Applied Linguistics

Entry requirements

A candidate shall:

• hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification with a major in linguistics or a relevant discipline*; or an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a non-relevant discipline and either relevant work experience or other relevant qualifications; or an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification in a non-relevant discipline; or
• hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification in a non-relevant discipline and either relevant work experience or other relevant qualification; or an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification in a relevant discipline*; or
• hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in linguistics and either relevant work experience or other relevant qualification; or an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification in linguistics; and
• all applicants must meet the University's English Language Requirements for Admission Rule.

Applicants wishing to claim 'relevant work experience or other relevant qualifications' must submit a personal statement (approximately 500 words) explaining the relevance of their qualifications and/or work experience to the MAAL degree.

*Relevant Disciplines include, but are not limited to the following: English; Languages; or Education with a major in English literacy, LOTE or ESL; Psychology; Philosophy; Interpreting and Translation; Speech Pathology; Cultural Studies; Social Sciences; Computer Science; Law; Business and Health.

Months of entry

March, July, November

Course content

UNE's Master of Applied Linguistics (MAAL) degree provides a professional qualification for those working in language teaching, language program management, TESOL, social services, health, education and the law, as well as those who work with linguistic and cultural minorities.

No previous linguistics study is required, and the degree can be completed in as little as one year.

UNE's MAAL degree was Australia's first fully online Masters degree in Applied Linguistics, and our staff have over 15 years of experience in offering this high-quality interactive postgraduate course using the latest multimedia technology. You will be part of a global classroom, interacting with your lecturers and with students from more than 30 countries via online discussion forums. You'll explore languages of the world, language acquisition, language in education, language in legal and other professional contexts, and intercultural communication - all at a time and place that suit your work or family commitments.

Choose from the General Program leading to the Master of Applied Linguistics, or the TESOL Major, leading to the Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL).

The TESOL Major incorporates specialist TESOL units including a professional practicum which can be completed in a wide range of contexts.

Students who wish to pursue further research can take a 24 credit point independent research project, LING599, which meets the requirements for entry to a PhD (entry to LING599 is selective).

The Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL) is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligibile students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.

Career opportunities

The Master of Applied Linguistics has a proven track record in helping students achieve employment and promotion in fields as diverse as language policy, management of language programs, government, health and the law as well as entry to higher degree research programs.

The Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL) constitutes 'a recognised postgraduate TESOL qualification which includes a practicum' (NEAS: National ELT Accreditation Scheme). It also meets the standards required by most employers in the adult TESOL sector, including those in the ELICOS and adult migrant sectors and in many overseas teaching posts. Prospective students are advised to consult the NEAS website to ensure their other credentials meet the requirements.

Information for international students

With over 900 international students currently studying at UNE from over 80 countries worldwide, Armidale is a culturally diverse and accepting community, offering all the benefits of a small, thriving city and the friendliness of a country town.

Fees and funding

UNE offers international students an affordable, quality living and learning experience in the regional Australian city of Armidale.