University
University of CanterburyMaster of Linguistics
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Master's Degree
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Main Campus
Summary
This 180-point Master’s degree is an advanced programme offering specialised courses in linguistic analysis and a significant research component.
Master of Linguistics (MLing) students 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.
UC is ranked 61st in the world for Linguistics (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
Subjects and Courses- 90 points from 400 or 600-level Linguistics courses (excluding LING400 and LING480)
- 60 points from 400 or 600-level Linguistics courses
- 30 points from these options
Entry criteria
Applicants for this degree need to have either:
- 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 LING400 English Structures (a distance-learning course which runs over the summer); or
- other approved qualifications of an equivalent standard.
In addition, all students must be approved to enrol.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Linguistics or use the admission requirements checker.
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