Applied Linguistics

What is Applied Linguistics?

Applied Linguistics is the study of how languages are used and how they can be analyzed, learned, and best be taught.

Understanding how languages are used is crucial in understanding human behaviour as we grow, live, work and interact with each other, whether in the home, school, work, or across international boundaries, cultures and customs.

Our study programs are designed around the practical applications of language studies which will improve your understanding of how language works in a wide range of social and professional environments

Why choose a degree in Applied Linguistics?

Studying Applied Linguistics is useful for all sorts of employment, as it gives you an understanding of many aspects of human communication and provides you with skills that are easily transferrable to a wide range of areas.

Studies in Applied Linguistics equip you with the necessary knowledge, tools and understanding for working in areas of interpersonal and intercultural communication, second language learning and teaching, language assessment, education, and language-related data analysis and technologies. Being part of our applied linguistics programs allows you to:

Develop your identity as an expert in language use across first, second or multilingual language contexts
Acquire skills in designing, conducting, and communicating language-related research.
Emerge with a critical understanding of current approaches and developments in the field of language use, teaching and learning.
Apply these understandings to professional practice in areas including education, translation, editing, publishing, language data analysis and language technologies.
Become part of a global network of graduates in research, teaching, technology and administration positions.

Career Pathways

Applied linguistics majors develop skills that are highly valued by employers. These skills include:

Critical thinking and problem solving
Research skills
‘Big’ language data analysis skills, corpus linguistics
Discourse analysis of oral/written communication

Students and alumni may find employment in government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, and businesses depending on their skills and experience. Our programs can provide opportunities for virtual internships or relevant part-time jobs which may be a prerequisite to finding employment.

What transferable skills, capabilities and attributes do I develop by studying Linguistics?

An in-depth knowledge of the main aspects of the structure and function of human languages
An ability to analyze language data and solve problems relevant to language
Broadly applicable and transferrable skills in engaging critically with unfamiliar analytical problems, with the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative empirical data, and with the structural analysis of such data
Excellent understanding of the issues involved in communication across languages and cultures
Experience and skills in working collaboratively to solve problems

Undergraduate (English as an International Language)

The English as an International Language (EIL) major is designed for students from all language backgrounds wishing to deepen their understanding of the ways in which English is used in intercultural settings and increasingly globalised workplaces.

You will gain a specialisation in English that enables you to demonstrate advanced knowledge of different Englishes in the world, a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between language, culture and identity, as well as advanced cultural and linguistic knowledge critical to success in today’s globalised workforce.

You will develop your capacity to use English across a range of intercultural and multilingual settings, and to work effectively in workplaces that are multilingual, multicultural and globally interconnected. Graduates who specialise in English as an International Language will have advanced understanding and specialist skills that enable them to navigate international professional and intercultural settings.

Visit the Future Students website for further information on available courses

Postgraduate

Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics
Master of Applied Linguistics / TESOL / Language and Discourse Analysis (16 Unit, 1 year – for established language professionals)
Master of Applied Linguistics / TESOL / Language and Discourse Analysis (24 Unit, 1.5 years – for more experienced language professionals)
Master of Applied Linguistics / TESOL / Language and Discourse Analysis (32 Unit, 2 years – for novices to applied linguistics and TESOL)

Those on the Applied Linguistics stream can complete a range of courses covering the analysis of language in use, while those on the TESOL stream take a number of courses dedicated to issues in teaching English around the world. Those taking the Language and Discourse Analysis stream (from 2023) will take courses covering a range of qualitative and quantitative approaches to language in use.

These streams prepare graduates to be employable across a range of industries including education, translation, editing, publishing, language data analysis and language technologies.

Eligible students with good GPAs can complete a research dissertation on many of our graduate MA offerings. These can lead to Ph.D opportunities for students with interests in further study either at UQ or internationally.

Our postgraduate coursework programs in Applied Linguistics, TESOL and discourse analysis are quality professional development programs for Australian and International language professionals in second language teaching, learning and use.

What our graduates are doing

Dr Megan Yucel – Learning Advisor, Griffith University

What are you doing after completing your studies?

I’m a Learning Adviser at Griffith University. Having gone through the experience of doing postgraduate study part-time while working full-time as a teacher, I feel I have a lot of empathy for the students that I assist, and helpful insights to share. Writing a PhD really enhanced my academic writing skills and so now I’m able to pass on the tips that I learned. I also work as a freelance test writer and curriculum consultant.

How did the Master of Applied Linguistics help you in your career?

My studies in applied linguistics and specifically in the area of second language assessment have been enormously beneficial and have complemented the work that I do. For example, while at UQ’s ICTE, I co-authored and moderated an edX MOOC, IELTS Academic Preparation, which has had almost a million enrolments and is one of the 50 most popular MOOCs of all time. With this course, I was able to combine my theoretical knowledge and expertise with practical tips and strategies that provided real benefits to students who may not otherwise have been able to study abroad or afford an expensive IELTS preparation course. In addition to the professional achievement on my part, I’m proud that I was able to assist students in a practical way.

What advice would you have for future students thinking about studying Applied Linguistics at UQ?

My advice is that studying should be a lifelong exercise and that deciding to do postgraduate studies has benefits that go beyond the specific knowledge that you gain in your chosen field of study. The abilities to think critically, analyse, problem-solve, and express your ideas logically and fluently are just some of the skills that you will develop. The thing I love about Applied Linguistics is that it is a diverse field and there are many opportunities to use your knowledge and skills. To give an example from an area that I work in, skilled item writers are highly sought after. So I would definitely recommend giving it a go!

Nguyen Thi Hong Nhat – University lecturer & TESOL teacher in Vietnam

Why did you choose to study a Master of Applied Linguistics at UQ?

The field of study I chose is so much related to my work as a university lecturer and TESOL teacher in Vietnam and UQ is a very high-ranking institution which offers a comprehensive Master program of Applied Linguistics (TESOL).

If you have graduated, how did the Master of Applied Linguistics help you in your career?

The program gave me a strong foundation to do research and to teach English.

Wanhua Ma - Education Consultant for international firm

Since graduating, Wanhua has been working as an Education Consultant for an international student education consultancy firm in Australia. The company focuses on assisting international students with their study plans and visas in Australia, as well as providing English courses for academic and general purposes before their course commencement.

"My experience in the Applied Linguistics program has taught me valuable lessons on understanding the needs of English as a second language learners and obstacles they may come across.

"The multicultural and diverse learning environment of the programme has helped me developing important skills to communicate with people of different cultural and ethnicity backgrounds, which is essential for my everyday work.

"My degree has opened doors for me because being an UQ graduate, employers recognise that I am trained by world leading experts in the field and are equipped with solid yet practical expertise on language education."

In the future, Wanhua hopes to continue working in the field of international student education, help students achieve their study goals, as well as help English as a second language learners with their language learning.

Wanhua has a Masters in Applied Linguistics from The University of Queensland.

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