- Type of qualification
- Postgraduate certificate
- 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
-
6 months full-time (60 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.
- Not open to international students
Study a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics – PGCertAppLing
The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics provides focused postgraduate study in language learning, multilingualism and contemporary language use. The qualification combines applied linguistics theory with professional practice across areas such as language teaching, intercultural communication, multilingual education and language policy.
The qualification is suitable for professionals working in language-related fields, including TESOL, and provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate study in applied linguistics.
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.
A PGCertAppLing is a good fit if you:
- are interested in language learning, multilingualism and language use in diverse societies
- work in language teaching, TESOL, multilingual communities or other language-related fields
- want to deepen your understanding of language, culture, communication, and learning
- are interested in areas such as multilingual education, intercultural communication, or language policy
- want to develop postgraduate knowledge and professional skills in applied linguistics.
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 Certificate in Applied Linguistics you will have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree, or equivalent.
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's English language competency requirements.
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 some undergraduate and all 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.
More information
- 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.
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 Certificate in Applied Linguistics
Structure of the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics
If you study full-time you’ll take 60 credits in 1 semester.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics is only available without specialisation (endorsement).
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.
60 credits
- Courses from the Schedule – 60 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: $5,326
- International students: Not applicable
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 (60 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 $582 for on-campus students and $474 for distance students for full-time study (60 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. Students who are eligible for final-year fees free can normally receive up to 120 credits of fees free. However, if you choose to study this certificate you will only receive up to 60 credits fees free. You will not be able to claim the remaining 60 credits of fees free for future qualifications. For further information see the Inland Revenue website.
Scholarships and awards
Find more scholarships and awardsCareers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics supports professional development in language-related fields and multilingual contexts.
Graduates apply their knowledge in areas including:
- TESOL and language education
- multilingual and intercultural communication
- online and distance language learning
- community and migrant support services
- communication and engagement in multilingual settings
- 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 can also provide a pathway into further postgraduate study in applied linguistics and TESOL.
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 – Diploma in Arts
Explore how language works and how it shapes communication, culture and human connection across diverse communities.
Linguistics – Bachelor of Communication
If you love language and want to broaden your career options in communication, the Bachelor of Communication (Linguistics) offers the best of both worlds.
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.
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.
Related content
