Programme details

Master of Arts (Applied) - MA(Applied)

The perfect programme if you wish to teach English abroad

Course description

This program involves specialised coursework tailored to equip you with the necessary skills for international teaching opportunities, particularly in certain Asian countries where a MA is required. Whether you’re currently involved in language teaching in New Zealand and aiming to transition abroad, or seeking to enhance your qualifications for this career path, the MA (Applied) offers the pathway for you.

You will study unique topics such as discourse analysis, teacher cognition studies, and the theory and concepts of English for academic purposes. The latter is particularly crucial for preparing you to teach postgraduate international students engaged in advanced degrees and research. This degree holds a significant legacy as the first applied linguistics program introduced in New Zealand back in 1992, establishing its reputation and relevance in the field.

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

Graduates are equipped to teach English in schools and universities across various countries. Past alumni have succeeded in diverse roles, ranging from managing language schools and academic administration to coordinating language courses and teaching at universities, polytechnics, and English language centers in New Zealand. Our graduates have pursued opportunities at universities in China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Mongolia. Some have also taken leadership roles in ESOL units within New Zealand schools or ventured into educational publishing.

Entry requirements

prospective students typically need to hold a bachelor’s degree or Diploma of Teaching, and have successfully completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching (PGDip(SLT)) or an equivalent qualification. A minimum B average in the PGDip(SLT) (or equivalent) is generally required to progress to the MA (Applied).

If English isn’t your first language, an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 overall with no band lower than 6.0, or a TOEFL (paper-based) score of 600 with a Test of Written English score of 5, is necessary.

All applications undergo review by the program, and applicants may be invited to attend an interview and/or submit an essay as part of the selection process.

Subjects

Teaching & Education Mixed Field Programmes

Credits

120

Duration

1 year

Intakes

Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

International fees

$34,000

Location

Hamilton