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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.
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.
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 12-month 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
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
Enhance your employment prospects by studying Applied Linguistics with a second major. Studying a second majors will develop your capabilities to explore and understand diverse ways of thinking, which is highly regarded by prospective employers.
Study with the Top 5 university in Australia for student satisfaction in the Humanities1.
Ranked Top 10 in Australia for graduate careers in the Humanities2.
Gain international experience as part of the Global Experience study tours.
Engage with community and industry partners and explore employment pathways through placements and mentoring in the optional Professional Directions Program.
1Ranked #3, ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). Public universities. 2Ranked equal #6 ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Postgraduate). SA public universities 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
Snapshot
As a student studying the Applied Linguistics major you will gain an in-depth understanding of human language and learn how language shapes human experience, through the integration of theoretical and applied perspectives, with a strong practical, community and industry focus.
You will:
Explore the ways in which language is fundamental to human understanding, communication and cultures.
Gain expertise in the applications of linguistics to contemporary issues and professional concerns.
Use your high-level linguistic, analytical, research and problem-solving skills as global professionals in a world of linguistic and cultural diversity.
You will also graduate with writing, presentation, digital, communication, research and problem-solving skills that can be transferable across a range of roles and are highly regarded by prospective employers.
Learn more about how to tailor your Arts degree to suit your interests in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
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 human language. You will develop in-depth knowledge in your chosen specialisations, enhancing your critical thinking, research capabilities and problem-solving skills. You will also graduate with writing, presentation, digital, and communication skills that can be transferred across a range of roles and are highly regarded by prospective employers. You will focus on:
Developing an in-depth understanding of human language, and how languages and cultures shape communication, identities and learning in the contemporary world.
Exploring what is fundamental to human understanding, communication and culture in societies, institutions, organisations, workplaces and communities..
Using 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:
You will also be required to complete two core courses, four courses from a selected list of minors (also from the above list), and Professional Directions Program 1 & 2 or two electives.
1. Students are required to complete their second major from: Aboriginal Studies, Creative Writing and Literature, Criminology and Criminal Justice, History and Global Politics, Cultural Studies, Languages (French/Italian/Japanese), Psychology, Sociology, or Law, Policy and Politics. Students who wish to complete the Criminology and Criminal Justice major, or a major or minor learning area from the list of available university major and minor options should contact the Program Director for approval and enrolment advice. International student visa holders cannot select Criminology and Criminal Justice as a specialisation or major.
2. 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. Students complete either Electives or Professional Directions Program courses 1 and 2. Students may be directed to complete English Language courses in place of their electives.
3. A minor consists of four courses (18 units), two of which are generally Level 1 (Introductory) and two at Level 2 (Intermediate).
4. 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.
5. Students are advised to select their minor from within the majors offered by the
MBAA Bachelor of Arts.
6. If students in this program are undertaking Law, Policy and Politics as their second major, they should elect to study the course Multilingualism: Contact, Change and Mobility.
7. The Justice & Society Study Tour course can be chosen in place of an elective course as part of this program. Additional fees apply for the study tour component of this course, and enrolment is conditional upon successful application in a competitive Expression of Interest process as well as successful completion of 36 units.
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, as well as to 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. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
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.
This degree increases your employment prospects by enabling you to gain expertise in two different areas of interest. Applied Linguistics is increasingly recognised as important for emergent areas of employment and technology. You will learn from world-class educators and researchers in linguistics1 and benefit from our state-of-the-art learning facilities.
You will have opportunities to engage with community and industry partners through placements and mentoring conversations as part of your studies through the Professional Directions Program.
There are also opportunities to study a portion of your degree overseas, as part of the Global Experience study tours.
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.
Real-world connections
As part of this degree, you will have opportunities to engage with community, build industry connections and gain valuable work experience. Such opportunities include:
Placements in over 100 organisations though the Professional Directions Program in second year.
UniSA’s Bachelor of Arts is taught by world-class educators and researchers and enables you to pursue two areas of academic interest at once. Hear from UniSA student Luke Heathorn and Program Support Coordinator Louis Everuss on what it's like studying our Bachelor of Arts degrees.
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:
government, diplomacy and trade
defence, intelligence and security
migrant, refugee, and multicultural services
community and social services
health, wellbeing and aged care
policy and research
education
entrepreneurship
speech pathology
translating and interpreting
healthcare communication.
How to apply
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
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.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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 international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
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 modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your study spaces
As an Arts student you will have access to:
The on-campus Multimedia Languages Lab, where you can connect in real-time with native speakers from around the world
A diverse range of community and industry partner organisations who host student placements and offer mentoring conversations off campus so you can engage and explore real-world connections.
Your program director
I am Director of the Bachelor of Arts Programs, Lecturer in Applied Linguistics, and Fellow of the Advanced Higher Education Academy, UK.
My academic background is in Languages and Applied Linguistics (BA Hons, PhD), following extensive experience in clinical practice across a range of health and medical domains in Australia. My work places a strong focus on developing reciprocal, trusting relationships in my teaching, mentoring and engagement with students, and in my research in partnership with colleagues, community and industry. My teaching and research inform each other. I coordinate and teach core courses in the Bachelor of Arts, and my research focuses on language and communication in professions and organisations in various contexts. These include state and nationally funded projects in health care, aged care, education, counselling, and policing.
The upshot is that our Bachelor of Arts program develops each student’s interests, strengths and aspirations, enabling each student to explore and prepare for a wide range of career and life goals. The unique double major structure combines theory and practice with real-world experience to develop strong interdisciplinary skills that are highly valued by industry, government and community.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit 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 credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
"Lectures and tutorials are always engaging because the lecturers are passionate about the topics they teach. Not only did they teach me how to be successful academically, but they also shared an understanding of the importance and impact language has in professional settings."
Christopher Denton
Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics)
Audiology Joint Venture Partner | Specsavers Australia
Christopher Denton
Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics)
Audiology Joint Venture Partner | Specsavers Australia
I chose to study Arts at UniSA for two reasons. The first is that it has the most interesting and comprehensive linguistics major, and the second is the double major offering. This allowed me to specialise in both sociology and applied linguistics, instead of having to choose one. What I have enjoyed the most is the academic environment. The academic staff are friendly and approachable, and it has been an amazing experience to learn from people who want to see me succeed.
Clover Glasgow
Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics)
Clover Glasgow
Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics)
The knowledge I have gained studying linguistics has improved both my communication and interpersonal skills. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to be able to learn and grow in an environment where diverse languages and cultures are celebrated.
Peter Leach
Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics)
Peter Leach
Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics)
This program is ideal for those looking for a well-rounded understanding of human issues and interaction. What I’ve studied so far in the Bachelor of Arts program has helped me prepare for not just one career. I have the option to explore a range of avenues when it comes to career opportunities and further study. Advocacy is one option I would like to pursue, but the ability to continue with further research has always intrigued me too.
Luke Heathorn
Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics, History & Global Politics)
Luke Heathorn
Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics, History & Global Politics)
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
