Entry requirements

Applicants for this degree need to have either:

• a bachelor’s degree with a major in Linguistics, with at least a B+ Grade Point Average in 60 points in Linguistics at 300-level; or
• any bachelor’s degree, and a Graduate Diploma in Arts in Linguistics, with at least a B+ Grade Point Average in 60 points in Linguistics at 300-level; or
• a bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Computer Science, a language, or a different major approved by the Head of Department of Linguistics, with at least a B+ Grade Point Average in 60 points of 300-level courses in the majoring subject, and achieved at least a B+ in LING400 English Structures (a distance-learning course which runs over the summer); or
• other approved qualifications of an equivalent standard.

In addition, all students must be approved to enrol.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Linguistics or use the admission requirements checker.

You can apply online at myUC.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Subjects and courses

You can choose from either:

• 90 points from 400 or 600-level Linguistics courses (excluding LING400 and LING480)

OR

• 60 points from 400 or 600-level Linguistics courses
• 30 points from these options

It is recommended you take no more than two taught courses in a given semester.

All students also complete the thesis course LING691 MLing Thesis.

Further study

You can go on to study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Linguistics.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Master in Linguistics will be highly trained in the theories and contemporary methodologies of Linguistics and skillful in a range of complementary analytical, critical, and linguistic skills.

These will include an understanding of:

• the internal structure of language and languages, including knowledge of phonetics, phonology, and syntax
• the relationship between English and other languages, including te reo Māori
• key geographical and social determinants of variation in language
• the role of language in constructing individual and group identities
• how language produces and reflects cultural change and difference.

• Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
• Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
• For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
• Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
• Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.