Study language and culture

Think language is just about perfect grammar? Think bigger. Language shapes culture, drives change and opens (or closes) doors. At AUT, you’ll learn to work across cultures and contexts, then test those skills on real-world projects with industry and community partners. Small classes mean your ideas get challenged, sharpened and taken seriously. When you graduate, you’ll know how to make language work – in boardrooms, on marae, across borders.

Undergraduate programmes

Undergraduate study in language and culture will give you a solid grounding in your chosen area.

Bachelor's degree

Studying a bachelor’s degree? You can also study:

You can study language and culture subjects as part of many AUT bachelor’s degrees, not just the ones listed above. Choose either a major (a main subject you specialise in), a minor (a smaller subject) or an elective course:

Graduate certificates and diplomas

Postgraduate programmes

Postgraduate study in language and culture will build on your knowledge and expertise in your area of interest.

Certificates and diplomas

A certificate or diploma will give you an introduction to your chosen subject and can prepare you for further study.

English language courses

Learn English at AUT in Auckland City and improve your English language skills.

Beginner to pre-intermediate level

Free English classes for migrants and refugees

Intermediate level or above

AUT English Pathway Programme (AUTEPP)

Explore our research expertise

Language research at AUT explores how we communicate, connect and belong – across cultures, communities and contexts. From sociolinguistics to translation studies, our researchers investigate the role of language in shaping identity, meaning and change in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

What it's like to study languages at AUT

Gain experience in the workplace while you study

Real workplace experience

Real projects, real connections. Many AUT programmes include workplace experience so you’re ready for what’s next.

Find out more

Degrees built your way

Why settle for one subject? Our Bachelor of Arts lets you combine disciplines and build your degree your way.

Find out more

Overseas study opportunities

Passport ready? Study overseas with AUT Global and bring fresh perspectives back to your AUT degree.

Find out more

News

A generic image of a man reading to school children.

Launch of the online “Dictionary of the Māori Language of Rarotonga” at Te Ipukarea Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, for Cook Islands Language Week

Sharon Harvey smiling in an open student study area inside at AUT.

An official poster for Netflix's The Witcher, showing from left: Yennefer of Vengerberg, Geralt of Rivia, and Ciri.

NZ must recognise Palestine as a state

18 Sep, 2025

The actual business of qualifying as a state is simple in theory, more complicated in practice – but even so, Palestine meets the criteria for statehood.

Writers ignite kids' reading joy

09 Sep, 2025

Authors giving talks at New Zealand schools stoke enthusiasm for reading and writing, new research has found.

Launch of Online Rarotongan Dictionary

15 Aug, 2025

Te Ipukarea Research Institute has partnered with the Cook Islands Language project to launch an online dictionary for Cook Island Māori.

Why we need a national languages policy

14 May, 2025

A national languages policy would ensure that all citizens are able to participate fully and equitably in society.

Theology, Religion and The Witcher

01 Apr, 2025

How does theology and religious ideology enter our political struggles? Much can be learned about this from the popular world of The Witcher.