2. About the Master of Applied Linguistics, Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL) and the Master of Applied Linguistics with Honours
2.1 What does the MAAL prepare students for?
2.2 What do the MAAL, MAAL (TESOL) and MAAL (Hons) involve?
2.3 What are the requirements for entrance?
2.4 Do I need a linguistics background?
2.5 I am not a native speaker of English. Can I apply?
2.6 Do I have to be Australian?
2.1 What does the MAAL prepare students for?
The Master of Applied Linguistics is a popular degree at many universities in Australia and other countries for professionals in fields such as education, language education and planning, government, and the health and legal professions. The MAAL will appeal both to those who do not have a background in Linguistics, but who wish to obtain a professionally relevant higher qualification, as well as to those considering post-graduate careers in the growing fields of Applied Linguistics and TESOL. This degree may also be of interest to those working with linguistic or cultural minorities.
The Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL) provides a major within the degree which is of relevance to those who are teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language to adults, either in Australia or overseas, or to those who wish to enter the TESOL profession. Please note that the MAAL (TESOL) does not in itself qualify students to teach in schools in Australia. If you wish to teach ESL in Australian schools we recommend you visit the UNE School of Education website.
The Master of Applied Linguistics (Hons) is for those who want to obtain a research degree which will qualify them to apply for PhD or Doctoral programs at UNE or other universities. It provides research training, under the guidance of a supervisor, through the production of a substantial dissertation on a topic of special interest in Linguistics or Applied Linguistics. Students who obtain a good grade (at least Second Class Honours First Division) in MAAL (Hons) are well equipped to pursue a higher research degree, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Linguistics or allied fields.
2.2 What do the MAAL, MAAL (TESOL) and MAAL (Hons) involve?
The MAAL and (the major) MAAL (TESOL) both consist of 48 credit points of 500-level coursework, drawn from core, prescribed and elective units. For a complete list of available core, prescribed and elective units, see the FAQ section on The Structure of the MAAL Degree. All units are 6 credit points.
The MAAL (Hons) and MAAL (TESOL) (Hons) consist of 48 credit points of 500-level coursework, drawn from core, prescribed and elective units, plus the 24 credit point unit LING600 Dissertation. For a complete list of available core, prescribed and elective units, see the FAQ section on The Structure of the MAAL Degree. All units are 6 credit points, except LING600 which is 24 credit points.
In addition, it is possible to include up to two advanced language units (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Indonesian and Japanese) in the MAAL or MAAL (Hons), with the permission of the MAAL Coordinator. Note: Some language units may be offered in regular distance education mode only (hardcopy, not online). It is not possible to take language units in the MAAL (TESOL) major as the list of prescribed and elective units is more specialised.
See the School of Arts for further details on language units at advanced level.
2.3 What are the requirements for entrance?
The basic requirement for entrance is an undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelors degree, from a university recognised by UNE. International students will also need evidence of language proficiency (please see FAQ 2.5 below).
2.4 Do I need a linguistics background?
No, you do not need a linguistics background. If you have one, of course that is fine. But the structure of introductory units, followed by advanced units, assumes no real background in the discipline area.
2.5 I am not a native speaker of English. Can I apply?
Yes, you can. However you have to show evidence of English proficiency and must meet the University's English Language requirements. Information on current requirements is available here.
2.6 Do I have to be Australian?
No, we welcome applicants from all around the world. However please note that international students do pay different fees. For more information on fees, see FAQ section on Costs and Payments of Fees.
If you are an Australian student, please contact the UNE Student Centre, or if you are an international student please contact the International Office by e-mail international@une.edu.au, or phone +61-2-6773-3192 for further information.