Postgraduate study
The School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies offers a variety of postgraduate qualifications, ranging from graduate certificates to PhD programmes.
The School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies offers a range of study options beyond Bachelor's level. These include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, Honours degrees, Master's degrees, and PhDs.
For information about the PhD programme, see the PhD page.
Subjects
Applied Linguistics
Enhance your Bachelor's degree with postgraduate study and gain advanced knowledge and skills in Postgraduate Applied Linguistics.
Linguistics
Build on your degree and advance your linguistic knowledge and skills with postgraduate study. Find out more about Postgraduate Linguistics.
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 (LING 420, 30pts) with one of our Linguistics staff members.
TESOL
Enhance your career prospects—get advanced knowledge and skills in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Explore Postgraduate TESOL.
Qualifications
Graduate qualifications
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Linguistics or TESOL)
For those who have already completed an undergraduate degree, the GDipArts provides a graduate qualification in Linguistics or TESOL without having to complete another Bachelor’s degree. Contact either the Linguistics Programme Director or the TESOL Programme Director for more information.
Graduate Certificate in TESOL
The Graduate Certificate in TESOL is a one-trimester (12-week) introductory programme in TESOL teaching for graduates. No previous teaching experience is required.
The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is not being offered in 2024 and 2025.
Postgraduate qualifications
We offer three Master's programmes in Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, and TESOL. Each of these 180-point Master's programmes is part of a family of qualifications that includes a 120-point postgraduate diploma and a 60-point postgraduate certificate.
Master of Linguistics
Pursue your passion for linguistics with a Master’s programme that will equip you for a range of language-related careers. Find out more about the Master of Linguistics.
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 (LING 420, 30pts) with one of our Linguistics staff members.
Master of Applied Linguistics
Develop your knowledge and expertise in Applied Linguistics, and design research projects related to your own professional needs and interests. Find out more about the Master of Applied Linguistics.
Master of TESOL
Develop your expertise in teaching English—or any language—to speakers of other languages. Find out more about the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Linguistics only)
The Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Linguistics combines 400-level courses for graduates with a BA in Linguistics. For further information, refer to the Bachelor of Arts with Honours or read more about studying Linguistics at postgraduate level.
In 2025 we won’t be accepting new entrants into the BA(Hons) in Linguistics programme. We hope to reopen the programme in 2026.
If you have any questions about the BA(Hons) in Linguistics programme, contact one of our future student advisers: info@vuw.ac.nz.
MA by thesis
The 120-point Master of Arts (by thesis) is also available for applicants who have completed prior graduate or postgraduate study in the relevant subject.
PhD
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics)