Master of Applied Linguistics

Program Overview

The Master of Applied Linguistics program at Massey University equips language professionals with practical and research skills for multilingual contexts. It combines theoretical and practical approaches, offering flexible pathways in coursework or research, with a specialization in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Graduates are prepared for careers in language teaching, research, educational consultancy, and policy development.

Program Outline

Master of Applied Linguistics – MAppLing:

Degree Overview:

• Objectives:
• Equipping language professionals with practical and research skills relevant to multilingual contexts.
• Addressing real-life language issues in the globalized world.
• Building upon Massey's research strengths in language learning and education.
• Program Description:
• Combines theoretical and practical approaches to language issues.
• Offers flexible pathways: Coursework (1 year, 6 months) or Research (2 years).
• Allows specialization in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Outline:

• Content: Focuses on second-language learning, teaching methodologies, curriculum development, discourse analysis, and current issues in applied linguistics.
• Structure:
• Part 1: Coursework (120 credits) with core subjects and optional specializations.
• Part 2:
• Coursework Pathway: Research report (60 credits).
• Research Pathway: Thesis (120 credits).
• Schedule: Full-time or part-time options available.
• Modules:
• Second Language Learning Theories and Processes
• Contemporary Approaches to Language Teaching Methodology
• Contextualising Curriculum and Materials Design
• Discourse Analysis
• Language Documentation
• Current Issues in Applied Linguistics
• Research Report (Coursework Pathway)
• Thesis (Research Pathway)

Assessment:

• Varied assessment methods depending on the modules, including:
• Assignments
• Exams
• Research projects
• Presentations

Teaching:

• Methods: Interactive lectures, seminars, workshops, individual supervision.
• Faculty: Experienced academics with research expertise in applied linguistics.
• Unique Approaches: Emphasis on research-led teaching and real-world application.

Careers:

• Prepares graduates for careers in:
• Language teaching (including TESOL)
• Language research
• Educational consultancy
• Policy development

Other:

• Students can complete a research report or thesis focusing on various topics, including:
• Needs of non-income-earning students in community English classes
• Teacher identity development in Thailand
• Cultural conflict in the immigrant ESL classroom
• Heritage language transmission in migrant families
• Bhutanese students' learning progress in a New Zealand secondary school