Program Overview

Master of Linguistics

The Master of Linguistics (MLing) is an advanced programme comprising specialised linguistic analysis courses and research. This 180-point Master's degree offers students the opportunity to analyse the relationship between a language and its 'social life'. In an Aotearoa New Zealand context, this means understanding how English has developed over time, and how it continues to change as a marker of Kiwi identity, as well as understanding the relationship, both past and present, between English and te reo Māori.

Introduction

The University of Canterbury is ranked 85th in the world for Linguistics (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025). The MLing programme consists of a compulsory thesis, worth 90 points, and 90 points of courses from 400 or 600-level Linguistics and/or elective courses from the schedule.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for this degree need to have either:

• a bachelor's degree with a major in Linguistics, with at least a B+ Grade Point Average in 60 points in Linguistics at 300-level; or
• any bachelor's degree, and a Graduate Diploma in Arts in Linguistics, with at least a B+ Grade Point Average in 60 points in Linguistics at 300-level; or
• a bachelor's degree with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Computer Science, a language, or a different major approved by the Head of Department of Linguistics, with at least a B+ Grade Point Average in 60 points of 300-level courses in the majoring subject, and achieved at least a B+ in LING400 English Structures (a distance-learning course which runs over the summer); or
• other approved qualifications of an equivalent standard.

In addition, all students must be approved to enrol. If English is not the first language, students are also required to meet the Postgraduate language requirements.

Degree Structure

The MLing is a 180-point programme that consists of:

• a compulsory thesis, worth 90 points
• 90 points of courses from 400 or 600-level Linguistics and/or elective courses from the schedule. Full-time students must complete within 1 year. Part-time students must complete the degree within 2–3 years.

Subjects and Courses

Students can choose from either:

• 90 points from 400 or 600-level Linguistics courses (excluding LING400 and LING480)
• 60 points from 400 or 600-level Linguistics courses
• 30 points from these options It is recommended that students take no more than two taught courses in a given semester. All students also complete the thesis course LING691 MLing Thesis.

Fees

Domestic students

2025 tuition fee estimate: $12,570 (180 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $13,325 (180 points)

International students

2025 Special Programme Fee: $48,600 (180 points)
2026 Special Programme Fee: $51,000 (180 points)
2027 Special Programme Fee: $54,000 (180 points)

Student Services Levy (SSL)

2025 SSL: $9.72 per point ($1,166.40 per 120 points)
2026 SSL: $10.30 per point ($1,236.00 per 120 points)

Further Study

Graduates can go on to study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Linguistics.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master in Linguistics will be highly trained in the theories and contemporary methodologies of Linguistics and skillful in a range of complementary analytical, critical, and linguistic skills. These will include an understanding of:

• the internal structure of language and languages, including knowledge of phonetics, phonology, and syntax
• the relationship between English and other languages, including te reo Māori
• key geographical and social determinants of variation in language
• the role of language in constructing individual and group identities
• how language produces and reflects cultural change and difference.