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Master of Applied Linguistics

APPL13MV2

Faculty:
Faculty of Human Sciences
Award:
Master of Applied Linguistics (MAppLing)
Admission Requirement:
Australian level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent in linguistics, applied linguistics, language studies, translation/interpreting, international studies, media, cultural studies, sociology, journalism, education, psychology, or a related discipline
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent
Study Mode:
Full-time, Part-time
Attendance Mode:
Internal, External
Candidature Length:
Full-time: 1 year - 1.5 years depending on RPL granted
Commencement:
North Ryde — Session 1 (February)
North Ryde — Session 2 (July)
External — Session 1 (February)
External — Session 2 (July)
Volume of Learning:
Equivalent to 1.5 years
General requirements:
Minimum number of credit points 48
Minimum number of credit points at 800 level or above 48
Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below

In order to graduate students must ensure that they have satisfied all of the general requirements of the award.

Specific minimum requirements:

Credit points

800 level

Required
4
Research Methods in Language Study (4)
 
Required
4cp from
 
Genre, Discourse and Multimodality (4)
 
 
Exploring Discourse in Context and Action (4)
 
 
Language, Learning and Community (4)
 
4
Classroom, Curriculum and Context (4)
 
Required
8cp from
 
Communicative Grammar (4)
 
 
Pragmatics and Intercultural Communication (4)
 
 
Language Testing and Evaluation (4)
 
 
Second Language Acquisition (4)
 
 
Language Teaching and Learning Beyond the Classroom (4)
 
 
Language for Specific Purposes (4)
 
 
Literacies (4)
 
 
Teaching English for Academic Purposes (4)
 
8
Special Studies in Applied Linguistics (4)
 
Required
32cp from
 
Communicative Grammar (4)
 
 
Genre, Discourse and Multimodality (4)
 
 
Exploring Discourse in Context and Action (4)
 
 
Pragmatics and Intercultural Communication (4)
 
 
Language, Learning and Community (4)
 
 
Linguistics and Language Teaching (4)
 
 
Classroom, Curriculum and Context (4)
 
 
Language Testing and Evaluation (4)
 
 
Second Language Acquisition (4)
 
 
Language Teaching and Learning Beyond the Classroom (4)
 
 
Language for Specific Purposes (4)
 
 
Literacies (4)
 
 
Teaching English for Academic Purposes (4)
 
 
Languages and Cultures in Contact (4)
 
 
Reading Development and Disorders (4)
 
 
Special Studies in Applied Linguistics (4)
 
 
Accessible Communication (4)
 
32
Recognition for prior learning on admission (up to 16 cp)*

TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM

48
Note:
* Students are assessed on admission for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL). If eligible RPL will be granted as a block of 4cp, 8cp, 12cp or 16cp as applicable.
Program Learning Outcomes and Additional Information
AQF Level Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree
CRICOS Code 088495M
Overview and Aims of the Program The Master of Applied Linguistics covers theoretical and methodological issues relevant to qualified and/or experienced practitioners in a variety of professions whose work is concerned with applied language study. It is internationally relevant and focuses on the development of analytic skills and understanding the complex relationship between language use and context, and research in these areas. The degree is designed to allow candidates to study a range of topics within the area of Applied Linguistics, including the field of teaching English, or another language, as a second or foreign language.
Graduate Capabilities

The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:

Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative


Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible

Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning

Program Learning Outcomes By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
• Articulate the complex roles that language and discourse play in human interactions in a range of professional and social contexts (k, t, c, e)
• Critically analyse communicative interactions from a range of theoretical perspectives, drawing on both established and cutting-edge theories of language and grammar (k, t)
• Apply theoretical linguistic knowledge in order to formulate creative solutions to real-life communication problems, including in educational and other professional contexts (k, t, p, c, e)
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of cultural influences on communication patterns and critically analyse examples of cross-cultural miscommunication in everyday, educational, and professional contexts (k, t, p, c, e)
• Reflect on the history of social understandings of language, and map the links between language, learning and the communities to which language users belong (k, t, e)
• Critically evaluate bodies of research literature in the fields of applied linguistics and language education (k, t, j)
• Apply a range of theoretical perspectives to understanding the complexities of language classrooms and/or other professional contexts and the interactions that occur within such contexts (k, t, p, c, j)
• Conceive and formulate research questions relating to language in use and language learning, and design research to address such questions (k, t, p)
• Synthesise findings in diverse areas of language acquisition research in order to propose creative solutions to problems faced by language learners and language teachers (k, t, p, c, e)
• Communicate an understanding of the ways in which spoken and written language is influenced by the specific context and purpose of the communicative event (k, t, c, e, j).

