Programme details

Master of Applied Linguistics – MAppLing

Gain the knowledge and skills to navigate and address language-based issues in a multilingual world through the Master of Applied Linguistics at Massey University

Course description

The Master of Applied Linguistics equips professionals in various language-related fields, such as language teaching and TESOL, with essential practical and research skills. These competencies are increasingly vital in both domestic and international contexts. You will engage with theories, methods, and problem-based approaches to tackle real-world language challenges in our globalized and digitally connected environment.

Massey University is renowned for its research strengths in areas such as:

Heritage language learning
Mother tongue maintenance
Online second-language communities
Distance and online language learning
Sociocultural adjustment of international students and their teachers in New Zealand universities
Language learning and emotion
Bi/multilingualism
Oral proficiency
Teaching and assessment
Language education policy

Research Opportunities

In the Master of Applied Linguistics program, you have the option to complete a research report (60 credits) or a thesis (120 credits). Recent student research topics have included:

Investigating the needs of non-income-earning students in community English classes
The development of teacher identity among student teachers in Thailand
Navigating cultural conflict and dissonance in the immigrant ESL classroom
The role of motivational beliefs in self-regulated learning for Kanji acquisition
Vocational tertiary students’ imagined experiences of learning English with native speakers in rural Indonesia
Perceptions of Bhutanese students, parents, and teachers regarding their learning progress in a New Zealand secondary school
A case study on heritage language transmission within a Catalan-speaking migrant family in New Zealand

Specialisations

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Occupational Registration

Certain occupations require registration by law in New Zealand. This programme leads to registration with Teaching Council.

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

Pursuing a Master of Applied Linguistics from Massey University opens up a variety of career opportunities in both domestic and international settings. Graduates can find employment in diverse fields such as:

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Teacher training and development roles.
Curriculum development and instructional design for language programs
Academic positions as lecturers or researchers in universities
Translator
Interpreter

Entry requirements

To qualify for entry into the Master of Applied Linguistics program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum B grade average across 200-300 level courses.
Hold a postgraduate diploma in second language teaching, Applied Linguistics, or an equivalent qualification, with at least a B+ grade average for the Research Pathway or a B grade average for the Coursework Pathway.

Additionally, for entry into the Master of Applied Linguistics (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program, you must have relevant teaching and related experience approved by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

If you possess a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the program, subject to the limits specified in the Recognition of Prior Learning policy.

You must also meet the University’s English Language proficiency requirements. Recognised English language examinations:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – academic scores only
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Cambridge English Qualifications
NZCEL
Pearson Test of English (Academic)
LanguageCert.