Master of Applied Linguistics

UNE's Master of Applied Linguistics (MAAL) degree provides a professional qualification for those working in language teaching, language program management, TESOL, social services, health, education and the law, as well as those who work with linguistic and cultural minorities.

Course Aims

The aim of the course is to provide relevant learning in the field of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics. Students who complete the course will acquire a solid knowledge base in this field and be equipped to use it in a diverse range of professional, academic and community contexts, but especially in language teaching.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts used in contemporary linguistics and applied linguistics; demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the theory and practice of linguistics and applied linguistics; demonstrate the cognitive, technical and creative skills to review critically, generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts in applied linguistics at an abstract level; demonstrate the communicative and technical research skills required to interpret and explain applied linguistic theoretical issues and their professional implications to specialist and non-specialist audiences and to design and implement applied linguistics research projects that contribute to professional practice; apply their knowledge and skills with creativity and initiative with high-level personal autonomy and responsibility; and apply their knowledge and skills by planning and implementing an applied linguistics research project.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will be able to analyse complex 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. One of the core units in the degree is specifically concerned with intercultural communication. Communication Skills Graduates will be able to communicate effectively in the substantive area of linguistics, and in particular, will hone their online communication skills and their written skills through assessment tasks such as essays. Problem Solving Many of the units in the degree concentrate heavily on the analysis of language data. Graduates will thereby develop high-level capabilities in solving problems and in applying logical, critical 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 life-long learning through being exposed to a wide range of issues in human languages and societies. Independence and Collaboration Graduates will be encouraged to learn and work independently. Graduates, where appropriate, will have the opportunity to work collaboratively online to collectively solve problems in some MAAL units. Students in all units will be engaged in collective discussions online geared towards group learning.