Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics) M.A(ALing)

2009

Program Outline

Applied Linguistics is the study of language use in human affairs. Linguistics is the study of human language in its various forms and uses. It addresses both language in general and the properties of individual languages. Linguistics explores the connection between language, culture and knowledge; between discourse, belief and behaviour. It examines the role of language in human communication; the way people use language to interact with one another and their environment; language acquisition; preservation and loss. At the University of Adelaide our research and teaching are informed by the social nature of language and by systemic functional linguistics.

 Applied linguists study many areas of language use, including:

• learning and teaching languages
• communication practices in workplaces and in the media
• language and technology literacy practices
• language-related learning and communication difficulties.

The program combines research and coursework, with a strong focus on fieldwork, classroom research and workplace documentation.  Courses are offered face to face, after hours and students can commence studies in first or second semester.

While the graduate programs lead ultimately to the degree of Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics), qualification of a graduate certificate and graduate diploma can be awarded at various stages of completion. Masters students complete an extended study (in the form of a dissertation) on a topic related to students’ interests and/or workplace activities.

Related Programs

• Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics
• Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics

Admission Information

Admissions information for domestic and international students.

Domestic

Selection criteria:	Higher Education applicants You must have a completed Bachelor's degree with at least a credit average; or, a completed Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics with at least a credit average.
How to apply:	SATAC Code: 3CM005 Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission
Mid-year entry?	Yes
Annual tuition fees:	Australian Full-fee place: $13,152
General enquiries:	Student Centre

International

Selection criteria:	Graduate entry only IELTS Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing 6.5 6 6 6 6
Prerequisites:	Bachelor's degree or equivalent
How to apply:	Application information for international students Important application deadlines for international students
Mid-year entry?	Yes
Annual tuition fees:	International student place: $21,000
General enquiries:	Student Centre

Areas of Specialisation

The Discipline of Applied Linguistics, a scholarly research community, is internationally recognised for research in the areas of:

• ecolinguistics
• language planning
• language testing
• multiliteracies and e-learning environments
• social practices and language learning
• workplace communication

Study Plans

The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Students choose four courses from the following:
LING 5001 Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) LING 5011 Language and Learning LING 5004 Language and Meaning LING 5008 Language and the Environment LING 5009 Language Teaching in Specific Settings LING 5010 English for Academic Purposes LING 5017 Language Teaching Methods: TESOL/LOTE/Literacy LING 5030 Language and Communication Planning LING 5059 Special Topic in Linguistics Please note: Not all courses are offered each year.
Dissertation: Choose either the Full-Time or Part-Time version:
LING 5501 Dissertation in Linguistics F/T LING 5502A Dissertation in Linguistics P/T part A LING 5502B Dissertation in Linguistics P/T part B

Please note: Not all courses are offered each year

Career Opportunities

Postgraduate Applied Linguistics programs are recognised qualifications for language teaching, including teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and teaching languages other than English (LOTE). They are also internationally recognised for professional work in the fields of media, journalism, advertising, translating and interpreting, language documentation and policy management and workplace communication.

Potential careers

Linguist, Teacher, Tutor

Graduate Attributes

• A knowledge of the cultural nature of language and the role of language in human communication
• A specialised understanding of selected topics in Applied Linguistics related to communication in society and language education
• The ability to identify characteristic language features of social practices
• The skills to analyse in a principled way different texts and the rhetorical effects of linguistic choices
• The skills to plan and conduct applied linguistic research into language practices, applying appropriate research procedures
• An understanding of ethical issues in professional contexts and in the wider community
• An awareness of linguistic diversity and cross-cultural communication
• An understanding of language policy, language planning and related social justice issues.

Useful Links

School of Humanities Linguistics webpage

Program Rules