Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Applied Linguistics at CDU is a postgraduate degree that prepares you for analysis, evaluation, and application of linguistic understandings to language, its use, and its role in various contexts. You will build theoretical foundations in applied linguistics for developing knowledge and awareness in the field that targets developments in practice and research. The focus of the program is on contextualised evaluation of language, which can be applied to theoretical analysis or contribute to the continuing professional development of linguists, language teachers, TESOL practitioners, and education policy makers. You will explore content incorporating aspects that can be applied to local, regional and global contexts, and offer directed engagement with First Nations, Australian, Asian and global content and perspectives. Study opportunities exist on-campus or online, in full-time or part-time study modes. You may personalise your course by completing a capstone research project in an area of interest that is complemented by additional coursework electives. Areas of focus across the course include Indigenous languages, linguistic analysis and documentation, language teaching and testing, and sociolinguistics. All areas are represented in coursework components, and in pursuing a capstone research project, you will have access to an expert research supervisor, who will guide you in the research journey.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Danala - Education and Community Precinct, Charles Darwin University, Darwin NT, Australia

54-58 Cavenagh Street, DARWIN CITY, NT 0800

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree, or equivalent international qualification.
International entry pathway: Applicants who have completed the CDU Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP2, ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.
English Language Requirements (Domestic students) — one of the following:
- Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (if from extended list, must be within past five years).
- Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5 FTE (40 credit points).
- Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia.
- Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse (must be current at time of course commencement).
- Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting minimum scores:
  - IELTS Academic: Overall minimum 6.5, no band below 6.0
  - Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): Overall minimum 176, no skill below 169
  - PTE Academic: Overall minimum 58, no score below 50
  - TOEFL: Overall minimum 79, minimum writing score 21
  - CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes: Successful completion of EAP004

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in fields concerned with applied linguistics, language education, policy making, and professional domains where language, its use and role are a priority. Graduates may also be provided with pathways for further study at the PhD level through research preparation.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

AITSL (for teaching pathway) / NEAS (for ELICOS)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AITSL / VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units22 units

IAS570

Diversity in First Nations Languages

Core unit covering linguistic diversity in First Nations languages.

TES501

Research Methods in Applied Linguistics

Core unit covering research methodologies in applied linguistics.

TES504

Understanding Language Acquisition

Core unit covering second language acquisition.

TES507

Global Englishes in Context

Core unit covering global Englishes.

TES503

Applied Language Teaching Methodologies

Specialist elective unit.

TES506

Language Testing and Evaluation

Specialist elective unit.

IAS568

Sounds and Sound Systems: Phonetics and Phonology

Specialist elective unit.

IAS569

Word and Sentence Structure: Morphology and Syntax

Specialist elective unit.

TES502

Language, Meaning and Learning

Specialist elective unit.

TES505

Intercultural Communication

Specialist elective unit.

IAS510

Language, Crime and the Law: Forensic Linguistics

Specialist elective unit.

IAS522

Indigenous Research Methodologies

Specialist elective unit.

IAS538

Challenging Educational Paradigm

Specialist elective unit.

IAS541

Yolngu Languages and Culture 1

Specialist elective unit.

IAS542

Yolngu Languages and Culture 2

Specialist elective unit.

IAS543

Yolngu Literature

Specialist elective unit.

IAS563

Language Policy and Planning for Revitalisation and Maintenance

Specialist elective unit.

IAS565

Meaning in Language and Context: Semantics and Pragmatics

Specialist elective unit.

EIE501

Inclusive Education, Policies and Practice

Specialist elective unit.

TES600

Project in Applied Linguistics

Capstone option — 20 credit points.

TES808

Thesis in Applied Linguistics 1

Research option — 20 credit points (part 1 of thesis).

TES809

Thesis in Applied Linguistics 2

Research option — 20 credit points (part 2 of thesis).

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study the Master of Applied Linguistics online?

Yes, study opportunities exist both on-campus at the Danala - Education and Community Precinct and online, and you can choose to study in either full-time or part-time mode.

What are the two pathways available within the course?

Students can choose either a Coursework Stream or a Research Stream. The Coursework Stream includes a capstone project (TES600 Project in Applied Linguistics, 20 cp), while the Research Stream requires completion of a thesis (TES808 Thesis in Applied Linguistics 1 and TES809 Thesis in Applied Linguistics 2, totalling 40 cp). The specific pathway is to be determined in consultation with the course coordinator.

How much does the Master of Applied Linguistics cost for international students?

The annual tuition fee for full-time study in 2026 is AUD $37,672.00, which equates to $4,709.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL). These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

What are the core units I must complete in this course?

All students must complete four compulsory core units totalling 40 credit points: IAS570 Diversity in First Nations Languages, TES501 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, TES504 Understanding Language Acquisition, and TES507 Global Englishes in Context.

What career opportunities are available after graduating from this course?

Application

How to Apply

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Step 01

Enquire

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Step 02

Submit Documents

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Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $110,000 per year

Career Paths

English Language Teacher (ELICOS / EAP / EFL)TESOL Teacher (Primary, Secondary, or Adult Education)EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) TeacherLanguage Program CoordinatorCurriculum Developer / Designer

Key Skills

Second language acquisition theory and applicationLanguage teaching methodology and pedagogyCurriculum and syllabus design for language programsLanguage assessment and test developmentDiscourse and text analysis

Full Course Overview

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Master of Applied Linguistics

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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