Advance your career with a specialisation in linguistics
Linguistics, the study of language and its structures, is a dynamic field involving the process of analysing, understanding and describing language in all its forms. It is a rapidly evolving field, and with globalisation, the emergence of new technologies and cultural shifts, professionals who can embrace a constantly changing industry landscape will thrive.
UNE offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in linguistics which are specifically designed to equip you with the skills to adapt to linguistics-related industries as they evolve. UNE has a long-standing commitment to helping adults ready themselves for changes in the workplace. Our linguistics courses focus on key concepts and topics such as phonetics, syntax and language acquisition. These areas of study are essential in understanding the intricacies of language and preparing you to adapt to the advancements and changes that shape the field of linguistics.
At UNE, most of our students opt for online study, joining an inclusive community of experienced adults who collaborate to establish practical networks for the future. Students who prefer the on-campus life benefit from accommodation, sports, and support services. Study options are flexible, allowing for full-time or part-time enrolment across three trimesters.
At UNE you will gain the essential skills to excel in the evolving field of language analysis and communication, regardless of your chosen career path. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Explore UNE’s linguistics offerings now.
Courses by study level
Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units, you tailor the course to your specific interests and career objectives by choosing from an extensive selection of arts, humanities and social science units.
With our Advanced Diploma in Arts you have the freedom to explore related subjects, or a range of different topics. With this flexibility, your advanced diploma can be customised to your aspirational and practical needs. It will also qualify you to go on to a Bachelor of Arts if you're keen to continue your studies. Become future fit with these advanced studies.
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is still relevant in today’s world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you study a BA at UNE, you have the freedom to become a specialist in the discipline of your choice.
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- On Campus
- Online
Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn to think like an entrepreneur. You’ll develop creative and/or socio-cultural knowledge, plus skills in critical thinking and communication. Our degree fosters the accumulation of knowledge and the acquisition of a diverse set of skills, essential to helping you be an independent thinker, and empowering you to create a new future, new career prospects and the ability to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing modern workplace.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been developed in response to the needs of today’s rapidly changing workplaces and a growing employer demand for double degree graduates.
Your choice of arts major allows you to become an expert in a discipline of your choice. The legal knowledge and practical skills will also enable you to pursue many pathways in law, benefiting from UNE’s deep expertise in regional, rural and remote legal issues.
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future generations? Our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science is uniquely positioned to help you reach your goals, with wide-spanning knowledge and a diverse set of skills to be adaptable in a rapidly changing world. This combined degree will help lay the foundation for you to acquire the ability to innovate and problem-solve — attributes that are in demand more than ever by employers in Australia and internationally.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
Whether you are looking to re-train to become a Primary or Secondary school teacher, teach different subjects or upgrade your teaching accreditation, the UNE Bachelor of Education (In-Service Conversion) provides a flexible pathway to pivot and grow as an in-demand education professional. Upskill and enhance your on-the-pulse skills for the benefit of your career, your students and the profession at large. Stay relevant and pave the way for a successful teaching career in a supportive, flexible environment.
Please note: those studying music must pass an audition or be granted an audition waiver to gain entry into this course. Find out more.
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
Expand and hone your teaching knowledge while building a highly valuable breadth of skills with the UNE Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching). This is a dual sector degree giving you the flexibility to teach in both primary and secondary schools. It is accredited with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) and is designed to meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. In this course you will have the opportunity to specialise in subject areas that interest you most and gain experience in teaching to a wide range of age groups, culminating in sought-after skills to future-proof your education career.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) offers a comprehensive program of study that provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a highly sought-after secondary school teacher.
Develop your teaching skills in a supportive, flexible environment. Learn how to create open and encouraging learning environments that put your students' individual learning styles at the forefront.
By studying at UNE, you will become an in-demand secondary teacher who makes a difference.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- On Campus
- Online
What could be more exciting than landing in a foreign country and immediately being able to speak the language and connect with the local culture? In an ever-changing world, the study of languages has never been more relevant, and our Bachelor of Languages is designed to help you develop proficiency in one or more languages.
