Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Applied Linguistics (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is designed for educators and language professionals working with multilingual and culturally diverse learners.
• It combines advanced TESOL theory, professional practice and research skills.
• Students explore contemporary approaches to language teaching, curriculum and materials design, assessment, multilingual education, digital language learning and language policy.
• The qualification allows students to connect their existing professional teaching experience with current TESOL research and practice.
• Students can investigate real-world language and education issues through either a research report or a substantial thesis.
• Massey identifies research expertise in TESOL, multilingual education, language learning, curriculum and assessment, digital language learning, intercultural communication and language policy.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme has two possible pathways.

Coursework Pathway:

Part One – 120 credits

Core/specialisation study includes:

• 272705 Advanced TESOL for Diverse Learners and Contexts – 30 credits
  • Advanced TESOL theory and practice
  • teaching approaches for integrating English language and content
  • TESOL curriculum development and evaluation
  • digital technology
  • assessment
  • current TESOL trends

Other subject courses include:

• 272702 Second Language Learning Theories and Processes – 30 credits
  • theoretical perspectives on second-language learning processes
• 272703 Contemporary Approaches to Language Teaching Methodology – 30 credits
  • approaches and methods for developing language skills
• 272704 Contextualising Curriculum and Materials Design – 30 credits
  • principles and practice of curriculum and materials development
• 272715 Current Issues in Applied Linguistics – 30 credits
  • current theoretical and practical issues in applied linguistics research

The current TESOL page also lists other Master of Applied Linguistics subject courses, including:

• 272706 Discourse Analysis – 30 credits
• 272707 Language Documentation – 30 credits

The exact combination of courses depends on the pathway and qualification regulations.

Part Two – Coursework Pathway:

• 272873 Research Report – 60 credits
• Supervised independent research on a selected applied-linguistics/TESOL topic.

Research Pathway:

Part One:

• 60 credits of qualifying coursework

Part Two:

• 272816 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 – 60 credits
• 272817 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 – 60 credits

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of Applied Linguistics can be completed:

• with the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages specialisation
• without a specialisation

For this programme, the selected specialisation is Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Key areas include:

• TESOL
• second-language learning
• language teaching methodology
• curriculum and materials design
• multilingual education
• intercultural communication
• language assessment
• digital language learning
• language policy
• applied linguistics research
• discourse analysis
• language documentation.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 Master's qualification.
• 180 credits.
• 1.5 years full-time.
• Part-time study available.
• February and July entry options are published for the TESOL specialisation.
• Distance/online study is available.
• International students can study online from outside New Zealand or on campus in New Zealand.
• Choice between coursework and research pathways.
• Opportunity to undertake a 60-credit research report or 120-credit thesis.
• Strong focus on multilingual and culturally diverse educational contexts.
• Research areas include TESOL, multilingualism, digital language learning, intercultural communication, curriculum, assessment and language policy.
• Massey explicitly states that this qualification is not a pathway to becoming a registered primary or secondary school teacher in New Zealand.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue professional and research roles in areas such as:

• TESOL and English-language education
• language teaching and learning
• curriculum and assessment design
• multilingual and intercultural education
• teacher education and professional development
• online and distance language learning
• educational leadership
• language policy
• international education
• research and consultancy
• migrant and refugee education support
• communication and community engagement
• government and non-government language-related roles.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current Massey page confirms the TESOL specialisation remains available.
• It is open to international students both on campus in New Zealand and online from outside New Zealand.
• Relevant teaching or related professional experience is an additional requirement specifically for entry to the TESOL specialisation.
• Applicants need to submit a CV showing their teaching and related experience.
• Progression to the Coursework Pathway requires at least a B average across Part One.
• Progression to the Research Pathway requires at least a B+ average in the first 60 credits of Part One.
• Students with relevant prior postgraduate qualifications may be eligible for advanced standing/credit.
• Massey states that returning students should check transitional provisions because available specialisations and course requirements can change.
• The programme does not provide a pathway to New Zealand primary/secondary teacher registration.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student who chooses to study the programme physically in New Zealand, the relevant immigration route is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• an offer of place from an approved education provider
• evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an applicable scholarship
• sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor
• acceptable medical/travel insurance
• meeting health and character requirements
• genuine intention to study
• evidence relating to onward travel where required
• satisfactory attendance and academic progress while studying.