Massey University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced study in core areas of applied linguistics with a supervised research project. Core topics typically include second language acquisition, language assessment and testing, discourse and pragmatics, sociolinguistics, corpus linguistics, and research design and methods. You will also be able to select optional papers that reflect your interests such as classroom discourse analysis, language policy and planning, multilingualism and identity, phonetics for applied linguists, and materials development for language teaching.

The degree culminates in an independent research thesis or substantial research report under academic supervision, allowing you to apply theoretical perspectives and research methods to a question relevant to language learning, use, assessment or policy. Teaching is delivered through a mix of seminars, workshops, practical laboratory or corpus sessions, and individual supervision. Distance and on-campus study options are available, enabling a flexible pathway for working professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised undergraduate degree with substantial content in linguistics, language studies, education or a closely related discipline, and to demonstrate capacity for postgraduate study and research. Applicants with a relevant postgraduate diploma or significant professional experience in language teaching, assessment, translation or speech-language work may also be considered. International applicants whose prior study was not in English will need to meet Massey’s English language proficiency requirements.

All applicants submit an academic CV and a statement of purpose outlining research interests; those proposing a thesis will normally be asked to describe a tentative research topic. Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission — selection also considers research fit and supervision availability.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Applied Linguistics pursue a wide range of careers in education, research and language-related professions. Common pathways include:

• ESOL/TESOL teaching and programme coordination in schools, tertiary institutions and private providers
• Language assessment and test development for educational and professional contexts
• Curriculum and materials development for language programmes
• Policy advice and planning for multilingual education and language revitalisation
• Research assistantships and further doctoral study in linguistics, education or applied language studies
• Language technology roles (corpus work, lexical resources) and publishing or editing focused on language education

Why study at Massey University

Massey has an established reputation for applied language research and for delivering high-quality distance and on-campus postgraduate teaching, making the programme accessible to students and professionals across New Zealand and internationally. You will be supervised by academic staff active in a range of applied linguistics specialties and have access to research infrastructure such as language laboratories, corpora and digital resources. The programme’s emphasis on linking theory, empirical methods and practical application prepares graduates for both professional leadership roles and continuing research at doctoral level.