The degree caters to anyone with a passion for languages, whether you studied a language at school or not, and includes majors in Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese and Spanish. The degree is interactive and immersive, and includes two trimesters studying in the country or countries of your chosen language/s.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations, with potential for a rewarding career in social science related areas. You will get a thorough grounding in sociology and psychology, plus you can choose from a broad range of majors including politics and peace studies, counselling, cultural diversity, philosophy, studies in settler colonialism, and criminal justice to satisfy your interests, research and work. With skills in research, critical analysis and evaluation that are transferable across a range of employment opportunities, you can ensure your career is future fit for life.
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- On Campus
- Online
Are you looking to add an additional area of expertise to your CV to enhance your career prospects and become future fit for life, without committing to a full degree? Perhaps you just want to dip a toe into university study, with the option of continuing on to an advanced diploma or even a bachelor's degree? Well, our Diploma in Arts is the perfect way to achieve both goals. This course will equip you with a variety of fundamental skills and knowledge in a range of subjects in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Arts provides you with foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for further study and more career choices, with a focus on your chosen area of interest.
With the freedom to assemble your course from a curated set of units, you’ll be supported to develop your critical thinking, research capabilities and perspectives through individual study, work-integrated learning and guided project activities.
Study this course if you want to explore a topic in greater depth, pave the way for further study options or stand out in the eyes of employers.
You will learn in a highly flexible environment with access to UNE’s supportive lecturers, student advisors and course coordinator to help you achieve your goals.
- 1 year part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to extend your intellectual range, and sharpen your research capabilities. It will enable advanced communication techniques and deep subject knowledge, to hone your analytical abilities, and gain high-level personal and professional skills. These are valuable attributes that provide a solid foundation for postgraduate study, give you a competitive edge in the job market, and help future proof your career in a rapidly changing world.
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure if you can commit to a full degree. If any of the above fits your situation, the Graduate Certificate in Arts is the perfect course for you.
Select a single major on which to focus your studies, including: Ancient History, Archaeology, Asia Pacific Studies, Classical Languages, English, Environmental Advocacy, Geography, History: Australian and World Histories, Linguistics, Media and Communications, Medieval and Modern European Studies, Philosophy, Political and International Studies, Sociology, Studies in Religion, Studies in Settler Colonialism, Theatre and Performance, World Literatures and Writing.
In addition, you will be trained to discover and process information, think independently, and communicate effectively.
- 0.5 or 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new career direction, we will work with you to customise a course to match your skills and aspirations.
Choose from a full breadth of subjects. Avoid getting bogged down in a lengthy, traditional course, and instead, play to your natural strengths, refine your skills and draw on your experience to prepare for the future. And do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor with 1:1 guidance from start to finish.
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work with you to design a course to match your skills and aspirations. You will have the freedom to assemble your course from a full breadth of subjects, play to your strengths and draw from your experience to achieve your goals. Learn in a way that suits your timeframe and do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor — with one-on-one guidance from start to finish. You'll be paving your pathway to the next stage of your career.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
With the advent of globalisation, issues relating to language and intercultural communication have never been more relevant. UNE's fully online Master of Applied Linguistics will give you the ability to understand the design of language, nuances and context of language and intercultural communication – invaluable skills in an increasingly interconnected world, and especially important when teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree research.
With a master's degree, you can make a switch to a new career field or gain additional expertise to enhance your existing path. At UNE, you can select a major from 16 specialty areas, dive into research and tailor the program to your interests and career goals.
The following majors are available: Ancient History, Archaeology, Asia Pacific, English, Geography, History, Studies in Settler Colonialism, Linguistics, Media and Communications, Medieval and Modern European Studies, Philosophy, Political and International Studies, Sociology, Studies in Religion, Theatre and Performance, Writing.
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
Upgrade your skills in educational practice with the post-graduate UNE Master of Education (Coursework). In addition to a flexible program pathway with a wide range of curriculum options, you can build your expertise with one of four specialisations. Deepen your knowledge in a range of educational disciplines and engage your students with contemporary practice and theory.
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
Accelerate your career opportunities with the UNE Master of Teaching (Secondary). Gain the specialist knowledge and skills you need to become a sought-after teacher who makes a difference. Study online in a flexible timeframe that suits your lifestyle. Be positioned at the forefront of educational expertise to make your education career goals a reality.
2024 Teaching scholarships
Starting one of UNE's Teaching courses in 2024? You can get up to $40,000 toward your studies. For more information about the range of teaching scholarships available, register your interest now.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- On Campus
- Online
A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.
When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform decision-making in your specialist area.
