Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or above (or overseas equivalent).
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or above (or overseas equivalent). English language requirements must also be met.
- Up to 2 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2027 | Trimester 2 – June 2027 | Trimester 3 – October 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Applied linguistics explores how language shapes communication, learning, and social interaction in our increasingly globalised world. The ability to understand and work with linguistic and cultural diversity is now essential across education, business, health, social services, and law. Demand is growing for professionals who can apply advanced language and communication skills in these diverse contexts.
Our Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics is a flexible, globally relevant qualification that can be completed fully online from anywhere in the world. Tailor your learning to focus on general linguistics, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), or intercultural communication for business and services, preparing you for advanced roles or further study in applied linguistics.
Why study the Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics at UNE?
At UNE, you benefit from a flexible, fully online program designed to fit around your work and family commitments. Our interactive, multimedia-rich learning environment fosters engagement and collaboration, while our global cohort brings a wealth of perspectives to your studies. You’ll be supported by expert lecturers and have the freedom to customise your qualification to suit your career goals.
You can choose from a range of units covering language acquisition, language in education, Australia's Indigenous languages, language and the law, and intercultural communication. The TESOL stream includes a professional practicum, giving you valuable hands-on experience.
UNE is a leader in flexible, high-quality education and is consistently awarded 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide. When you study with us, you can be confident you’ll receive outstanding teaching, personalised support, and the flexibility to balance study with your life.
What makes our course different?
UNE’s Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics stands out for its flexibility, global reach, and practical focus. As you progress through the course, you’ll benefit from a range of unique features designed to support your professional growth and open up new opportunities in language-related fields, and you can:
- Study fully online from anywhere in the world, with flexible part-time options to fit your lifestyle and existing commitments.
- Enter without prior linguistics study. This course is open to bachelor graduates from any discipline.
- Join a global classroom and connect with students and lecturers from over 30 countries.
- Tailor your qualification by focusing on units in general linguistics, TESOL (with practicum), or intercultural communication for business and services.
- Build a pathway to further study. Upon completion, you'll be eligible to enter our Master of Applied Linguistics with advanced standing (credit), further expanding your expertise and career opportunities.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
You can apply for this course if you have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) or above in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
If you are admitted to this course, you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for previously completed research.
You can apply for this course if you have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) or above in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
If you are admitted to this course, you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for previously completed research.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points at 400 level or above.
12 credit points
Complete the following units:- Introduction to Linguistics (LING401) – 6 credit points
- Foundations of Linguistics (LING402) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Linguistics-informed Teaching (EDLA410) – 6 credit points
- Second Language Acquisition: Research into Practice (EDLA523) – 6 credit points
- TESOL I (EDLI502) – 6 credit points
- TESOL II: PrEx 60 hours (EDLI504) – 6 credit points
- TESOL IIA: PrEx 60 hours (Observed) (EDLI505) – 6 credit points
- Language Acquisition (LING504) – 6 credit points
- Meaning in Language (LING505) – 6 credit points
- Language and the Law (LING544) – 6 credit points
- Intercultural Communication (LING552) – 6 credit points
- The English Language (LING553) – 6 credit points
- Research Methods in Applied Linguistics (LING561) – 6 credit points
- Phonetics and Phonology (LING565) – 6 credit points
- Australia's Indigenous Languages (LING566) – 6 credit points
- Applied Linguistics Research Practice (LING567) – 6 credit points
- Morphology and Syntax (LING569) – 6 credit points
- Sociolinguistics and Language Ecology (LING571) – 6 credit points
- Multilingual Approaches to TESOL (LING572) – 6 credit points
- Writing Systems of the World (LING581) – 6 credit points
- Work Integrated Learning - Professional Skills Development (WORK500) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee (no government subsidy) | $13,752* |
| International | $18,576* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $4,920* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $384 |
* Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2025. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Language teaching, publishing, consulting for advertising agencies, foreign affairs, government intelligence or security agencies, interpreting and translating business and journalism, working with ethnic or linguistic minorities, training actors in other dialects or languages, lexicography (consulting on the development of dictionaries), forensic analysis of speech or writing.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts used in contemporary linguistics and applied linguistics;
- demonstrate advanced cognitive and creative skills to analyse critically and generate ideas and concepts in applied linguistics;
- demonstrate advanced communicative skills required to explain theoretical issues in applied linguistics and their professional implications to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
- apply their advanced knowledge and skills with autonomy well-developed judgement and responsibility.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will be able to analyse basic problems and issues in linguistics, using methodology and discourse appropriate to the discipline. Graduates will be encouraged to develop a global perspective and intercultural competence in their professional lives. Linguistics is by its nature oriented globally, because of its primary concern with human languages.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will be able to communicate effectively in the basic area of linguistics, and in particular, will hone their online communication skills and their written skills through assessment tasks such as essays.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will develop some basic capabilities in solving problems and in applying logical and creative thinking to a range of linguistic issues.
- Information Literacy
Being a fully online degree, graduates will have developed competencies in information literacy at levels acceptable in linguistics and appropriate for the University level.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
The nature of study in linguistics prepares graduates to be committed to ethical action and social responsibility.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will be prepared for lifelong learning through being exposed to a range of issues in human languages and societies.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will be encouraged to learn and work independently. Graduates, where appropriate, will work collaboratively online to collectively solve problems in some units. Students in all units will be engaged in collective discussions online geared towards group learning.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026 Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026 Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate) Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Why study with us?
UNE provides an excellent learning experience, and a wide range of social and student services. It is a perfect place to experience diverse culture, seasons and lifestyle!
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 12 February 2027 | 22 February 2027 |
| Trimester 2 | 11 June 2027 | 21 June 2027 |
