The University of Newcastle has an established reputation, nationally and internationally, as a provider of very high-quality postgraduate coursework programs in Applied Linguistics. These programs have now been in operation for over eight years, with a continuously increasing number of participating students. Our students report very high levels of satisfaction with both the Applied Linguistics program itself and the employment opportunities that the Award offers upon graduation. International students find Newcastle a very safe and friendly environment for their university studies.

The Master of Applied Linguistics program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to understand the processes of language learning and development, to develop theoretically motivated language teaching curricula, and to improve their effectiveness as teachers of English as a second or foreign language, or more generally to further their understanding of the way in which language affects and is affected by the social and cultural environment. The program combines theoretical perspectives with empirical studies and practical applications, and provides the opportunity for practical experience of classroom and individual teaching.

The Master of Applied Linguistics may be taken in the following specialisations or as a non-specialised award:

• TESL/TEFL
• Translation Studies(not available to new students in 2012).

The NSW Department of Education and Training will recognise graduates of the award with the TESL/TEFL specialisation as English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers, where they have a teaching degree and have been registered as teachers with the NSW Institute of Teachers. The sequence of courses relating to the Translation Studies specialisation is not accredited by NAATI.

The program can be undertaken on campus or through distance learning. Most of the courses within the program are facilitated by online learning through Blackboard. Not all courses are offered each semester.

The Masters program consists of 80 units of coursework. Most courses are available by distance mode for external students.

Practical experience within Master of Applied Linguistics includes the course (subject) EDUC6024 TESOL Practicum (a core requirement for the TESL/TEFL specialisation).

This course involves up to 200 hours of placement in an appropriate educational setting (school, TAFE, ELICOS, etc).

Career opportunities include:

• Teaching English as a second language testing
• Research in applied linguistics.

The NSW Department of Education and Training will recognise graduates of the award with the TESL/TEFL specialisation as English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers, where they have a teaching degree and have been registered as teachers with the NSW Institute of Teachers. The sequence of courses relating to the Translation Studies specialisation is not accredited by NAATI.