Graduate Profile for the
Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (MA-Applied)

Preamble

The papers offered by the University of Waikato towards the MA (Applied) in Applied Linguistics have been designed to achieve the following particular outcomes involving mastery of content, acquisition of skills and development of attributes. Learning experiences are incorporated into the programme to bring about these desired outcomes, and assessment is designed to ensure that students have the opportunity to demonstrate their achievement.

The University has developed strong relationships and networks with communities and businesses to ensure that its programmes and qualifications are relevant and responsive to our students’ needs as well as those of the community and industry. The University is also responsive to a range of social and economic goals which have been identified as priorities by Government. The generic capabilities developed by our graduates are of critical importance, as are specialist knowledge and skills. This graduate profile includes an outline of its links with other education sector groups, community groups, industry and employers who have an interest in the capabilities of graduates of this qualification, who contribute to programme planning and development and who also, in many cases, provide workplace experience opportunities.

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences seeks in all its qualifications to familiarise students with central bodies of knowledge in the subject areas of Arts and Social Sciences, to encourage the development of the ability to analyse such knowledge critically, to provide the skills needed to articulate their knowledge and positions and to contribute to the extension of knowledge by research.

The Master of Arts (Applied) is an advanced one-year programme of study in Applied Linguistics, intended for those students who want to deepen their knowledge of that subject and to begin engaging in independent research

Mastery of Content

Graduates of the MA (Applied) in Applied Linguistics have advanced knowledge of:

• the application of linguistic theories, principles and concepts to the examination of practical issues including, but not limited to, research methodologies in applied linguistics, first and second language acquisition, cross-cultural approaches to learning and teaching, language teaching and assessment, language policy and planning at national and institutional levels, the analysis of discourse, the development of (electronic) literacy, and computer-mediated learning;
• the main methods of enquiry in the subject(s) include wide and critical reading of relevant background literature; the critical and detailed analysis of text; the effective application of online resources such as the worldwide web; the systematic activation of previous knowledge, experience and skills to new contexts; the exploration of possible solutions to problems in the areas of study by group discussions and presentations in both face-to-face situations and online interaction; the preparation, implementation and analysis of web-conference supported learning environments; the writing of academic and other assessed assignments, etc.

Acquisition of Skills

Graduates of the MA (Applied) in Applied Linguistics have:

• the ability to critically evaluate current scholarship in the discipline of applied linguistics;
• the ability to develop lines of argument and make sound academic judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of applied linguistics;
• the ability to collect, present, interpret and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data with particular regard to observation, interview, survey, etc. procedures;
• the ability to evaluate research and pedagogical methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses;
• the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds;
• the ability to effectively communicate information, arguments, and analyses in a variety of forms, to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
• the ability to apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to language learning and other educational contexts;
• the ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including the application of those principles in an employment context;
• the ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project and to adjust the project in the light of unforeseen problems;
• the ability to work and negotiate effectively in a team, and to produce work collaboratively;
• the ability to locate, evaluate and use information in a range of contexts, in both print and electronic form;
• the ability to design, develop, and evaluate online language learning environments.

Development of Attributes

Graduates of the MA (Applied) in Applied Linguistics have

• an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge;
• the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility;
• the confidence to make decisions in complex and unpredictable contexts;
• the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further education;
• self-direction and originality in tackling and solving practical and academic problems;
• the confidence to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks;
• the confidence to act collaboratively with a wide range of colleagues;
• an understanding of ethical issues related to professional practice and academic research.

Graduate Pathways in Further Education

Students who successfully complete the MA (Applied) in Applied Linguistics with high grades may continue onto a MPhil and PhD in Applied Linguistics or related fields, such as education (EdD).

Community and Workplace Prospects

Most of the students who graduate with the MA (Applied) in Applied Linguistics have also obtained the Post Graduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching, or an equivalent qualification from another university. Having built extensively on those foundations, MA (Applied) graduates are therefore even better placed to serve the needs of a multilingual and multicultural community and labour market, with particular regard to senior positions in schools and language teaching institutions.

Networks into Other Sectors

We have very sound relationships with the local and international providers of second language education. They provide us with students and we, in turn, provide them with highly qualified applied linguists. By far the great majority of our domestic MA (Applied) students follow our programmes part time, while working in various sectors of the language education industry. In this way, they are able to harmonise their academic work and professional activities, to mutual benefit. It is also a cost-effective way of enhancing their professional status. By the same token, the applied linguistics staff in the department have a very clear understanding of the professional practices and requirements of local - and international ­- employers and are therefore able to take these factors into account in the professional aspects of the papers they teach.

Many graduates from the MA (Applied) have also found employment for which the knowledge, skills and attributes they have gained have been found extremely valuable - for example, in community interpreting and translating work, in the resettlement of refugees and immigrants, in advisory and counselling services to international students, in the marketing of educational services to international clients, in the development of online learning systems, etc