Language and culture

AUT's language and culture programmes focus on language in its widest sense. Our courses cover creative writing, English and its relationship with new media, translation and interpreting, international studies and the importance of intercultural competencies, discourse analysis and language teaching.

Culture is at the heart of everything we do: we realise that language and culture are inextricably bound – one can't exist without the other.

Research in language and culture

We believe in high-quality research that has impact, and have world-class researchers and research strengths across language and culture.

More about our research

International student exchange

Immerse yourself in another culture while you study and have the adventure of your life. Check out where you can go on exchange – and read some stories from returned AUT students.

Exchange for AUT students

Centre for Refugee Education

AUT’s Centre for Refugee Education provides an on-arrival education programme for resettled refugees. It works closely with the School of Language and Culture – Bachelor of Arts students often complete their workplace experience at the centre and many former refugees advance their English skills through the school’s programmes.

Centre for Refugee Education

Centre for Creative Writing

AUT’s Centre for Creative Writing offers an open and exciting learning environment where you can pursue your creative writing ideas and turn them into reality. Based in Auckland city, the centre offers multiple study pathways and the chance to gain advanced qualifications.

Centre for Creative Writing

News
Kirsten Warner
62% increase in AUT researchers
They Are Us image - illustration by Ruby Jones
Seddon Memorial Technical College reunion
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Kirsten Warner
Creative Writing graduate wins award
17 May, 2019
An AUT graduate's hard work has been recognised at this year's Ockham NZ Book Awards.
62% increase in AUT researchers
62% increase in AUT researchers
30 Apr, 2019
Growing expertise to help New Zealand and the world
They Are Us image - illustration by Ruby Jones
Christchurch tragedy
15 Mar, 2019
The tragic event in Christchurch today devastates us. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their friends and families.
Seddon Memorial Technical College reunion
Celebrating AUT through the years
21 Jan, 2019
Over 50 of our oldest alumni came together for the 2018 Seddon Memorial Technical College reunion hosted by the alumni office.
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Research tackles online trolls
16 Jan, 2019
Dr Philippa Smith recently returned from the OII in the UK where she studied counter speech strategies in response to negative online discourses.
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Events
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Auckland Regional Secondary School Japanese Speech Festival
Saturday 17 Aug, 9:30am - 1pm
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Refugee Education Symposium 2019 - Manākitanga: Welcoming Refugee Background Learners
Monday 26 Aug
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Ka Haka: Māori and Indigenous Performance Studies Symposium 2019
Thursday 14 Nov, 9am - Friday 15 Nov, 5pm
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Rohan Willis
Toby Games
Sharelle Govignon-Sweet
Rebekah Guy
Thalia Henry
Rohan Willis
Great graduatesRohan WillisDoctor of PhilosophyAUT’s culture makes it stand out from other universities, says Rohan Willis who came to AUT as an international student from the USA to complete a PhD.AUT’s culture makes it stand out from other universities, says Rohan Willis who came to AUT as an international student from the USA to complete a PhD in applied language studies. For his doctoral research Rohan is exploring how learning another language influences New Zealand-based ESOL teachers’ professional knowledge and classroom practice.
Toby Games
Great graduatesToby GamesEnglish Teacher, Qilu Normal University, Jinan City, ChinaBachelor of ArtsAs part of his Bachelor of Arts degree Toby Games spent six months in China on a student exchange programme, and says the experience was life-changing.A personal interest in Chinese language and culture drew Toby Games to AUT’s Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language. As part of his degree he spent six months in China on a student exchange programme, and says the experience was life-changing. After graduating from AUT at the end of 2016, Toby currently works as an English teacher at Qilu Normal University in Jinan City, China.
Sharelle Govignon-Sweet
Great graduatesSharelle Govignon-SweetEnglish Teacher, Albi, FranceBachelor of ArtsStudying intercultural communication immediately resonated with her, says Sharelle Govignon-Sweet who studied a Bachelor of Arts and now lives in France.Studying intercultural communication immediately resonated with her, says Sharelle Govignon-Sweet who completed a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Social Sciences. Now working as a self-employed English teacher in the south of France, Sharelle always encourages her students to consider different cultural perspectives.
Rebekah Guy
Great graduatesRebekah GuyNew Zealand Sign Language InterpreterBachelor of ArtsWhen Rebekah Guy first discovered Sign Language interpreting, it was love at first sight. Now, a Sign Language Interpreter, she loves the variety of her work.When Rebekah Guy first discovered Sign Language interpreting, it was love at first sight. Choosing to study at AUT was a life-changing decision for her. Once she had made the decision, she instantly knew it was the right one. She enjoyed being part of the supportive environment, and loved that the classes were interactive and could be adapted to the needs of Sign Language classes.
Thalia Henry
Great graduatesThalia HenryAuthorMaster of Creative WritingNot many award-winning novels start life as a postgraduate assignment, but that was certainly the case for Thalia Henry and her debut novel Beneath Pale Water.Not many award-winning novels start life as a postgraduate assignment, but that was certainly the case for Thalia Henry and her debut novel Beneath Pale Water. The novel was recently awarded an IPPY gold medal award in the category Best Regional Fiction, Australia and New Zealand. Since graduating from AUT, Thalia has been busy writing as well as helping other authors get their work published.
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Contact details

Contact us online
Phone 0800 AUT UNI (0800 288 864)

School of Language and Culture
AUT Tower (WT Building), Level 8
Corner Rutland and Wakefield Streets
Auckland City
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