Job Discussion Forums

[MeyeQui]

I'm currently in the process of applying for a Masters of Applied Linguistics -on capus- in Australia. I hold a non-teaching related BA and I don't have any postgraduate qualifications in teaching. I do however have several years of teaching experience.

Since my qualifications aren't so great, I'm worried about the requirements for entry. Do I need to take any catch-up or prerequisite courses?

Recent posts have been praising the reputation of USQ and Macquarie. As an international student, are spots competitively scarce? Someone also mentioned that USQ is an affordable option. 15-20 thousand AUD?

Thanks for your time.

[eslstudies]

You'd do best to contact the linguistics departments at the relevant universities to get accurate information. Newcastle Uni quotes around $16.5 K [AUD] for a masters in App Ling. If your BA isn't from an English speaking country you'd need to have a test score, probably IELTS of 6.5, to show that you're up to the demands of the course. However, I'm guessing from your post that you're a native English speaker currently teaching in Japan. Your teaching experience would certainly be considered in a positive light.
As a full fee-payer you're essentially self funding: universities like fee payers, so competition shouldn't be an issue provided you meet other criteria. I don't think there's a great difference in fees for different universities offering the same specialisation, but shop around, as this is a widely offered award.
Yes, Macquarie is well regarded, but Sydney is very expensive: rent in particular.
Look at some of the websites of universities in smaller cities. Here's one link:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/school/hss/mastersappliedlinguistics/index.html

[jackintokyo]

I completed a Masters online with University of Tasmania - as I have Oz citizenship I got it free (for the moment) via Fee-help.
I bet they would grab you if you were a fee-paying student. Hobart is a small relaxed city and would be worth a look.
Jack