Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – Master of Applied Linguistics

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

All courses are 30 credits each unless otherwise indicated.

The Master of Linguistics is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part before moving to the second, etc.

Coursework pathway

At least a B grade average is required in the Part One courses (120 credits) for progression to Part Two - Coursework Pathway

Research pathway

At least a B+ grade average is required in the first 60 credits of courses completed in Part One for progression to Part Two - Research Pathway

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 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.

Core courses for the Master of Applied Linguistics

As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.

Master of Applied Linguistics core courses

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

To enter the Master of Applied Linguistics (Teaching English to Speakers of Other languages) you will:

• have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor degree with at least a B grade average across the 200-300 level courses, and
• have completed relevant teaching and related experience approved by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as appropriate for entry, or
• have been awarded or qualified for a postgraduate diploma in second language teaching or a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics, or equivalent, with at least a B+ grade average for entry to the Research Pathway, or at least a B grade average for entry to the Coursework Pathway.

If you have a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification in accordance with the limits specified in the Recognition of Prior Learning.

You will need to provide:

• copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
• a copy of your CV (Curriculum Vitae) containing details of teaching and related work experience.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

• Massey University English language requirements

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

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.

• Course search

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.

• StudyLink
• Fees Free – Inland Revenue

Scholarships and awards

A Master of Applied Linguistics (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) prepares you for advanced professional and research roles in TESOL, language education, and multilingual learning environments.

Graduates work nationally and internationally in areas including:

• TESOL and English language education
• curriculum and assessment design
• multilingual and intercultural education
• teacher education and professional development
• online and distance language learning
• educational leadership and language policy
• research and consultancy
• international education
• migrant and refugee education support
• communication and community engagement in multilingual settings

The qualification is particularly valuable for educators and language professionals working in culturally and linguistically diverse contexts in New Zealand and internationally.

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers throughout the tertiary and education sectors, and hold positions of responsibility in institutions including:

• Auckland University of Technology
• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Canterbury
• Massey University
• IPU New Zealand Tertiary Institute
• universities in Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific, including Danang University (Vietnam), Naresuan University (Thailand), American University of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates), University of Putra Malaysia, and the University of South Australia.

New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated 5 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 3 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.

• Find out more about life as an international student at Massey, applying to Massey and getting help.
• Entry requirements for international students.