Faculty of Arts
Graduate Profile
Master of Linguistics
Introduction
The Graduate Profile is a statement of the generic and specific attributes and skills of graduates of
the programme including the body of knowledge attained (CUAP Functions and Procedures, 20142015). The framework for graduate outcomes in the Graduate Profile may vary depending on the
award, however attention should be paid to the development in graduates of lifelong learning skills.
A Graduate Profile may contain the personal attributes, interactive attributes and specific
programme attributes which should ideally be displayed by graduates.
Master of Linguistics
Life-long Learning Skills and Attributes of Graduates
In connection to the UC Graduate Profile, graduates of the Master of Linguistics will:
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Be highly trained in the theories and contemporary methodologies of Linguistics.
Be effective communicators, in a variety of modes (e.g. oral delivery, academic writing,
poster delivery, engagement with non-experts in the field).
Understand that all languages are equally structured and complex, and that they are
intricately embedded in their social context.
Be able to relate and engage with the views of non-experts (e.g. general community
members) and be able to discuss, in an informed way, typical language attitudes.
Understand the similarities and differences in linguistic systems across the world’s
languages, and how languages are embedded into their local, national and global contexts.
Subject-specific skills
Graduates of the Master in Linguistics will have acquired a range of complementary analytical,
critical and linguistic skills. This will include understanding of:
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the internal structure of language and languages, including knowledge of phonetics,
phonology and syntax.
the relationship between English and other languages, including Te Reo Māori.
key geographical and social determinants of variation in language.
the role of language in constructing individual and group identities.
how language produces and reflects cultural change and difference.
Graduates will also be able to demonstrate the following general and transferrable skills:
 the ability to formulate a hypothesis, gather evidence, and construct an acceptable argument.
 knowledge of the metalanguage appropriate for the discipline and the ability to use correctly
a recognized formal terminology.
 critical skills in the close reading, description and analysis of linguistic data.
 advanced literacy and communication skills and the ability to apply these in appropriate
contexts, including the ability to construct and present coherent, concise and sustained
arguments.
 competence in the planning and execution of research.
 the ability to abstract and synthesize information, and to organize the results appropriately.
 the ability to analyse data quantitatively, and to express the results of that analysis cogently
and concisely.
 the ability to assess the merits and shortcomings of contrasting theories and explanations.
 the ability to acquire complex data and information of diverse kinds from a variety of
sources, including libraries, the internet, corpora, independent fieldwork and data collection.
 bibliographic skills appropriate to the discipline, including accurate citation of sources and
consistent use of conventions in the presentation of professional and scholarly work.
 skills in accessing and manipulating data electronically, as well as a broad familiarity with
information technology resources.
 effective time management and organizational skills, including the ability to work to a
deadline and to handle a number of distinct projects simultaneously.
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