Entry at all levels is at the discretion of the Programme's graduate selection committee who will scrutinise transcripts of results and other documentation, and may conduct selection interviews. Applicants are requested to submit information about their linguistic background and research interests in Linguistics as well as a short writing sample (an essay, research proposal or something comparable) with their application. 

Entry to the Honours-level modules requires a bachelor's degree. In order to be accepted to the Masters programme, applicants need a four-year degree in Linguistics or a cognate discipline. Preference is given to students who performed outstandingly and/or who have showed an aptitude for research work.

Initially, all students register for the Masters degree. However, students may only be admitted to the second part of the degree (dissertation) if they achieve at least 60% for their coursework modules. If they do not achieve this minimum mark, but have completed their coursework, then they may exit the programme and be awarded with a Postgraduate Certificate in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics.