Overview

Students in the Linguistics course at University of Canterbury will analyse the relationship between a language and its 'social life'. In an Aotearoa New Zealand context, this means understanding how English has developed over time, and how it continues to change as a marker of Kiwi identity, as well as understanding the relationship, both past and present, between English and te reo Māori.

Careers

Graduates of the Master in Linguistics will be highly trained in the theories and contemporary methodologies of Linguistics and skillful in a range of complementary analytical, critical, and linguistic skills. These will include an understanding of:

the internal structure of language and languages, including knowledge of phonetics, phonology, and syntax

the relationship between English and other languages, including te reo Māori

key geographical and social determinants of variation in language

the role of language in constructing individual and group identities

how language produces and reflects cultural change and difference.

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

The English Language

Language and Society in New Zeeland and Beyond

English Structures

Translation in the digital era: tools and practices

Variation and Theory

Sociophonetic Research

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-07-07 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-13 00:00:00 , National

More details

You are recommended to apply for admission to UC with an international qualification at least six months before your planned start date

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

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PTE Academic

58

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Christchurch, New Zealand

Disciplines

Linguistics View 22 other Masters in Linguistics in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

GPA

B

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

58

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

a bachelor’s degree with a major in Linguistics, with at least a B+ Grade Point Average in 60 points in Linguistics at 300-level; or

any bachelor’s degree, and a Graduate Diploma in Arts in Linguistics, with at least a B+ Grade Point Average in 60 points in Linguistics at 300-level; or

a bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Computer Science, a language, or a different major approved by the Head of Department of Linguistics, with at least a B+ Grade Point Average in 60 points of 300-level courses in the majoring subject, and achieved at least a B+ in LING 400 English Structures (a distance-learning course which runs over the summer); or

other approved qualifications of an equivalent standard.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Canterbury and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

51000 NZD / year

≈ 51000 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

13325 NZD / year

≈ 13325 NZD / year

Additional Details

The ‘Tuition fee total’ is an estimate only. Your total study cost will depend on the courses you choose, and will include additional costs such as student levies, insurance, retakes, and other course-related costs.

Living costs

Christchurch

New Zealand

1300 - 2000 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Linguistics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Careers

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Christchurch

Financing

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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