There are three different streams of the Master of Applied Linguistics. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to linguistics.
You may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your work experience or prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.

For the 1.5 year stream (B)

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^.
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^, plus one year relevant professional experience.
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^.

IELTS - 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)
TOEFL iBT - 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)