Masters (Coursework)
The UNSW Master of Applied Linguistics is a two-year full-time postgraduate degree that will prepare you to develop linguistic knowledge for intercultural communication in diverse professional, educational and interdisciplinary settings.
You'll graduate equipped to work...
The UNSW Master of Applied Linguistics is a two-year full-time postgraduate degree that will prepare you to develop linguistic knowledge for intercultural communication in diverse professional, educational and interdisciplinary settings.
You'll graduate equipped to work in a range of fields, exploring the language used in all fields of activity. You'll develop language technologies, highlight communication within and across different cultures, and may work in conjunction with grassroots community users or assist migrant communities. You'll be able to work with the acquisition of first and second languages and investigate different discourses, such as those used in political, medical, legal and educational settings.
Recognition of prior learning
Pace your degree with the option of graduating from between one and two years based on recognition of your previous studies and experience.
Career-focused
Study according to your career goals. Combine your chosen electives with training on traditional core areas of language structure. Explore applications to the world of work and to ongoing research.
Learn from the best
Our linguistics academics are highly qualified, active researchers with experience in intercultural communication, second language acquisition, bilingualism, multilingualism and multiculturalism, the pragmatics of language use and in language technology in documenting under-researched languages. You'll be able to participate in ongoing research projects and engage with developments in the field of applied linguistics.
There are three different streams of the Master of Applied Linguistics. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to linguistics.
You may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your work experience or prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the following admission requirements to be considered for entry into the program:
For the 1 year stream (A)
For the 1.7 year stream (B)
For the 2 year stream (C)
*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.
Relevant disciplines include Linguistics; Languages; TESOL; Cognitive Science; Philosophy; Speech Pathology; Interpreting and Translation; Health Sciences.
Applicants with a degree in a discipline not listed here but who wish to make a case for its academic relevance may apply and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
There are three different streams of the Master of Applied Linguistics. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to linguistics.
You may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your work experience or prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the following admission requirements to be considered for entry into the program:
For the 1 year stream (A)
For the 1.5 year stream (B)
For the 2 year stream (C)
*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.
^Students from a non-211 university in China are now required to have a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW distinction average (75%).
Relevant disciplines include Linguistics; Languages; TESOL; Cognitive Science; Speech Pathology; Interpreting and Translation; Health Sciences.
Applicants with a degree in a discipline not listed here but who wish to make a case for its academic relevance may apply and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Linguistics has become one of the most dynamic areas of social science research. It impacts areas such as language technology, social psychology, cognitive science, international relations, climate change research, refugee studies and media studies.
UNSW Master of Applied Linguistic graduates are in high demand for their ability to describe, analyse and research languages. You'll be able to pursue a career in foreign and second language education in Australia and all around the world. Our academics help shape your journey from student to career-ready linguistics and applied linguistics specialist.
Applied Linguistics leads to careers in the field of foreign and second language education, including
Research pathways in linguistics
Our straightforward research pathways are open to high achieving Master of Applied Linguistics students seeking further study in a Higher Degree by Research.
Students will complete a PhD or Masters by Research on a topic of particular interest in applied linguistics, under expert supervision.