistics (international students)

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MLing not offered in 2025

The Master of Linguistics programme—including the PGDipLing and PGCertLing—won’t be accepting new entrants in 2025. But we are hoping to open the programme again in 2026.

An alternative to the MLing is the Master of Applied Linguistics. If you choose this programme, you have the option of taking the Directed Research in Linguistics course (LING 420, 30pts) with one of our Linguistics staff members.

If you have any questions about studying Linguistics with us, email one of our future student advisers at info@vuw.ac.nz.

Choose which postgraduate Linguistics qualification best suits you according to your career goals, time commitments, and eligibility.

If you have a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, you can choose between the 120-point Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BAHons) and the 180-point Master of Linguistics (MLing).

The MLing includes 120 points of coursework and a 60-point research component. In the coursework, you’ll receive training in key research methods, and complete advanced courses in a range of areas of linguistics research. In the research component, you’ll carry out your own extended research projects working with academic staff.
The Honours programme is coursework only, drawing on the same range of courses as the MLing programme.

If you have a Bachelor’s degree in another subject, you can enter the MLing programme by:

Completing a Graduate Diploma of Arts (GDipArts) in Language Sciences—a one-year 120-point programme which is equivalent to an undergraduate major in Linguistics/Language Sciences.

If you already have a BA(Hons) in Linguistics:

You can complete a 120-point MA by either coursework or thesis. The thesis option includes writing a 40,000 word research paper under specialist supervision.

Duration 3–4 trimesters
Intensity Full time or part time
Fees
Schedule Seminars and self-directed research

Starts (+ -3 more)
Type Coursework and research
Location Wellington campuses
Complete 180 points (5–6 courses)
Entry Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Linguistics with at least a B average. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

Explore the MLing

Duration 2 trimesters
Intensity Full time or part time
Fees
Schedule Seminars and self-directed research

Starts (+ -3 more)
Type Coursework and research
Location Wellington campuses
Complete 120 points (4 courses)
Entry Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Linguistics with at least a B average. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

Explore the PGDipLing

Duration 1 trimester
Intensity Full time or part time
Fees
Schedule Seminars

Starts (+ -3 more)
Type Coursework
Location Wellington campuses
Complete 60 points (2 courses)
Entry Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Linguistics with at least a B average. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

Explore the PGCertLing

Duration 3-4 trimesters
Intensity Full time or part time
Fees
Schedule Self-directed research

Starts Any time (+ -2 more)
Type Research
Location Wellington campuses
Complete 120 points (usually 1 course)
Entry Bachelor's degree with Honours with a B range average in a relevant subject. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

Explore the MA

Duration 2 trimesters
Intensity Full time or part time
Fees
Schedule Daytime lectures

Starts Any time (+ -2 more)
Type Coursework
Location Wellington campuses
Complete 120 points (4 courses)
Entry Bachelor's degree with a B range average in the relevant subject. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

Explore the BA(Hons)

Duration 2 trimesters
Intensity Full time or part time
Fees
Schedule Daytime lectures

Starts 7 Jul 2025 (+ -2 more)
Type Coursework
Location Wellington campuses
Complete 120 points (6-8 courses)
Entry Bachelor's degree or equivalent. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

Explore the GDipArts

Duration 9 trimesters
Intensity Full time or part time
Fees
Schedule Self-directed study

Starts Any time (+ -2 more)
Type Research
Location Wellington campuses and online
Complete 360 points (1 course)
Entry Research degree such as Honours or Master's by thesis from a New Zealand university with an average grade of B+ or higher, an approved international equivalent, or other approved evidence of adequate training and ability. You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.