Master of Applied Linguistics

The Master of Applied Linguistics provides specialist training and a professional qualification for graduates who are working or seek to work in the fields of TESOL, second language teaching and learning, professional communication, second languages and other areas of applied linguistics. This program may also be taken for general interest. High-achieving students who complete the Minor Thesis elective may qualify for entry to Master of Arts by Research (MA), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Student who complete the Master of Applied Linguistics should:

• Acquire advanced understanding of concepts, current issues and research methods in core areas of applied linguistics;
• Complete a focused piece of research if undertaking the Minor Thesis elective; and
• Gain specialist knowledge and research techniques in their chosen Specialisation.

Please refer to individual Specialisations listed below.

Capstone Requirement:

All students are required to complete the Capstone Requirement for the program (25 points). Students must complete the relevant capstone option for their specialisation -

Capstone Stream 1: LING90003 Research in Applied Linguistics (12.5 points) or LING90005 Quantitative Methods in Language Studies (12.5 points) and LING90018 (12.5 points) Sociolinguistics and Language Learning or LING90019 English in a Globalised World (12.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills within the English Language specialisation

Capstone Stream 2: LING90003 Research in Applied Linguistics (12.5 points) or LING90005 Quantitative Methods in Language Studies (12.5 points) and LING90012 Second Language Acquisition (12.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills within the TESOL specialisation

Capstone Stream 3: LING90003 Research in Applied Linguistics (12.5 points) or LING90005 Quantitative Methods in Language Studies (12.5 points) and LING90006 Technology and Language Learning (12.5)

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills within the Technology in Language Learning specialisation

Capstone Stream 4: LING90003 Research in Applied Linguistics (12.5 points) or LING90005 Quantitative Methods in Language Studies (12.5 points) and LING90009 Language Testing (12.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills within the Language Testing specialisation

Capstone Stream 5: LING90012 Second Language Acquisition (12.5 points) and LING90029 Languages in Context (12.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills within the Modern Languages specialisation

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information in the Student Policy Directory.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• an undergraduate degree in any discipline with a weighted average mark of at least H2B (70%), or equivalent.


2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance; and
• relevance of previous studies; and, if relevant
• the professional experience

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. The minimum English language requirement for this course is IELTS Band 6.5 on average with no band below 6.0.

Applicants with the following may be awarded up to 50 points of credit:

• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a weighted average mark of at least an H2B (70%), or equivalent.

Applicants with the following may be awarded up to 100 points of credit:

• an honours degree in a cognate discipline with a weighted average mark of at least an H2B (70%), or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a weighted average mark of at least H2B (70%), or equivalent, and at least two years of documented, relevant work experience.

Applicants must provide the following documentation in support of their application for the recognition of prior professional experience:

• brief curriculum vitae, detailing work experience;
• contact details of two referees;
• a covering letter outlining the applicants professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.

In some cases, an interview and/or two reference letters from employers/managers detailing the period of employment and areas of responsibility, and/or evidence of written work or reports undertaken during the period of employment may be requested.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit.

Students who complete the thesis option may be eligible to undertake a PhD or Masters by Research program.

http://learningandteaching.unimelb.edu.au/curriculum/graduates