Postgraduate study

The School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies offers a variety of postgraduate qualifications, ranging from graduate certificates to PhD programmes.

The School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies offers a range of study options beyond Bachelor's level. These include Graduate certificates, Graduate diplomas, Honours degrees, Master's degrees, and PhDs.

For information about the PhD programme, see the PhD page.

Subjects

Applied Linguistics

Enhance your Bachelor's degree with postgraduate study and gain advanced knowledge and skills in Postgraduate Applied Linguistics.

Linguistics

Build on your degree and advance your linguistic knowledge and skills with postgraduate study. Find out more about Postgraduate Linguistics.

Qualifications

Graduate qualifications

Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Arts (Language Sciences)

For those who have already completed an undergraduate degree, the GCertArts and GDipArts provides a graduate qualification in Language Sciences without having to complete another Bachelor’s degree. Contact the Language Sciences Programme Director or the TESOL Programme Director for more information.

Graduate Certificate in TESOL

The Graduate Certificate in TESOL is a one-trimester (12-week) introductory programme in TESOL teaching for graduates. No previous teaching experience is required.

The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is not being offered in 2026.

Postgraduate qualifications

We offer three Master's programmes in Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, and TESOL. Each of these 180-point Master's programmes is part of a family of qualifications that includes a 120-point postgraduate diploma and a 60-point postgraduate certificate. In addition, in Linguistics, students can do a 120 point BA(Hons) degree.

All of these qualifications can be entered with a Bachelor’s degree in Language Sciences, Linguistics or a related field. In addition, students can enter the MAppLing and MTESOL with a Bachelor’s degree in another field if they have sufficient language teaching experience.

Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Linguistics

The Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Linguistics offers a 120 point, two trimester (full time) postgraduate qualification combining coursework and a research project.

If you have any questions about the BA(Hons) in Linguistics programme, contact one of our future student advisers: lals@vuw.ac.nz.

Master of Arts (Coursework) in Linguistics

Pursue your passion for linguistics with a Master’s programme that will equip you for a range of language-related careers. Study for a 180-point Master of Arts (Coursework).

Master of Applied Linguistics

Develop your knowledge and expertise in Applied Linguistics, and design research projects related to your own professional needs and interests. Find out more about the Master of Applied Linguistics.

Master of TESOL

Develop your expertise in teaching English—or any language—to speakers of other languages. Find out more about the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

MA by thesis

The 120-point Master of Arts (by thesis) is also available for applicants who have completed prior graduate or postgraduate study in the relevant subject.

In Linguistics this is available for students who have completed a BA(Hons) in Linguistics.

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics)