Master of Applied Linguistics
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
The Master of Applied Linguistics trains you to apply your knowledge of language in a diverse range of contexts, including translation, journalism and media, language policy and planning, website design and socio-educational development work.
Our degree is also suitable for people involved in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), second language teaching (SLT), and the teaching of modern languages. We teach both traditional face-to-face and computer assisted methodologies.
At the end of this degree, you will look at the world with new eyes. You will learn to analyse texts that you encounter in your everyday and professional lives and will be able to apply this knowledge for a range of purposes.
Many units of study in this program are informed by systemic functional linguistics and the groundbreaking, internationally recognised, literacy initiatives in primary, secondary, tertiary and adult education of the Sydney School.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has a wide range of academic expertise in applied linguistics with particular strengths in World Englishes, the politics of English language teaching, media discourse, critical discourse analysis and emerging electronic modalities of communication, for example, news websites, blogs, chat rooms, YouTube, Facebook and MySpace.
Eligible candidates will also have the option of undertaking a dissertation on an approved topic over two units of study.
Units of study
For full information on Units of Study available in this course, please visit the Sydney Courses website
Full units of study list
- ARTS7000 - Academic Communication for Postgraduates
- ASNS6906 - Communicating in Asian Contexts
- EDPJ5020 - Literacy and Language Teaching
- EDPJ5022 - Research Methods in Language Learning
- EDPJ5025 - Bilingual Education
- EDPJ5026 - Language Testing and Assessment
- LNGS7001 - Structure of English
- LNGS7002 - Language,Society and Power
- LNGS7004 - Register and Genre in English
- LNGS7006 - Cross-Cultural Communication
- LNGS7102 - Educational Linguistics
- LNGS7272 - Additional Lang Learning:TESOL/SLT/LOTE
- LNGS7274 - Media Discourse
- LNGS7275 - World Englishes
- LNGS7276 - Discourses of Globalisation
- LNGS7301 - Functional Grammar
- LNGS7521 - Essay 1
- LNGS7528 - Dissertation Part 1
- LNGS7529 - Dissertation Part 2
- PACS6911 - Key Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies
- TRNS7000 - Translation Studies A
- TRNS7001 - Translation Studies B
Embedded courses
Further course information
Study plan
The MAppLing requires the satisfactory completion of 8 units of study (48 credit points) (cp). A minimum 4 units of study (24cp) in the subject area are required. The remaining units of study are selected from the approved list of electives, or undertaken in a relevant or related field, subject to the approval of the academic coordinator. Candidates electing to undertake a dissertation (12cp) must prepare a research proposal and discuss their topic with the academic coordinator prior to enrolling. Approval is subject to the department's discretion and the availability of an appropriate academic supervisor. The dissertation is normally undertaken over two semesters and comprises research and writing toward a project of approximately 12,000 words.
Progression rules
Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first four units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the dissertation units of study. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.
Capstone experience
Eligible candidates undertaking the degree of Master of Applied Linguistics have the option of completing a dissertation on an approved topic over two units of study, normally undertaken over two semesters, with a value of 12 credit points, under the supervision of an academic staff member.
Course outcomes and further study
Graduate opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Applied Linguistics may pursue careers or further study in translation, journalism and media, language policy and planning, website design and socio-educational development work. The course may also be undertaken by people involved in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), second language teaching (SLT) and the teaching of modern languages.
Further study
Graduates of the Master of Applied Linguistics who have completed a dissertation with a meritorious grade are eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in their chosen subject area.
Admission
Admission requirements
Admission to candidature for the Master of Applied Linguistics requires:
(a) completion of the requirements for the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics with a minimum credit (65%) average or an equivalent qualification; or
(b) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average, from the University of Sydney, including a major in a relevant subject area, or an equivalent qualification; or
(c) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average, from the University of Sydney in any subject area, or an equivalent qualification; and either:
(i) a relevant professional qualification; or
(ii) recent, relevant, professional experience.
How to apply
Domestic students
How to apply
Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa, apply through UAC - click on the 'Apply now' icon on this page to proceed with your application.
Please note: not all courses are offered in the July semester intake.
International students
How to apply
Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount
This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2012 your student contribution may differ.
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents
Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.
International students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students
This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.