Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages for your Master of Applied Linguistics at Massey
The Master of Applied Linguistics (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) offers you flexible study pathways. You will improve your ability to teach English to speakers of other languages.
Incorporate your professional experience into your study
The qualification offers extensive opportunities to engage with curricula from a teaching English as a second language (TESOL) perspective. You can also try out new approaches in your practice and reflect on your experience as a TESOL professional.
Get real-world skills
This programme will prepare you to contribute to research and professional understanding in a range of TESOL-related educational levels and research contexts.
Courses and assessments
Your assessments offer options to work on TESOL-specific issues and contexts as part of both the taught and research pathways.
The compulsory course 272705 Advanced TESOL for Diverse Learners and Contexts, will deepen your TESOL-specific knowledge and skills. It examines a range of teaching approaches for integrating English language and content. It looks at the development and evaluation of TESOL-specific curricula. It also includes a critical reflection on TESOL-related theory, practices and current trends, including digital technology and assessment.
Draw on Massey’s research strengths
You’ll complete a research report or thesis as part of this qualification, supported by leading TESOL researchers.
Want to become a registered teacher?
This programme is not a pathway to becoming a registered teacher in the New Zealand primary and secondary school setting.
A Master of Applied Linguistics in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is a good fit if you:
- are a TESOL professional
- want to deepen your TESOL-specific knowledge and skills
- need an explicit TESOL qualification.
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
All courses are 30 credits each unless otherwise indicated.
The Master of Linguistics is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part before moving to the second, etc.
Coursework pathway
At least a B grade average is required in the Part One courses (120 credits) for progression to Part Two - Coursework Pathway
Research pathway
At least a B+ grade average is required in the first 60 credits of courses completed in Part One for progression to Part Two - Research Pathway
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses for the Master of Applied Linguistics
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Master of Applied Linguistics core courses
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages courses
Part One Coursework Pathway (120 credits) or Research Pathway (60 credits)
Compulsory course
Course code: 272705 Advanced TESOL for diverse learners and contexts 30 credits
An advanced and critical survey of current trends, policy, theory, and practice for diverse learners and contexts.
View full course detailsSubject courses
Course code: 272702 Second Language Learning Theories and Processes 30 credits
A critical examination of theoretical perspectives accounting for second language learning processes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 272703 Contemporary Approaches to Language Teaching Methodology 30 credits
A critical survey of different approaches and methods used to develop language skills.
View full course detailsCourse code: 272704 Contextualising Curriculum and Materials Design 30 credits
A study of the principles, practice and contextualised nature of curriculum and materials design.
View full course detailsCourse code: 272715 Current Issues in Applied Linguistics 30 credits
A critical examination of current issues in applied linguistics research from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
View full course detailsPart Two Coursework Pathway
Course code: 272873 Research Report 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study.
View full course detailsPart Two Research Pathway
Course code: 272816 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 272817 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 272899 Thesis 120 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Applied Linguistics (Teaching English to Speakers of Other languages) you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor degree with at least a B grade average across the 200-300 level courses, and
- have completed relevant teaching and related experience approved by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as appropriate for entry, or
- have been awarded or qualified for a postgraduate diploma in second language teaching or a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics, or equivalent, with at least a B+ grade average for entry to the Research Pathway, or at least a B grade average for entry to the Coursework Pathway.
If you have a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification in accordance with the limits specified in the Recognition of Prior Learning.
You will need to provide:
- copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
- a copy of your CV (Curriculum Vitae) containing details of teaching and related work experience.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Teaching English as a second language (TESOL) is a fast-growing area internationally. You’ll gain skills and experience that will prepare you for careers in language teaching and other areas related to language teaching research and practice.
You’ll learn how to support those who operate in multilingual contexts in New Zealand and abroad (for example, teachers, learners, migrants and refugees).
Our graduates have gone on to successful careers throughout the tertiary sector, and hold positions of responsibility in institutions including:
- Auckland University of Technology
- Victoria University of Wellington
- University of Canterbury
- Massey University
- IPU New Zealand Tertiary Institute
- universities in Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific, including Danang University (Vietnam), Naresuan University (Thailand), American University of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates), University of Putra Malaysia and University of South Australia.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Related study options
Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as an Additional Language – GradCertTEAL
Are you actively involved in teaching English as an additional language to learners? Do you want to gain further knowledge in this area? Join Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as an Additional Language.
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics – PGDipAppLing
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics will equip you with knowledge and skills aligned with your professional and research needs. You will use theories, methods and problem-based approaches that address real-world language issues.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz