Postgraduate study

This is a qualification for those who want to specialise in teaching English or other languages as a second or foreign language. The Postgraduate Diploma in Language Teaching familiarises you with current approaches in the field and examines both theory and practice. It can also serve as a pathway to the MA in Applied Linguistics.

See the programme page for the Postgraduate Diploma in Language Teaching.

See the courses available for the PGDipLT.

The Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MTESOL) is designed for students who have experience of teaching English as a second or foreign language.

Find out more about the MTESOL.

See the courses available for the MTESOL.

From 2013 the MA in Applied Linguistics replaces the MA in Language Teaching and Learning.

Find out more about the MA in Applied Linguistics.

If you have already begun the MA in Language Teaching and Learning, contact the relevant Graduate Adviser for your completion requirements. For contact details, see key contacts for the Department of Applied Language Studies and Linguistics.

From 2013 the MProfStuds in Language Teaching is no longer be available.

If you have already begun this programme, contact the relevant Graduate Adviser for your completion requirements. For contact details, see key contacts for the Department of Applied Language Studies and Linguistics.
 

You may be interested in the following programmes:

• MA in Applied Linguistics.
• Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is an opportunity to engage in advanced research in language teaching and learning. The demands of PhD research require a significant commitment in terms of time and resources.

The PhD consists of a thesis of an internationally recognised standard that makes an original contribution to knowledge or understanding in its field. Normally the thesis may not exceed 100,000 words or 250 pages. An oral examination takes place after the thesis has been submitted.

Although a PhD consists of individually supervised research, you may also be required, or elect to take individual courses of relevance to your proposed research.

Duration

The PhD is expected to be completed in three or four full-time years, although it may be possible to complete on a part-time basis.

Admission

The usual requirement is a master’s degree with Honours (First Class or Second Class, First Division) from The University of Auckland, or an approved equivalent qualification. You must also have demonstrated an ability to pursue doctoral level research. All candidates must submit a research proposal and obtain registration.

Acceptance into the PhD is based on an applicant's academic qualifications, the nature of the proposed research project, the availability of staff to supervise the research, and evidence of the applicant's personal capacity to complete the proposed project. Applications to enrol for a PhD may be submitted at any time during the year.

The first year

All students accepted into the PhD programme are registered provisionally for the first year. Registration is confirmed at the end of the first year of provisional registration provided that candidates have completed any required coursework satisfactorily, and normally submitted an extended, detailed thesis proposal (including a bibliography), before the end of their first year.

Research seminars

All students enrolled for a PhD within the department are expected to attend research seminars. The seminar programme will be developed around students' research interests and will include workshops on topics such as library search techniques, aspects of research design and methodology, and data handling and analysis. You will also have opportunities to give progress reports on your research and get the benefit of feedback from both staff and fellow students. You may also be required to present a seminar on the topic of your PhD.

For more information for potential and current PhD students visit the Faculty of Arts PhD site.

To apply and enrol for postgraduate study, visit our page on how to apply.

For more information on postgradute study in Language Teaching and Learning, contact an Adviser.