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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

191704 v.8 Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics)

MA(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 023985G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year


Course Overview

Master degrees (coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


This course is designed for professionals already in the field of language teaching. The course, which concentrates on teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), considers issues connected with TESOL teaching in Australia and the region. The course is designed for teachers intending to work in Australia and overseas and is available to international students.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.


Specifically, applicants require a teaching degree of at least four years full-time study or part-time equivalent OR A bachelor degree of at least three years full-time study or part-time equivalent and a relevant teaching qualification OR A bachelor degree of at least three years full-time study or the part-time equivalent and a demonstrated, extensive teaching background NB A demonstrated, extensive teaching background is desirable for all applicants. As a guideline, applicants who do not have English as a first language will need a minimum proficiency of IELTS 6.5, with sub-scores of 6 in all areas. Applicants wishing to undertake the research stream of the programme may need to demonstrate a research background.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. an advanced understanding of the theoretical principles and concepts which underpin contemporary language teaching practices and an ability to apply this understanding to research practices germane to the discipline

2. a critical understanding of the diverse needs of students and an ability to achieve creative solutions to problems of pedagogy through focussed research activity

3. an ability to access key texts in the field, and to analyse critically key concepts in the field; and an ability to synthesise information from practical and theoretical perspectives in order to conduct focussed research

4. an ability to communicate information and ideas (including key concepts relevant to the discipline) effectively and appropriately to a variety of audiences and for a variety of purposes

5. an awareness of available technologies and an insight into how they can be used creatively to discipline-specific advantage

6. an awareness of the importance of self-directed learning for professional growth and the demonstrated ability to take responsibility for individual intellectual development

7. an awareness of the theoretical and practical implications for the discipline in a global context and an ability to conduct research drawing on local and international perspectives

8. an appreciation of the value of cultural and linguistic diversity and its place in the discipline

9. a demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team and an understanding and commitment to ethical research practices


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is one year full-time or equivalent part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      
2014 SEAMEO RETRAC Trimester 1A   Y      
2014 SEAMEO RETRAC Trimester 3   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Humanities on telephone (08) 9266 3400, email humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://humanities.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.