Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics (PGAL) - PGCAppLing

CRICOS code (International applicants): 067686M

Notes

This program does not qualify students for teacher registration in Queensland. To qualify for teacher registration in Queensland, please refer to the ; Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching .

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Program focus

The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics (PGAL) is designed to introduce students from a range of backgrounds to the area of Applied Linguistics, as they engage with second language speakers and their communities. Students will develop an understanding of language use and second language learners in diverse and international contexts. Students will gain an enhanced understanding of how language is used in communities and the significance of identity through social and linguistic skills and behaviour. Graduates will have gained specialised knowledge, expertise and leadership in the area of applied linguistics across global cultures and communities.

Career opportunities

Applied linguistics is a useful complement for a range of professions. These include speech therapy and pathology, allied health, psychology and training in a variety of industrial jobs that require skills in communication management and cross-cultural interaction. New employment opportunities abroad are available in companies that employ graduates with problem-solving and analytical skills in international relations with second language users in the workplace.

There is demand also among administrators and teachers in classrooms, in indigenous communities and international schools, and other government and community organisations for skills to meet diverse cultural and language learning needs.

Program objectives

On successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics, graduates should be able to:

• critically reflect on language related issues

• integrate knowledge as a strategic facilitator in second language contexts

• expand communication and literacy skills assisted by technology in relevant discourse communities

• demonstrate competence in academic and scholarly writing

• use skills in a specialised field of Applied Linguistics.

Program aims

This program aims to enhance skills in inter-cultural competence of professionals in diverse communities associated with sectors such as Education, Health and Industry. It provides students with academic skills and professional competence to understand the background to contemporary issues associated with communities of diverse language identities.

Admission requirements

Applicants must:

• have completed an undergraduate degree or equivalent from a recognised university or a three-year diploma from a recognised institution, and

• meet the University’s requirements for English language proficiency for international postgraduate students if applicable. Please refer to Section 2.2.4 of the Admissions Policy.

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for postgraduate programs may be made directly to USQ. You should ensure you submit your application by the closing dates.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth supported place is where the Australian Government makes a contribution towards the cost of your higher education and you as a student pay a student contribution amount, which varies depending on the courses undertaken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Commonwealth Supported students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called HECS-HELP.

Domestic full fee paying place

Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called FEE-HELP.

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Program structure

The PGAL is a 4-unit program. A student normally must complete 4 courses at postgraduate level (level 5 or level 8), 3 required courses and one elective course. A minimum of 50% of the program (2 units) must comprise level 8 courses. At the discretion of the Program Coordinator 1 elective course may be taken at level 4.

Required time limits

Full-time enrolment normally requires one semester of study. Part-time enrolment may take up to two years of study to complete the Program.

Elective courses

Elective courses will be selected from

* Please discuss with the Program Coordinator to confirm suitability.

Note:Minimum enrolment numbers apply to all courses. Should enrolments not meet the minimum number required, student smay be transferred to a different mode or offering and advised of this change prior to semester start.

IT requirements

Students must have reliable and ready access to email and the internet. Broadband would be a significant advantage. See http://www.usq.edu.au/ict/students/standards/hardware.htm

Articulation

The PGAL articulates into the Master of Applied Linguistics, Master of Education (TESOL) and Master of Education Research.

Exemptions

The maximum exemptions granted will be no more than half of the program units (two units). Within this limit, exemptions will be granted for relevant studies successfully completed at postgraduate level in the last five years and may be considered for studies successfully completed in the last 10 years. Students intending to apply for exemptions should follow the guidelines for previous study or work. Within the framework of those regulations, the following points should be given particular consideration:

• • Transfer of credit from other incomplete USQ award programs may be permitted where there is similar or appropriate content.

• • Normally an accredited Certificate in TESOL from a recognised institution attracts 1 unit of credit and an accredited Diploma in TESOL attracts 2 units of credit.

• • USQ participates in the Education Queensland Professional Development Pathways Program. Appropriate credit will be given through the scheme which is outlined at http://education.qld.gov.au/staff/development/employee/teachers/pd_pathways/pd_pathways_contact.htmlApplications for similarly assessed professional development offered in other jurisdictions are invited.

• • Completed and assessed professional development modules based on PGAL course materials will attract credit into the program.

Students should seek advice from Program Administration before applying for exemptions.

Students who have completedLIN5000 The Nature of Languageor LIN8001 Principles of Second Language Learning or LIN8002 Methodology in Teaching a Second Language as part of an undergraduate program in the past 5 years, are exempt from repeating the course but must complete electives in Applied Linguistics to gain 4-units for the award.

Enrolment

Students may commence this Program in semesters one, two or three. External students may study either part-time or full-time. On-campus commencement is restricted to semester one. International on-campus students must be enrolled full-time.

Recommended enrolment pattern

Graduates will have a clear sense of strategic direction for identifying linguistic differences in communities and assisting in the management of this diversity.

It is recommended that the program of study commences with the core course LIN5000

Note: On campus offers are contingent upon sufficient enrolments. Subject to International students' visa requirements, alternative modes of EXT or WEB may be substituted for the elective course.