Master of Applied Linguistics

Develop your knowledge and expertise in Applied Linguistics, and design research projects related to your own professional needs and interests.

Dive into the research

In the MAppLing, you’ll explore a wide range of topics in Applied Linguistics, including how to carry out research on topics related to using, learning, and teaching second and additional languages.

Topics include how language shapes identity, how language knowledge is structured in the lexicon, how theoretical accounts of language acquisition inform pedagogical practice, and how to assess competence in a second or additional language.

Equip yourself for future roles

On the MAppLing programme, you’ll gain high-level skills that are transferable to related fields such as language testing, language assessment, and language education policy and planning.

If you want to pursue an academic path, the programme prepares you for entry into PhD programmes in New Zealand and overseas. Often PhD programmes require a Master’s thesis or dissertation—this is something you can incorporate into your MAppLing.

World-class programme

The University's Applied Linguistics programme is highly regarded worldwide. It has a strong international orientation that reflects New Zealand’s unique position in the Asia–Pacific region. Our graduates have gone on to teach English and work in educational leadership roles in New Zealand and around the globe.

The MAppLing programme builds on the legacy of sixty years of graduate TESOL and Applied Linguistics education at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Staff teaching in the programme are internationally recognised researchers. They draw on their extensive experience as language teachers and teacher educators to bridge the gap between research, theory, and teaching practice.

Globally ranked

This programme is ranked 73rd in the world in QS World University Rankings 2026.

The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.

Flexible study

Study full time or part time—whatever suits your needs best. You can choose to study on campus, online, or through a combination of the two. Start your study at the beginning of any [trimester]—February, July, or November.

Flexible study

You can choose to study on campus, online, or through a combination of the two. Start your study at the beginning of any [trimester]—February, July, or November.

Studying from overseas

If you study this programme from outside New Zealand, you’ll benefit from a strong network of learning support staff. They’ll help you access library resources, learn about research in language teaching, and develop effective study strategies. They can also offer writing support if English is not your main language.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Multicultural Wellington

Wellington is a wonderful place to explore language and language learning. It’s a diverse, multilingual city with an active community of people who teach English to speakers of other languages.

Scholarships

You can apply for the Ian Gordon Master’s Scholarship, which supports students undertaking a taught Master's degree in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies. There is one round per year, closing on 15 November.

Every year Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington offers thousands of scholarships to new and current students. Look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.

Find details about studying the MAppLing at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Qualification family structure

The MAppLing, PGDipAppLing, and PGCertAppLing make up a tiered family of qualifications. These are “staircased”, so that courses completed for a smaller qualification can count towards a larger one.

• Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics (60 points)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics (120 points)
• Master of Applied Linguistics (180 points)

If you have enrolled in the MAppLing but for some reason have to withdraw before finishing it, you may be able to gain the PGCertAppLing or PGDipAppLing as an exit qualification.

Or, if you’re not quite ready to commit to the MAppLing, you can enrol in the PGDipAppLing or PGCertAppling. Then, once you’re confident this is the pathway for you, you can easily move into the Master’s programme.

Qualification family structure

The MAppLing, PGDipAppLing, and PGCertAppLing make up a tiered family of qualifications. These are “staircased”, so that courses completed for a smaller qualification can count towards a larger one.

• Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics (60 points)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics (120 points)
• Master of Applied Linguistics (180 points)

If you have enrolled in the MAppLing but for some reason have to withdraw before finishing it, you may be able to gain the PGCertAppLing or PGDipAppLing as an exit qualification.

Studying the Master’s

The MAppLing programme is made up of 180 points at 500-level, starting with two compulsory research methods courses: LALS 540 and LALS 541. You’ll choose the remaining 150 points of your degree from LALS 510–584, giving you the freedom to pursue a field of research that appeals to you.

After completing the compulsory preparation courses (LALS 540/LALS 541), you have several options for furthering your research journey. You may apply to enrol in a supervised 15-point research study (LALS 580 or LALS 581), a 30-point research project (LALS 582), a 60-point dissertation (LALS 583), or a 90-point thesis (LALS 584).

With approval from the Programme Director, you may apply to enrol in LALS 580/581 or LALS 582 after completing only one of the research methods courses.

Studying the PGDip or PGCert

The PGDipAppLing programme is made up of 120 points at 500-level, starting with two compulsory research methods courses: LALS 540 and LALS 541. You’ll choose the remaining 90 points of your degree from LALS 510–583.

The PGCertAppLing programme is made up of 60 points at 500-level. First, you’ll complete either LALS 540 or LALS 541. You’ll choose the remaining 45 points of your degree from LALS 510–583.

Studying the PGDipAppLing

The PGDipAppLing programme is made up of 120 points at 500-level, starting with two compulsory research methods courses: LALS 540 and LALS 541. You’ll choose the remaining 90 points of your degree from LALS 510–583.