Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Master of Applied Linguistics (Without Specialisation) is designed for students interested in real-world language issues in multilingual and culturally diverse contexts.
• It combines advanced applied linguistics theory, research and professional practice.
• Students can tailor their studies to professional or academic interests such as TESOL, discourse analysis, multilingual education, language documentation and language policy.
• Massey highlights research expertise in multilingualism, discourse analysis, language learning and teaching, intercultural communication, language policy, digital communication and language documentation.
• The programme uses theories, research methods and problem-based approaches to investigate language use, learning and teaching in diverse and digitally connected contexts.
• Students complete either a 60-credit research report or a 120-credit thesis, providing an opportunity to develop substantial research experience. 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme is parts-based, meaning Part One must be completed before progression to Part Two.

Part One – Coursework Pathway: 120 credits

Students select from the approved 30-credit subject courses, including:

• 272702 Second Language Learning Theories and Processes – 30 credits
• 272703 Contemporary Approaches to Language Teaching Methodology – 30 credits
• 272704 Contextualising Curriculum and Materials Design – 30 credits
• 272706 Discourse Analysis – 30 credits
• 272707 Language Documentation – 30 credits
• 272715 Current Issues in Applied Linguistics – 30 credits

The subjects cover second-language acquisition, language-teaching methodologies, curriculum and materials design, discourse analysis, language documentation and current developments in applied linguistics.

Part Two – Coursework Pathway: 60 credits

Students complete:

• 272873 Research Report – 60 credits

The Research Report is a supervised and guided independent study.

Part One – Research Pathway: 60 credits

Students undertake 60 credits of approved Part One coursework before moving to the thesis component.

Progression to Part Two requires at least a B+ average in the first 60 credits completed in Part One.

Part Two – Research Pathway: 120 credits

Students complete:

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

Disciplines/Specialisations

The requested programme is Without Specialisation.

Under Massey's current regulations, the Master of Applied Linguistics can be awarded:

• Without a subject; or
• With the subject Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Therefore, the selected Without Specialisation pathway does not require students to complete the named TESOL subject. Instead, students select approved Applied Linguistics courses and complete either the coursework/research-report pathway or research/thesis pathway.

The programme page specifically highlights possible areas of interest including:

• TESOL
• Discourse analysis
• Multilingual education
• Language documentation
• Multilingualism
• Intercultural communication
• Language policy
• Digital communication.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• 180 credits.
• 1.5 years full-time.
• Part-time study available.
• February and July starts listed in the 2026 International Prospectus.
• Manawat campus and distance/online study.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Flexible Without Specialisation pathway.
• Coursework and research pathways.
• 60-credit Research Report option.
• 120-credit thesis option.
• Research opportunities in multilingualism, discourse, language learning, intercultural communication, language policy, digital communication and language documentation.
• Opportunity to tailor studies around professional or academic interests.
• A B average is required for progression from Part One to Part Two on the Coursework Pathway.
• A B+ average in the first 60 Part One credits is required for progression on the Research Pathway.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies career and professional opportunities in areas including:

• TESOL and language education
• Multilingual and intercultural communication
• Discourse and communication analysis
• Language policy and educational leadership
• Curriculum and assessment design
• Language documentation and community language initiatives
• Research and consultancy
• Online and distance language learning
• Migrant and refugee support services
• Communication and community engagement in multilingual settings.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current programme page confirms that international students may study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Massey's current regulations confirm that the degree can be completed Without Specialisation or with the TESOL subject.
• For the Coursework Pathway, students need a B average in Part One to progress to Part Two.
• For the Research Pathway, students need a B+ average in the first 60 Part One credits to progress to the thesis.
• Applicants holding an eligible Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics or Second Language Teaching may qualify for credit towards Part One, subject to Massey's Recognition of Prior Learning rules.
• Not all courses necessarily have the same availability in every semester, so students should confirm course availability when planning their study.
• The qualification is research-oriented but does not itself constitute a separate teacher-registration qualification.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the programme physically at Massey's Manawat? campus, the relevant immigration route is generally the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of tuition-fee payment or an acceptable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable health and character.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Appropriate insurance.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.