You will work independently, with personalised support from recognised experts in your area of study every step of the way. Expand your expertise, hone your research skills, and immediately apply your knowledge in a research topic of your choice.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of UNE's discipline areas.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the subjects that matter most to you? That’s what a Non-Award with UNE will help you to achieve.
Studying a Non-Award means you can learn without the need to complete entire course requirements or take on a full course load. Whether it’s a language you want to learn, a business unit to enhance your career, an improvement of your IT skills, an update on education principles or developing your management style, Non-Award study gives you the flexibility and control to explore what matters to you.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
- Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own 4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
- ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
- ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
- ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units from any of the available units in a degree to create a Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
- ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.
What our students say
I graduated a year and a half ago attending the ceremony at Armidale while my three children watched from the crowd. I hope I have inspired them to go after what they want.
Claire Haiek (photo: kidspot.com.au)Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Linguistics
With globalisation increasing demand for language professionals, UNE's linguistics offerings will empower you to stay ahead of the curve in this constantly developing field. Our courses equip you with the skills to navigate the world of language and communication.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's linguistics experts and develop the language skills to effectively teach others and safeguard your place in the global business environment. Use up-to-date tech programs to enhance learning and future-fit yourself for a career …
Benefit from UNE's linguistics experts and develop the language skills to effectively teach others and safeguard your place in the global business environment. Use up-to-date tech programs to enhance learning and future-fit yourself for a career in a rapidly changing world.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Master of Applied Linguistics | Major | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's well established linguistics department and develop the language skills to thrive in the global environment. Prepare for further study or future employment using our modern tech programs to enhance your learning in a world…
Benefit from UNE's well established linguistics department and develop the language skills to thrive in the global environment. Prepare for further study or future employment using our modern tech programs to enhance your learning in a world that is increasingly focused on diversity and inclusion.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Languages | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Master of Applied Linguistics | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
Diploma in Modern Languages | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Undergraduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Globalisation has driven demand for talented linguists in fields such as IT, education, politics, marketing and more. Undertake linguistics studies in growing areas of interest such as Indigenous language revitalisation and language diversity. Learn …
Globalisation has driven demand for talented linguists in fields such as IT, education, politics, marketing and more. Undertake linguistics studies in growing areas of interest such as Indigenous language revitalisation and language diversity. Learn from UNE's world-leading lecturers.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Languages | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Master of Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Develop your technical and interpersonal skills to secure your future in teaching…
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Develop your technical and interpersonal skills to secure your future in teaching English as a second or other language.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Master of Applied Linguistics | Major | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Education Studies | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Study world literatures with the experts at UNE and equip yourself with fluency in your target language alongside literary analysis expertise. Develop intercultural competency and a unique perspective on global issues, which employers consider…
Study world literatures with the experts at UNE and equip yourself with fluency in your target language alongside literary analysis expertise. Develop intercultural competency and a unique perspective on global issues, which employers consider increasingly important in our interconnected world.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Master of Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's writing and communications experts will help you develop skills in business and creative writing; including research and critical thinking. Safeguard your spot in the globally connected world that is forecast to see further tech…
UNE's writing and communications experts will help you develop skills in business and creative writing; including research and critical thinking. Safeguard your spot in the globally connected world that is forecast to see further tech developments and ensure you are future-fit for professional life.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Master of Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
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Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in Linguistics
By studying linguistics with UNE, you will develop a versatile skillset that opens doors to various careers and industries. As the demand for language professionals continues to grow in our global world, individuals with expertise in linguistics can find opportunities in a variety of exciting settings.
- Language technology specialist
Develop and implement language processing technologies, including speech recognition and machine translation. - Data linguist
Analyse and structure linguistic data for language-related projects such as voice assistants, chatbots and language modelling. - Localisation specialist
Adapt software, websites, and multimedia content to different languages and cultures. - Cross-cultural consultant
Provide expertise in intercultural communication and help organisations navigate diverse cultural contexts for effective collaboration. - Speechwriter
Write speeches and presentations for individuals, businesses or politicians, focusing on effective communication. - Researcher
Conduct linguistic research to deepen our understanding of language structure, evolution and its social and cultural implications. - Teacher
Teach languages to individuals or groups, from teaching English as a second language to specialised language instruction. - Content strategist
Develop strategies for creating and managing content that effectively communicates across different channels, considering linguistic and cultural factors.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Browse other disciplines within Social Sciences
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.