phd in applied linguistics university of auckland

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School of Cultures, Languages and Linguistics - Te Pokapū Ahurea, Reo, Wete Reo, Rerekē

The School of Cultures, Languages and Linguistics is the home of Applied Language Studies and Linguistics, Cultures and Languages, Intercultural Programmes, and Translation and Interpreting.

Disciplines

Find out about courses for students who speak English as an additional language.

We specialise in Applied Linguistics, Language Teaching and TESOL.

Asian Studies is home to New Zealand’s largest group of specialists on Asia.

We are the largest group of China specialists in New Zealand, with research and teaching emphasising modern Chinese language and contemporary developments.

Comparative Literature is the study of literature across national and cultural boundaries, chronological periods and disciplines.

We take an interdisciplinary approach to studying Europe.

Our teaching and research activities include the culture, history and literature of France as well as the French language.

We study German and Russian language, culture, history and literature.

Staff specialising in key areas of Italian culture offer one of the most comprehensive Italian programmes in Australasia.

Our teaching and research aims to further a critical understanding of Japanese language and culture from a range of disciplinary perspectives.

We are the only New Zealand university to offer a comprehensive programme in Korean language and culture.

We are home to New Zealand's top ranked Linguistics programme in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018.

We specialise in the language, culture, society, history, literature, politics, film and music of Spain and Latin America.

Programmes blend theory with practice and emphasise the professional reality of translation in New Zealand.

Key information

We are one of the top 100 schools in the world for languages and linguistics.

Contact the Head of School, undergraduate and postgraduate advisers and administrative staff.

Where to get help and advice in the School of Cultures, Languages and Linguistics.

Forms for Cultures, Languages and Linguistics students.

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Scholarships and awards that can fund your study.

What's going on in the School of Cultures, Languages and Linguistics.

Our graduates talk about their careers.

The Faculty of Arts includes specialist and cross-disciplinary research centres.

If you are looking for study that's adventurous, take part in an exchange or study abroad.

• Academic English Studies
• Academic English Studies and Linguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Asian Studies
• Comparative Literature
• English Writing
• European Studies
• Language Teaching and Learning
• Languages and Literature
• Latin American Studies
• Linguistics
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• Translation Studies

Prospectuses and handbooks

Postgraduate scholarships

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Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics

This course is available

Level of Study

Doctoral Degree

Next start date

Expected Jul 2024

University of Auckland

The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years.

This course is also offered at overseas locations.

Linguistics is the study of language as a human activity. Our capacity for language sets us apart from other species, and is an important part of our national and ethnic identities.

Linguistics explores how we combine words into phrases and sentences, how we convey social information and social goals, how language changes, how children learn language, and even how we understand what is meant but has not been said.

Where can Linguistics take you?

Linguistics can prepare you for a career in language education, speech and language therapy, journalism, broadcasting, advertising, marketing, artificial intelligence, machine translation, speech synthesis and recognition and forensic linguistics.

We welcome PhD research proposals in areas such as:

• Pragmatics-syntax interface
• Phonetics and phonology
• Language documentation
• Theoretical syntax
• Comparative syntax
• Syntax-semantics interface
• Linguistics fieldwork
• Austronesian languages
• Papuan languages
• Indo-Aryan languages

Programme structure

The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.

On possible to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal. After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process includes an oral exam.

As part of your PhD study, you can take part in our doctoral skills programme, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor, and our library service includes specialist subject librarians to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.

Where could this programme take you?

Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own startup.

Entry criteria

Masters-level qualification or the equivalent of a bachelors degree with honours

Evidence of significant research, usually undertaken as part of prior study

English language requirements

• IELTS (Academic) - Overall score of 6.5 and no bands below 6.0
• Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21
• Paper-based TOEFL - Overall score of 68 and a writing score of 21
• C1 Advanced (previously - Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) - Overall score of 176 and no bands below 169
• C2 Proficiency (previously - Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)) - Overall score of 176 and no bands below 169
• University of Auckland Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP) - Grade of B-
• University of Auckland English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies (EPPS) - Grade of B-
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 and no PTE Communicative score below 50
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) - 85
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) - ISE III with a pass in all 4 components
• LanguageCert - International ESOL - C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill
• AEMG English for Academic Purposes Direct Entry Program (AEAP DEP) Final Exam - Overall score of 70% with no section below 65%
• English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment - Assessment Level 3 overall and no skill below Level 2

Studying in NZ

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Jason Brown Profile page

• Associate Professor Applied Language Studies and Linguistics
• Assoc Dean Academic Operations Administration
• [email protected]
• ARTS 2 - Bldg 207, 18 SYMONDS ST, AUCKLAND CENTRAL, AUCKLAND, 1010, New Zealand
• Apply To Study

Jason Brown is an Associate Professor in Linguistics, specialising in phonology and the languages of the Pacific.

