4. The Structure of the MAAL Degree
4.1 Unit?, degree?, semester? Is there a glossary of terms your university uses?
4.2 How many credit points and units do I need to complete?
4.3 What units are available?
4.4 Which MAAL units are required, and which elective?
4.5 Is the MAAL best done full-time or part-time?
4.6 Can I take any units I want?
4.1 Unit?, degree?, semester? Is there a glossary of terms that your university uses?
Yes; please click here for a glossary of terms.
4.2 How many credit points and units do I need to complete?
UNE's Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics) requires completion of 48 credit points to satisfy the requirement of the degree. This is normally 8 units at 6 credit points each.
4.3 What units are available?
There are 4 core units (Group 1, each worth 6 credit points):
- LING450 The Design of Language
- LING451 Issues in Applied Linguistics
- LING452 Intercultural Communication
- LING453 The English Language
There are 11 elective units (Group 2, each worth 6 credit points):
- LING460 Analysing Syntax
- LING461 Research methods and Methodologies
- LING462 Second Language Acquisition: Theory
- EDLA423 Second Language Acquisition: Applications
- EDLA419 English as a World language: challenges for NESB students and their teachers
- LING463 Bilingualism, Education and Society
- LING464 First Language Acquisition
- LING465 Applied Phonology
- LING466 Australia's Indigenous Languages
- LING467 Applied Phonetics
- LING468 Formal Phonology
There is 1 research unit (worth 12 credit points):
- LING490 Research Topic in Applied Linguistics
4.4 Which MAAL units are required, and which elective?
The Group 1 units are required (or ‘core’) units, and are either pre-requisite or co-requisite to Group 2 units. Normally, students will complete all four Group 1 units (e.g., 24 credit points) as part of their degree. Group 2 units are ‘electives’ so students will usually choose four units (e.g., 24 credit points) from these options.
Ideally, you would complete the Group 1 units before you enrol in the Group 2 units. This is possible if you are studying part-time, but not if you are studying full time. For this reason we have made most Group 1 units as co-requisites - so you can take them at the same time.
4.5 Is the MAAL best done full-time or part-time?
In Australia normally 4 units (24 credit points) per semester is a full time load, and 2 units per semester (12 credit points) is a halftime load. If you are fitting your Masters studies around work commitments, and want maximum choice of units, then we recommend that you do the MAAL part-time. If you want to take it full time, that is quite possible, but you'll have less choice available to you. It is not possible to take more than 4 units in any single semester.
4.6 Can I take any units I want?
There are some constraints. Unless you have an exemption, you must do all 4 core units (Group 1 units). For the research unit (LING490) and advanced language units, you need the permission of the MAAL Coordinator. Beyond that, you can choose whichever Group 2 units you like.