Master of Applied Linguistics

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

The NSW Department of Education & Training has approved the award with the TESL/TEFL specialisation for English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching in NSW government schools by candidates with relevant educational qualifications. The sequence of courses relating to the Translation Studies specialisation is not accredited by NAATI.

The University of Newcastle has now 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.

Teaching English as a second language; research in applied linguistics;

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, application for admission to this program is through UAC, the Universities Admissions Centre (NSW & ACT) Pty Ltd, or via direct application to the University of Newcastle.

Admission to the Applied Linguistics program requires prior completion of a Bachelor degree in a related course area or equivalent recognised prior learning. ("Related course areas" include Education, English, Languages, Linguistics, Psychology, and Speech Pathology.)

International students must have a qualification equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree, and must show evidence of competence in English language equivalent to a TOEFL score of at least 550 and a TWE score of 4.5, or an IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band less than 6.0.

Admission to the Applied Linguistics program requires prior completion of a Bachelor degree in a related course area or equivalent recognised prior learning. ("Related course areas" include Education, English, Languages, Linguistics, Psychology, Speech Pathology.)

Students who have completed relevant studies may apply for up to 40 units of credit toward the Master of Applied Linguistics.

The Master of Applied Linguistics shall be awarded with Merit where students achieve a Grade Point Average of 6.0 or above.

EDUC6024 TESOL Practicum (a core requirement for the TESL/TEFL specialisation) involves up to 200 hours of placement in an appropriate educational setting (school, TAFE, ELICOS, etc.)

The NSW Department of Education and Training has approved the award with the TESL/TEFL specialisation for English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching in NSW government schools by candidates with relevant educational qualifications. The sequence of courses relating to the Translation Studies specialisation is not accredited by NAATI.

International Students are not specifically targeted for entry into the Master of Applied Linguistics.

All new International Students enrolled in the Master of Applied Linguistics will be provided with an Orientation of the Faculty of Education and Arts and the University at the commencement of each Semester.

There is a designated International Student Liaison Officer in all Schools within the Faculty of Education and Arts that contribute to the Master of Applied Linguistics. This Officer is available to International Students as a representative and also to seek guidance and advice from.

The Faculty of Education and Arts accepts responsibility for providing reasonable accommodations for students with special needs, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, which offers practical assistance and advice to students with a disability or chronic illness.

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 in each semester.

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