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Applied linguistics is an interdisciplinary field that identifies, investigates, and offers solutions to real-life language-related problems. It has close connections with the fields of education, linguistics, psychology, anthropology, and sociology.

Our programme offers a range of topics in Applied Linguistics, with a strong focus on language education. You’ll develop your ability to critically read studies in this field and carry out your own research. And you’ll gain the skills to advise others on language-related issues.

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.

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Studying at Master’s level was a game changer for me. My research on academic vocabulary and the Academic Word List was my Master of Arts project, and it is an example of how working with scholars such as Professor Paul Nation here at the University can lead to amazing growth and change.

Averil Coxhead

Professor in Applied Linguistics

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At the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies you’ll learn from and work with highly regarded academics who are innovative and widely-published researchers.

You’ll need a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, English Language, Education, in another language, or another relevant degree, and at least two years of professional experience in language education or in another area of applied linguistics.

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide evidence of your proficiency in the English language. This report form must be no older than 2 years and meet the requirements of one of the following:

  • TOEFL 575 with a TWE of 5 or 237 on the computer-based test, or 90 on the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing.
  • IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0.
  • Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 65, with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 58.
  • A minimum of two ratings of 5 and two ratings of 4 in this university’s English for Academic Purposes test.

Research topics

Take advantage of the active and dynamic culture of research in Applied Linguistics at the University—study the areas of Applied Linguistics that relate to your goals and interests.

Translanguaging and multilingual education

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Careers

Your linguistic expertise and skills in data collection and analysis, interviewing, and presenting complex information will be valued in many fields. You can take your career in any number of interesting directions, such as speech therapy, policy advice or communication roles in government and business sectors, language teaching, voice recognition software design, or online and paper-based materials development.

Community

Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, 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.

Study your way

Postgraduate study with the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies is designed with your interests and goals in mind. Flexible study options mean you can choose to study full time, or study part time, arranging your studies to fit around your other commitments. And on occasion there are intensive courses for you to take when they are available.

Scholarships

The School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies awards some prizes and scholarships for academic merit.

You can also look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.

Tutoring

Postgraduate students in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies can apply to tutor undergraduate courses.