Learning and Teaching Methods The Master of Applied Linguistics degree program aims to train its graduates to become applied linguists who demonstrate a keen awareness of language as it is used in a variety of social and professional settings. Students are therefore trained to develop and apply skills in the observation, critical analysis and evaluation of language in context. Furthermore, they are expected to be able to engage with research in a range of sub-disciplines of applied linguistics, as well as formulating their own research questions in areas of individual interest. The learning and teaching methods used in the delivery of the Master of Applied Linguistics program reflect these broad aims, as well as the specific program learning outcomes. The exact learning and teaching methods vary from one unit to another, but the following patterns are typical.

Throughout the program, students will learn through guided and reflective reading of textbooks, monograph chapters, and scholarly journal articles. This reading will generally be guided by pre-reading tasks/activities, and followed by reflective post-reading tasks/activities. Where students are undertaking a unit internally, such tasks will typically be part of face-to-face lecture-workshop sessions on campus, while external students will access them through an online learning interface. Online activities include reflection questions and self-assessment quizzes. Extensive reading is expected when students prepare assignments, and initial assignments in many of the units of the program help students to develop skills in working with the research literature in the different branches of applied linguistics.

Teacher-fronted classroom learning will form part of most units, but will typically be interspersed with individual, group and class activities that enable students to engage with and apply the material as they encounter it. Many on-campus sessions are recorded so that they can be reviewed later by internal students, and also accessed by external students. Where face-to-face sessions do not lend themselves to recording (e.g. when the sessions are largely task or discussion based), alternative modes of material delivery are made available to external students. These include podcasts, recorded mini-lectures, written course notes and self-explanatory presentation slides.

Collaborative discussion and problem-solving is also a key element of the Master of Applied Linguistics program. When a unit is studied internally, many of these discussions take place in lecture-workshop sessions. External students interact through online discussion boards, as well as through e-mail contact with teaching staff. For many internal and external unit offerings, online discussion participation is a formal component of the assessment.
Assessment Achievement of the learning outcomes is assessed primarily through assignments that students prepare individually. The structure of, and requirements for, individual assignments vary widely, but the following key generic skills areas are assessed in the majority of units that constitute the program:
• critical appraisal/evaluation (e.g. of scholarly articles, textbooks and teaching materials),
• application of theoretical knowledge to solve real-life problems (e.g. communication in intercultural settings, language classrooms, and workplaces)
• creative design of applied linguistics research projects, language teaching materials and curricula
• fundamental conceptual understanding of principles across a range of sub-disciplines of applied linguistics.

Assignment genres include essays, short reflective papers, evaluative commentaries, critical reviews, proposals for research, focused literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and small-scale research projects written up in the standard IMRD (introduction, method, results, discussion) research report format. In many assignments, students are required to show an ability to engage with the existing research literature on the topic at hand.

Another form of assessment is participation in online discussions (see 'Learning and Teaching Methods' above), as an ability to engage collaboratively and cooperatively with issues and problems relevant to the area of study is a key graduate capability. Quizzes (usually online) are used in some parts of the program to check understanding of key concepts.

Throughout the program, assignments and other forms of assessment are spaced so that students receive formative feedback during each semester which they can use in approaching later assessment tasks.
Recognition of Prior Learning

Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit. 


Domestic Students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl


International Students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl

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Support for Learning

Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.

Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/

Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/wellbeing

Program Standards and Quality

The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders.

Graduate Destinations and Employability A Master of Applied Linguistics degree can enhance career opportunities in many professions where an in-depth understanding of language and communication is important. Graduates with prior experience and/or qualifications as language teachers can enhance their career prospects in the field of TESOL and language education. Our graduates are also employed in a wide range of positions that require effective communication with colleagues, as well as with clients, patients or students. Many work in professions that help others to communicate more effectively in written or spoken form.
Assessment Regulations

This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy.

Accreditation This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.

2017 Unit Information

When offered:
S1 Day
Prerequisites:
Permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
Corequisites:
None
NCCWs:
HSC Chinese, CHN113, CHN148