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND APPOINTMENTS

• Associate Professor Faculty of Arts, Applied Language Studies and Linguistics, New Zealand
• Assoc Dean Academic Faculty of Arts, Operations Administration, New Zealand

• PhD University of British Columbia, Canada

FACULTY / INSTITUTE

• Faculty of Arts

GRADUATE SUPERVISION

• PhD/Doctoral Accredited Supervisor

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

• Available for media enquiries

FIELDS OF RESEARCH

• Linguistic structures (incl. phonology, morphology and syntax)
• Language documentation and description
• Pacific Peoples linguistics and languages

Applied Linguistics

• Linguistics
• Translation and Interpreting
• English as an International Language

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 Linguistic s, 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

"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.

Research Postgraduate

Our Applied Linguistics team are happy to invite new Ph.D students to study with us on a range of contemporary topics in applied linguistics and TESOL, including: 

Language teaching and learning in languages other than English 

Discourse analysis 

Pragmatics 

Corpus linguistics / language data analysis 

Language assessment 

Language technologies 

School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies Te Kura Tātari Reo

Phd in linguistics/ applied linguistics.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an advanced research degree requiring the presentation of a thesis after an extended period of research. Candidates are expected to study for the degree on a full-time basis where possible. You can also be accepted as a part-time candidate, provided that you are able to devote adequate time to the research in addition to your other commitments.

Full-time students must be enrolled for a minimum of three years, although it is not uncommon to take four to complete your thesis. Part-time students must be enrolled for a minimum of six years.

Entry requirements

For the PhD in Linguistics you normally need a Bachelor of Arts with Honours degree with first or upper second-class Honours in Linguistics or a Master's degree in Linguistics, with a good academic record.

For the PhD in Applied Linguistics you normally need a good record of postgraduate study in TESOL or Applied Linguistics, with qualifications such as the DipTESOL and/or a Master's degree. In addition, you should have a significant amount of experience in language education or another field that is relevant to your proposed research area.

You will be asked to name two referees who can evaluate your suitability as a doctoral candidate. Another important consideration is whether you have formulated an acceptable research topic which can be supervised within the School.

Check our University's English Language Requirements . In addition, successful applicants to the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies typically have an IELTS score for writing of 7.0 or more.

Off campus study

Despite the expectation that you will study in Wellington, it may be necessary for you to conduct some of your research away from the University. You must seek approval from your School Research Committee for research absences. You can read more about attendance and changes to your enrolment on the Faculty of Graduate Research page. It is also a requirement to keep in regular contact with your supervisors while away from the University and report on your research at agreed intervals.

Research areas

The academic staff of the School include scholars of international standing in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, who can collectively supervise research on a wide range of topics. Several of them have externally funded research projects. You can find out more about their individual interests and research activities on the Staff page and on the Research pages.

Current and past research students and their topics are listed on the Research Students page.

Applying for admission

The application and admissions process is managed by the Scholarships and Doctoral Admissions Office. The online application process for our PhD programme combines admissions with applications for Victoria Doctoral Scholarships.

Find out how to apply here. If you have any questions about the application please email the Doctoral Admissions staff.

There are three deadlines for all PhD applications to be considered. The dates are 1 March, 1 July and 1 November. Students may complete an application form and speak with prospective supervisors prior to the deadline, but their application must be submitted through the Scholarships and Doctoral Admissions Office and formal acceptance into the programme will be made after the deadline.

The Faculty of Graduate Research

For further information about doctoral study such as enrolment, the length of the degree, the PhD thesis, supervision, annual registration, assessment and examination go to the Faculty of Graduate Research website .

APPLE Lecture 2024

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Email: tesolalofc@tc.edu

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Contact an adviser in Applied Linguistics

Get in touch with an adviser in Applied Linguistics to discuss your study plans.

Discipline Convenor

Professor Helen Basturkmen Email: h.basturkmen@auckland.ac.nz

Undergraduate Adviser

Professor Gary Barkhuizen Email:  g.barkhuizen@auckland.ac.nz

Postgraduate Adviser

Neil Matheson Email: nj.matheson@auckland.ac.nz

PhD Adviser

Dr Saurov Syed Email:   s.syed@auckland.ac.nz

Related links

• Applied Linguistics