Master of Applied Linguistics

In the MAppLing, you’ll explore a wide range of topics in Applied Linguistics, including how to carry out research on topics related to using, learning, and teaching second and additional languages. Topics include how language shapes identity, how language knowledge is structured in the lexicon, how theoretical accounts of language acquisition inform pedagogical practice, and how to assess competence in a second or additional language. On the MAppLing programme, you’ll gain high-level skills that are transferable to related fields such as language testing, language assessment, and language education policy and planning. If you want to pursue an academic path, the programme prepares you for entry into PhD programmes in New Zealand and overseas. Often PhD programmes require a Master’s thesis or dissertation—this is something you can incorporate into your MAppLing. The University's Applied Linguistics programme is highly regarded worldwide. It has a strong international orientation that reflects New Zealand’s unique position in the Asia–Pacific region. Our graduates have gone on to teach English and work in educational leadership roles in New Zealand and around the globe. The MAppLing programme builds on the legacy of sixty years of graduate TESOL and Applied Linguistics education at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Staff teaching in the programme are internationally recognised researchers. They draw on their extensive experience as language teachers and teacher educators to bridge the gap between research, theory, and teaching practice. This programme is ranked 73rd in the world in QS World University Rankings 2026. The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide. Study full time or part time—whatever suits your needs best. You can choose to study on campus, online, or through a combination of the two. Start your study at the beginning of any trimester—February, July, or November. If you study this programme from outside New Zealand, you’ll benefit from a strong network of learning support staff. They’ll help you access library resources, learn about research in language teaching, and develop effective study strategies. They can also offer writing support if English is not your main language. You can apply for the Ian Gordon Master’s Scholarship, which supports students undertaking a taught Master's degree in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies. There is one round per year, closing on 15 November. Every year Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington offers thousands of scholarships to new and current students. Look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background. I am a citizen of‐ Choose ‐AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBolivia (Plurinational State of)Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos (Keeling) IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo (Democratic Republic of the)Cook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFalkland Islands (Malvinas)Faroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIran (Islamic Republic of)IraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKirib