Apply for this course by 21 May to study in this intake
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Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics)
PostgraduateCUR-APL-MAS2025
Take your TESOL career to the next level
If you're a TESOL teacher looking to move into management, this could be the course for you. Cover language education, applied linguistics and professional challenges in in the field. Strive to improve the practice.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 21 May 2025,
- 20 Aug 2025,
- 19 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 7
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics)
About this degree
At the completion of this degree, students will be able to:
- understand the theoretical principles and research practices underlying contemporary language education and Applied Linguistics and apply them in a sustainable manner
- formulate and investigate problems, propose solutions to current practices, and reflect critically on the relevant empirical and theoretical literature
- identify, access, analyse and synthesise information from a wide range of sources using appropriate technologies
- communicate information and ideas effectively in speech and writing in ways that are appropriate for a range of audiences
- engage effectively with appropriate technologies to store and communicate relevant information in conjunction with contemporary language education and Applied Linguistics practices
- demonstrate capacity for independent self-directed learning; critically evaluate personal performance through a range of learning interactions; respond to feedback with a view to development as a reflective practitioner and lifelong learner
- consider language education, Applied Linguistics and professional issues from a variety of perspectives and value-systems with a view to informing and improving professional practice and applying international standards
- appreciate the value of individual and cultural differences in language use and learning, and the important implications they have for effective practice and professionalism in the workplace
- work both independently and as part of a team in a way that demonstrates professionalism, a commitment to social and ethical practices and the capacity for future leadership in the field of language education and Applied Linguistics.
This degree is designed to develop and support the careers of teaching professionals and graduate professionals working in language-related areas.
Please Note: The degree does not include a practicum and it does not lead to a formal teaching qualification.
Recommended study pattern
Complete 7 subjects (6 single subjects and 1 double subject).
See the enrolment planner below.
Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics) enrolment planner (XLS)
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics), students must complete 7 subjects (6 single subjects and 1 double subject).
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $21,879
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 13
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 14
Entry requirements
This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
An education/teaching degree assessed as being the equivalent of a four-year Australian degree (normally a Bachelor of Education or a four-year combined/double education degree e.g. BSc/BEd)
OR
A bachelor degree of at least three years full-time equivalent and either a Graduate Diploma in Education, Master of Teaching or equivalent, Graduate Certificate in TESOL or CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults) or equivalent
OR
A bachelor degree of at least three years full time equivalent and at least two years' full-time documented language teaching experience in the last ten years OR an honours or master's degree.
Applicants need to meet Curtin’s English Language requirement as all degrees are taught in English.
If your education degrees were not solely in English, as per the International Handbook of Universities or the World Higher Education database please attach a scanned original copy of English Proficiency Test results. Admission requires an overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) (or equivalent test) score of at least 6.5 and competence in all test components (IELTS score of 6.0).
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Entry Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at: English Proficiency Tests.
*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.
Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.
To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.
More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Career opportunities
Past graduates have found opportunities working abroad in reputable English language teaching institutions such as The British Council, Bell School, Indonesia Australia Language Foundation (IALF), Regional English Language Centres (RELC) and university English language centres or Departments of Education/TESOL/Applied Linguistics among others.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Private Tutors and Teachers | N/A^ | Up 9% |
| Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages | N/A^ | Down 62.1% |
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Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
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When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.