Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics

The Master of Linguistics programme—including the PGDipLing and PGCertLing—won’t be accepting new entrants in 2025. But we are hoping to open the programme again in 2026.

An alternative to the MLing is the Master of Applied Linguistics. If you choose this programme, you have the option of taking the Directed Research in Linguistics course (LING 420, 30pts) with one of our Linguistics staff members.

If you have any questions about studying Linguistics with us, email one of our future student advisers at info@vuw.ac.nz.

The world is becoming ever-more connected and multilingual. As it does, there’s increasing demand for researchers with a deep understanding of how languages work.

With our Master of Linguistics, you can build on the knowledge you acquired at undergraduate level and delve deeper into the world of linguistics.

While learning a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods, you’ll hone your analytical and critical skills in this field. You’ll explore areas such as linguistic diversity, intercultural communication, and language processing.

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this programme you need:

A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Linguistics or in Language Sciences (with a specialisation in Linguistics) with a B-grade average or better

To be accepted by the programme director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.

IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0

TOEFL: minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing

Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 58 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 50)

Victoria University of Wellington English for Academic Purpose (EAP) programme: minimum final scores of 4,4,5,5

Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169

New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)

NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2)