Linguistics strives to understand what language is and how it works. This includes examining how language is structured, how people make social judgements based on their understanding of linguistic information and how people use language for practical purposes. Applied linguistics is concerned with the practical application of linguistic theory and research to real-world problems.

This specialisation will give you deep insights into how language is influenced by culture, context and purpose. You’ll learn, practice and apply skills and knowledge in communication and language. You’ll apply linguistic theories and empirical research to address real-life challenges. You may choose to focus on the learning and teaching of second and other languages, or on understanding language for effective written, spoken and multimodal communication. You’ll acquire the skills to share this knowledge and collaborate with others to address individual and organisational needs.

Key Features

• You’ll study in the most diverse and largest linguistics department in Australia, and in one of the best-equipped research and clinical environments in the world.
• Your learning will be enhanced by on-campus facilities, including the MQ Health Speech and Hearing Clinic, translation and interpreting labs, and the Australian Hearing Hub.
• This specialisation is available in the Bachelor of Linguistics and Language Sciences – the only standalone linguistics degree in Australia.
• Macquarie has a long tradition of conducting and disseminating research on current trends in Australian English and multilingualism in Australia.
• Macquarie is ranked among the top 100 in the world in linguistics (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2018).

• Accessible communication adviser
• Applied/specialist linguist
• Information technologist, eg, in speech recognition, database or lexicon development
• Language documentation and revitalisation expert
• Language consultant/specialist
• Lexicographer
• Policy and programs officer, eg, in multiculturalism, education, disability support
• Researcher
• Research/project manager
• Subtitler
• Workplace communication consultant
• After further study: Clinical audiologist, computational linguist, editor and publisher, forensic linguist, lawyer, teacher of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), translator and interpreter