The Master of Applied Linguistics program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to understand the processes of language learning and development, to develop theoretically motivated language teaching curricula, and to improve their effectiveness as teachers of English as a second or foreign language, or more generally to further their understanding of the way in which language affects and is affected by the social and cultural environment. The program combines theoretical perspectives with empirical studies and practical applications, and provides the opportunity for practical experience of classroom and individual teaching.

The Master of Applied Linguistics may be taken in the following specialisations or as a non-specialised award:

• TESL/TEFL
• Translation Studies(not available to new students in 2010)

The NSW Department of Education & Training has approved the award with the TESL/TEFL specialisation for English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching in NSW government schools by candidates with relevant educational qualifications. The sequence of courses relating to the Translation Studies specialisation is not accredited by NAATI.

The University of Newcastle has now an established reputation, nationally and internationally, as a provider of very high-quality postgraduate coursework programs in Applied Linguistics. These programs have now been in operation for over eight years, with a continuously increasing number of participating students. Our students report very high levels of satisfaction with both the Applied Linguistics Program itself and the employment opportunities that the Award offers upon graduation. International students find Newcastle a very safe and friendly environment for their University studies.

Teaching English as a second language; research in applied linguistics;

Admission to the Applied Linguistics program requires prior completion of a Bachelor degree in a related course area or equivalent recognised prior learning. ("Related course areas" include Education, English, Languages, Linguistics, Psychology, and Speech Pathology.)

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/campaigns/postgrad/how-to-apply.html for information on how to gain entry.

Completion of a Bachelor degree in a related course area or equivalent recognised prior learning. ("Related course areas" include Education, English, Languages, Linguistics, Psychology, Speech Pathology.)

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program go to https://intraweb.newcastle.edu.au/catso/pages/credittransferhome.aspx to apply online.

Students who have completed relevant studies may apply for up to 40 units of credit toward the Master of Applied Linguistics.

The Master of Applied Linguistics shall be awarded with Merit where students achieve a Grade Point Average of 6.0 or above.

EDUC6024 TESOL Practicum (a core requirement for the TESL/TEFL specialisation) involves up to 200 hours of placement in an appropriate educational setting (school, TAFE, ELICOS, etc.)

The NSW Department of Education and Training has approved the award with the TESL/TEFL specialisation for English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching in NSW government schools by candidates with relevant educational qualifications. The sequence of courses relating to the Translation Studies specialisation is not accredited by NAATI.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/ctl/lsp/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

The program can be undertaken on campus or through distance learning. Most of the courses within the program are facilitated by online learning through Blackboard. Not all courses are offered in each semester.

The Masters program consists of 80 units of coursework. Most courses are available by distance mode for external students.