Study Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MBAA

SATAC Code
444391 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Admissions
Student Profile

Entry Requirements
Selection Rank (Internal): 96.15 (for 2019)
Selection Rank (Guaranteed): 70.00 (for 2020)
TAFE/RTO (Guaranteed): DIP
View full entry requirements

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

The Bachelor of Arts enables you to pursue two areas of academic interest at the same time.
Use this degree as a pathway to further study.
UniSA is ranked No.1 in South Australia for Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences¹.
Learn from world-class educators and researchers in Cultural Studies and Linguistics, Sociology, Creative Arts and Writing, Language, Communication and Culture².
Study part of your degree overseas with the Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience.

¹QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey and Course Experience Questionnaire 2016-18 – Overall Satisfaction and Teaching Quality Indicators (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
²2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Snapshot

As a student studying the Applied Linguistics major you will learn how language shapes human experience, how it works and how to use it effectively in a world of linguistic and cultural diversity.

You will:

Develop an in-depth understanding of human language, and how languages and cultures shape communication, identities and learning in the contemporary world.
Explore the ways in which language is fundamental to human understanding, communication and culture.
Use your high-level linguistic, analytical, research and problem solving skills as global professionals in a world of linguistic and cultural diversity.
You will select a second major which increases your employment prospects. You will graduate with advanced writing, presentation, digital, communication, research
and problem solving skills that are transferable across a range of roles and are highly regarded by prospective employers.

If you finish your degree with a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) you could also be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

What you'll learn

Under the guidance of world-class researchers¹ you will embark on an in-depth study of the nature of language. You will focus on:

Develop an in-depth understanding of human language, and how languages and cultures shape communication, identities and learning in the contemporary world.
Explore the ways in which fundamental to human understanding, communication and culture.
Use your high-level linguistic, analytical, research and problem solving skills as global professionals in a world of linguistic and cultural diversity.

This degree allows you to select two majors ensuring you graduate with a broad knowledge of two areas of interest. You can choose your second major from the following:

* Please note that this major is only available to students whose second language is English.

You will also be required to complete two core courses, four courses from a selected list of minors (also from the above list), and two electives.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Ideas, Innovation and Communication	COMM 1060	4.5	Note(s): 1
Language and Communication in Applied Linguistics	LANG 1062	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 6	Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 4,5,7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Intercultural Communication	LANG 1054	4.5	Note(s): 1
Language in Society	LANG 1056	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 6	Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 4,5,7
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Language and Identity	LANG 2022	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 6	Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 4,5,7
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2,3
OR
Professional Directions Program 1	COMM 2098	4.5	Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Communication, Work and Organisations	LANG 2021	4.5
Major 2			Note(s): 6	Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 4,5,7
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2,3
OR
Professional Directions Program 2	COMM 2099	4.5	Note(s): 3
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Language, Meaning and Discourse	LANG 3041	4.5
Language Ideology and Policy	LANG 3039	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 6	Rule(s): 1
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 6	Rule(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Multilingualism: Contact, Change and Mobility	LANG 3038	4.5
Language Learning and Assessment	LANG 3037	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 6	Rule(s): 1
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 6	Rule(s): 1

Majors, Sub-majors & Minors

French Studies

Italian Studies

Japanese Studies

Psychology

Creative Writing and Literature

Applied Linguistics

Sociology

Performing Arts

Social Media

Screen Studies

History and Global Politics

English Language

Cultural Studies

Law, Policy and Politics
Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are required to complete their second major from: Creative Writing and Literature, History and Global Politics, Cultural Studies, Languages (French/Italian/Japanese), Psychology, Screen Studies, Social Media, Performing Arts, Sociology or Law, Policy and Politics.

2. Students undertaking Applied Linguistics cannot select English Language as their second Arts Major.

3. Students intending to undertake a Master of Teaching (Secondary) should consult with their program director for a schedule of recommended courses.

Notes

1. This course is one of two core courses that provide a foundation for the program.

2. All students complete two 4.5 unit Electives, unless directed to do English as an Additional Language as their elective courses. See undergraduate elective courses.

3. Students complete either Electives or Professionals Direction Program courses 1 and 2.

4. A minor consists of four courses (18 units), two of which are generally Level 1 (Introductory) and two at Level 2 (Intermediate).

5. The Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience course can be chosen in place of the minor sequence and is equivalent to 18 units. Students who choose this option will swap their first year (Level 1 Introductory) minor sequence to Elective 1 and Elective 2. Students can then choose to study the Hawke course in their second year (Level 2 Intermediate). Students will be required to complete the two available Level 2 Intermediate course options at second year in the opposite study period to undertaking the Hawke course.

6. Students in the Bachelor of Arts undertake a second major from within the program, normally comprising 8 courses: two at Level 1 (Introductory), two at Level 2 (Intermediate) and four at Level 3 (Advanced).

7. Students are advised to select their minor from within the majors offered by the MBAA Bachelor of Arts.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

individual and group presentations
critical analysis
essays
reflective journals
research assignments
portfolios
case studies
online quizzes
reports
assignments

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics)

This degree increases your employment prospects by enabling you to gain expertise in two different areas of interest. You will learn from world-class educators and researchers1 in linguistics and benefit from our state-of-the-art learning facilities.

Study part of your degree overseas with the Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience.

You could continue your studies with a Master of Teaching with one major and one minor Learning Area. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

^{12015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)}

Real-world connections

As part of your linguistics major you will have an opportunity to do a six month exchange overseas at another university to further extend your linguistic profession and real-world connections.

As part of this degree you may have the opportunity to complete an overseas placement as part of the Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience. This is a great opportunity for you to build professional relationships and networks.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes, employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

Your knowledge of language structure and use, combined with strong analytical and research skills, can lead to further study or a career in such diverse fields as print and online publishing, public service and administration and, with additional qualifications, teaching, speech pathology, translating and interpreting, research and consultancy.

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
services offered through our student association, USASA

When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

I am senior lecturer in Applied Linguistics, program director of the Bachelor of Arts, and member of the Research Centre for Languages and Cultures (RCLC).

My background is in philosophy and linguistics. My interests include how language matters as a form of expertise in professions and organisations, particularly in health settings. I’m involved in projects in psychiatry, mental health and aged care that aim to improve how language is used and understood at important times in people's lives.

Dr Jonathan Crichton

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Jonathan Crichton

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.