- Type of qualification
- Postgraduate diploma
- Level of study
-
Postgraduate study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
NZQF level 8Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
- Time to complete
-
1 year full-time (120 credits)Part-time available
- Where you can study
-
Distance and onlineManawatū campus (Palmerston North)
-
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying on-line outside New Zealand
Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics – PGDipAppLing
The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics provides advanced study in language learning, multilingualism, and real-world language issues. The qualification combines applied linguistics theory with professional practice across areas such as language teaching, discourse analysis, intercultural communication, multilingual education, and language policy.
Language in a changing world
You’ll use theories, methods, and problem-based approaches to explore language use, learning, and teaching in diverse, digitally connected contexts.
Learn from the experts
Our lecturers are internationally recognised researchers with expertise across a wide range of applied linguistics fields, including multilingualism, language learning and teaching, intercultural communication, discourse analysis, digital language learning, and language policy.
You’ll learn from experienced educators and researchers working on real-world language issues in New Zealand and internationally, including:
- multilingualism
- heritage language learning
- mother tongue maintenance
- online language learning communities
- digital and distance language learning
- intercultural experiences of international students and educators
- language learning and emotion
- oral proficiency and language assessment
- discourse analysis
- multilingual education.
Further study
If you want to take on the challenge of master’s study, you can apply for a Master of Applied Linguistics.
A PGDipAppLing is a good fit if you:
- are interested in language learning, multilingualism and real-world language issues
- work in language teaching, TESOL, multilingual communities, or other language-related fields
- want to deepen your understanding of language, culture, learning, and society
- are interested in areas such as multilingual education, discourse analysis, language policy, or intercultural communication
- want to develop advanced professional and academic skills in applied linguistics or are considering further postgraduate study in applied linguistics or TESOL.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics you will have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics
Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Courses and specialisations
Courses and specialisations
Credit summary
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
120 credits
- Courses from the Schedule – 120 credits
Course code: 272702 Second Language Learning Theories and Processes 30 credits
A critical examination of theoretical perspectives accounting for second language learning processes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 272703 Contemporary Approaches to Language Teaching Methodology 30 credits
A critical survey of different approaches and methods used to develop language skills.
View full course detailsCourse code: 272704 Contextualising Curriculum and Materials Design 30 credits
A study of the principles, practice and contextualised nature of curriculum and materials design.
View full course detailsCourse code: 272705 Advanced TESOL for diverse learners and contexts 30 credits
An advanced and critical survey of current trends, policy, theory, and practice for diverse learners and contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 272706 Discourse Analysis 30 credits
An advanced exploration of key theoretical and analytical frameworks in discourse analysis and how to apply these to empirical data in a range of discourse genres.
View full course detailsCourse code: 272707 Language Documentation 30 credits
A practical introduction to language documentation to support language community goals, foregrounding the ethical responsibilities of researchers, while critically reflecting on how language documentation outcomes are communicated to community, academic and general audiences.
View full course detailsCourse code: 272715 Current Issues in Applied Linguistics 30 credits
A critical examination of current issues in applied linguistics research from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $10,652
- International students: $38,840
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Scholarships and awards
Find more scholarships and awardsCareers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics prepares you for professional roles in language, multilingualism, and applied language-related fields.
Graduates work in areas including:
- TESOL and language education
- multilingual and intercultural communication
- curriculum support and assessment
- online and distance language learning
- migrant and refugee support services
- communication and community engagement
- language-related roles in education, government, and community organisations.
The qualification is particularly valuable for professionals working in culturally and linguistically diverse contexts in New Zealand and internationally. It also provides a pathway into further postgraduate study in applied linguistics and TESOL.
Related study options
Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as an Additional Language – GradCertTEAL
Are you a teacher with English as an additional language learners in your class? Do you want to gain further knowledge in this area? Join Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as an Additional Language.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – Master of Applied Linguistics
Develop advanced TESOL knowledge, professional expertise, and research skills for multilingual classrooms and global educational contexts.
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