Linguistics
Linguistics is not taught in schools, so no specific background is needed. Some knowledge of a language or languages other than English is desirable but not essential. Check out Linguistics study options at UC.
The Certificate in Arts (CertArts) is designed for you if you want to study at university level without having to commit to several years of study. It is also an option if you want to take a few courses for interest or study part-time.
Studying a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics you will acquire knowledge of the structure, functions and contexts of use of English. You will also learn about the sound systems and grammatical systems of English, and how English varies in different historical, geographical and social contexts.
Linguistics provides a foundation for careers which require advanced communication skills and/or a detailed understanding of how English works, such as teaching, management, marketing, the media, and publishing.
Find out more about structuring your major in Linguistics, or read about our BA specialisation in Language, Brain and Behaviour.
The Graduate Diploma in Arts offers people who hold a bachelors degree in a major in an unrelated area the opportunity to study arts in-depth. It allows graduates seeking to qualify for entry to postgraduate qualifications in arts to change career direction, or to extend or upgrade their existing qualifications, choosing from over 30 subjects.
Find out more about the Graduate Diploma in Arts on our Qualifications webpages or contact a staff member for advice.
Honours is intended for people who already have a bachelor’s degree with a major in Linguistics. It is an extension of undergraduate study and an introduction to more advanced research. It is a taught programme with a research focus. You will discuss the latest research in the field, and take classes focusing on research design and methodology, leading to a supervised individual research project on a topic of your choice (LING480: Research Essay).
Find out more about Honours in Linguistics.
If you have questions about Honours in Linguistics please contact the Linguistics Subject Coordinator.
Master of Linguistics (MLING)
The Master of Linguistics (MLING) is for people who already have a bachelor’s degree with a major in Linguistics (or who have a bachelor’s degree in a different subject and who have completed a qualifying paper in Linguistics). The MLING is a one-year qualification in which students extend their undergraduate study and carry out a substantial research project. The MLING is 1 year full-time. Part-time study is also available.
Find out more about the Master of Linguistics.
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts (Thesis) in Linguistics is for people who already have BA (Honours) in Linguistics. Students carry out a substantial research project with guidance from a supervisor. There are no taught courses on this programme. The MA (Thesis) in Linguistics is 1-2 years full-time. Candidates can start at any time throughout the year.
Find out more about the Master of Arts (Thesis).
Identifying a thesis topic
Masters and PhD thesis candidates should contact the department and identify a thesis topic in consultation with the prospective supervisor.
Browse theses from past Linguistics students in the UC Research Repository
A number of scholarships are available to students of Linguistics.
Please visit the UC Scholarships homepage to search the scholarships database and to find the support you're eligible for.
Other sources of funding
The New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour occasionally has PhD scholarship vacancies. Check the NZILBB website for further details.
More information
- See the Subject page for more details about studying Linguistics.
- See the Subject page for more details about studying Computational Linguistics.
