Master of Applied Linguistics
Overview
Develop your identity as a language professional and become part of a global network.
The Master of Applied Linguistics is a professional development program designed for teachers of English and other second languages, as well as language professionals in translation, interpretation and other second language areas. You can choose to specialise in Applied Linguistics or Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Studies.
During your studies, you'll select from nearly 30 courses in the linguistic, psychological, educational and socio-cultural aspects of language learning and use, and in language teaching methodology.
The program has a strong national and international reputation. Graduates take up, and in many cases return to, teaching and administrative positions in high schools, universities and language schools in Australia and abroad. They also find employment in business and government positions that draw on the understanding of how languages are used in different settings and cultures.
Program highlights
- Study at UQ’s School of Languages and Cultures, an international leader in the teaching of interpreting and translation.
- Work with and learn from more than 50 leading researchers who specialise in a diverse range of disciplines.
- Specialise in Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Studies.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- TESOL Studies
How you'll learn
Due to the way they are taught, certain programs and plans are not offered online in Semester 1, 2023.
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Introduction to Second Language Learning and Teaching
- Concepts in Applied Linguistics
- Second Language Acquisition
- Language, Culture and Communication
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Depending on which field you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Linguistics researcher
- Interpreter
- International business consultant
- TESOL teacher
- Language teacher
- Language program manager
“The Applied Linguistics program has taught me valuable lessons on understanding the needs of English as second language learners and obstacles they may come across.”
Wanhua MaGraduate, Master of Applied Linguistics
“I particularly enjoyed studying research methods, as the program taught me quantitative and qualitative research skills. They were very practical and I acquired fundamental skills required for my future employment. After my degree, I published several journal articles based on my masters research.”
Makoto AbeGraduate, Master of Applied Linguistics
“The Applied Linguistics program has taught me valuable lessons on understanding the needs of English as second language learners and obstacles they may come across.”
Wanhua MaGraduate, Master of Applied Linguistics
“I particularly enjoyed studying research methods, as the program taught me quantitative and qualitative research skills. They were very practical and I acquired fundamental skills required for my future employment. After my degree, I published several journal articles based on my masters research.”
Makoto AbeGraduate, Master of Applied Linguistics
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
It's possible to complete this degree in 2 years, 1.5 years or 1 year depending on your qualifications and experience.
You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.
2-year degree (32 units of study)
To be eligible to complete the degree in 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
1.5-year degree (24 units of study)
If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.
To be eligible to complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), or
- a graduate certificate* (or equivalent) in applied linguistics, or
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline and a minimum of two years of language teaching experience. Language teaching experience should be in a paid rather than volunteer capacity.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
*Please note if a graduate certificate is used as the basis of entry into the program and you do not have a degree in a relevant discipline, you will not be eligible for credit towards the Masters program.
1-year degree (16 units of study)
If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.
To be eligible to complete the degree in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:
- a bachelor honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), or
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and a graduate diploma in education.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Relevant disciplines include English and/or other LOTE, literature, English language teaching, linguistics or translation and interpreting.
You must have completed at least a major, field of study, or approximately 30% of program content including a mix of introductory and advanced courses.
Relevant work experience
Language teaching experience should be in a paid rather than volunteer capacity.
Evidence of language teaching experience should include a letter* from your employer (and/or previous employers) stating the following:
- That you work (or worked) within the specified organisation
- The nature of your duties (i.e. what you taught)
- The length that you were there (i.e. 2 years)
- The level at which you worked (full-time, part-time or casual), including the average number of contact hours per week.
* in English, or the original with a certified translation to English.
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these related programs:
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Applied Linguistics are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Fields of study
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
The TESOL field is a professional development program for experienced teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL). Research and project options are available, particularly for students intending to continue on to higher research degrees. English is the international language of business, education and cross-cultural communication, so qualified TESOL professionals are in great demand worldwide.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
The TESOL field is a professional development program for experienced teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL). Research and project options are available, particularly for students intending to continue on to higher research degrees. English is the international language of business, education and cross-cultural communication, so qualified TESOL professionals are in great demand worldwide.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
Fee information for this program is not yet available.
Approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $33,632
2023
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Master of Applied Linguistics is 5592.
This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.
When you apply, select your preferred duration. If you don't meet the requirements for your first preference, we'll automatically consider you for entry into a longer duration.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Master of Applied Linguistics is 5592.
This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.
When you apply, select your preferred duration. You can also ask us to consider you for a longer duration if you don't meet the entry requirements for your first preference.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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