- Where you can study
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Auckland campusDistance and onlineManawatū campus (Palmerston North)
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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
Specialise in Linguistics for your Diploma in Arts at Massey
This qualification will appeal to you if you enjoy learning languages or have a curiosity about language.
Linguistics is the study of language,
- how it works
- how people use it
- how it is learnt
- and what it reveals about identity, culture, and society
Linguistics also helps you understand how language and communication work across different cultures and communities.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time you’ll take eight 15-credit courses (120 credits) in one year, or 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school.
If you later proceed to the Bachelor of Arts degree, all of the courses in your Diploma of Arts can be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts.
If you have questions, contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
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 Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate 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.
Courses you can enrol in
Courses you can enrol in
Core courses for the Diploma in Arts
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Linguistics courses
Subject courses
Course code: 172131 Language, Meaning and Communication 15 credits
This course examines how language creates meaning in communication across social and cultural contexts. We explore how language choices shape identity, relationships, persuasion, and power in everyday and professional communication. The course develops students’ ability to analyse communication across audiences, platforms, and cultural frameworks, with particular attention to intercultural communication and the linguistic dynamics of Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172133 Introduction to Language Studies 15 credits
Introductory skills of analysing language, at the level of discourse, morphology, syntax, semantics and phonology.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172232 Language and Society in New Zealand 15 credits
An introduction to sociolinguistics with particular reference to New Zealand: focussing on language and social interaction, regional and social variation in language use, bilingualism and the status of minority languages, and the sociolinguistics of te Reo Māori.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172234 Phonetics 15 credits
A study of the sounds of language and an introduction to the acoustic analysis of speech.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172235 Linguistic Analysis of the English Language 15 credits
An introductory course in linguistic analysis of the English language covering the fundamental concepts of morphology, phonetics, phonology, and syntax.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172236 Forensic Linguistics 15 credits
An introduction to forensic linguistics, focusing on how language evidence and linguistic analysis are used in real-world legal contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172237 Language, Discourse and Power 15 credits
An introduction to critical discourse analysis, exploring how language is used in the reproduction of social inequalities.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172239 Language and Culture 15 credits
An examination of the interrelationship between/of language and culture through a study of various elements of language, language use and language acquisition in a wide range of cultural contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172330 Advanced Linguistic Analysis 15 credits
An advanced course in analysing language structure using data and research from languages across the world.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172335 Language and Identity 15 credits
An advanced sociolinguistic study of how language is used to represent and construct aspects of identity relevant to particular social interactions, including the individual’s ability to negotiate multiple forms of identity and belonging.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172336 Languages of the Pacific 15 credits
An examination of the three major language subgroups spoken in the Pacific, focussing on their formal elements, the relationship between language and society, and the linguistic consequences of the encounter between Pacific peoples and speakers of non-Pacific languages.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172337 Historical and Comparative Linguistics 15 credits
An advanced study of historical language change and language relationships. The course examines reasons for and types of language change, and methods for reconstructing earlier language forms.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172339 Language Learning Processes 15 credits
An introduction to approaches and theories in language learning, including implications for learners, teachers and language professionals.
View full course detailsCourse code: 257370 Teaching Learners of English as Another Language 15 credits
A specialised study of teaching English as an additional language (EAL), focusing on strategies for facilitating effective language learning, the design of materials, and assessment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 257375 Learning English as Another Language 15 credits
A specialised study focusing on the linguistic and cultural diversity of learners of English as an additional language (EAL), language learning theories, factors affecting success, and EAL learners’ specific language learning needs.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
If you have already completed a bachelor degree
If you have already completed a bachelor degree you may replace 230111 Tū Kupu: Writing and Inquiry or 230112 Tū Arohae: Critical Thinking with courses of your choice. You will need to apply for replacement courses via a Special permission request and you will need to attach evidence of your completed degree with the request.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $7,415
- International students: $34,220
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)
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
Scholarships and awards
Search our scholarships and awardsCareers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
Linguistics develops skills in communication, critical thinking, intercultural understanding and language analysis. Graduates may pursue careers in education, media, communication, language teaching, public services and speech and language-related fields.
International students
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Related study options
Linguistics – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Upskill and use language to shape your future. Add specialist language and communication knowledge to your existing qualifications or career.
Linguistics – Bachelor of Arts
Learn about how language works and how people use it. Use that understanding to shape your future and drive positive change in your community and career.
Linguistics – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Use language to shape your career. The Graduate Diploma in Arts (Linguistics) gives you the equivalent of an undergraduate major in linguistics without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics – PGCertAppLing
Open new professional and academic opportunities through the study of language learning, multilingualism, and applied language issues in diverse global contexts.
Without Specialisation – Master of Applied Linguistics
Take your career to the next level with Massey’s Master of Applied Linguistics. Develop advanced knowledge of real-world language issues, multilingualism, and contemporary approaches to language learning and teaching.
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