Do you have linguistic skills and want to develop some? Do you have an interest in languages, cultures and more? If so, this could be a course that will interest you. If you have excellent verbal and writing skills, organisation skills, an open mind and a passion to learn then you will fit in perfectly.
What is Modern Languages?
Modern Languages combine advanced language skills with history, literature and the cultures of the place of origin of the languages you choose to study.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Modern Languages
Related:
- Classical Languages/Modern Languages
- Applied Languages
- European Studies and Languages
- World Languages
- Arts, Culture and History
- Languages, Linguistics and Cultures
Studying Modern Languages in college
Modern Languages courses are offered in a number of universities around Ireland. They are Level 8 courses that are generally 4 year in length, such as offered by UCD. Different universities may differ in their exact content covered and course layout. The below information is based on the Modern Languages course offered by UCD. There are also PLC courses in related areas that might give you an idea of what is involved in studying this area.
The first year of any undergraduate course will act as a foundation year and give you an introduction to the area of modern languages as well as covering the basic principles of the subject. You will gain an insight into what is to come throughout your course in the coming years. Modules you will cover in your first year will include two intercultural languages as well as a choice in modules in literature, history, cultural studies or subject for specific linguistics depending on your choice. You may also choose an optional third language to study.
Second year will be similar in content while third and fourth year of your course will see you have the opportunity to study abroad for a year in a country from the list of options that work in conjunction with UCD. Countries include Germany, Austra, France, Belgium, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, Italy and South America.
For your fourth year you will return to UCD and continue on with your studies. Examples of modules you can choose from throughout your course include International Languages, French Joint Major, Modern Languages French, German Joint Major, Modern Languages German Beginners or Non Beginners, Italian Studies Joint Major, Modern Languages Italian Beginners and Non-Beginners and more. You will also look at Languages, Nations, Cultures and similar modules. You can view the modules in more detail here.
Career Options
There are a number of career opportunities with a degree in Modern Languages. Examples of careers people have gone into with this degree include careers in Politics & Public Service, Journalism, Education, Finance, Marketing and Business, Creative & Media Industries and Translation and interpreting to name a few examples.
There are also opportunities to continue on your studies at postgraduate level and add an MLitt and/or PhD to your qualifications.
Qualities and skills that are helpful in this area include excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, strong verbal and written skills, the ability to work well with others, open minded, and interest in learning about different cultures, linguistic skills, organisation skills and time management skills.
Related Jobs
- Interpreter
- Translator
- Teacher
- Media
- Writer
- Marketing
- Journalist
Further Study
Visit postgrad.ie for more information.
FAQ
Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always safest to check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
PLC courses will accept Leaving Certificate results. Specific courses may have their own requirements.Certain QQI courses may be accepted.
The points required to study Modern Languages in UCD were 300 points in 2020. The points required to study Classical Languages/Modern Languages in TCD were 349 points last year.
Where can I study?
For other courses in the area you would like to explore, you can do so here.
Did you know?
- The oldest surviving language in the world is called Tamil and it originated in 300 BC
- The Busuu language is only spoken by 8 people and is the language of Southern Bantoid of Cameroon.
- Over 300 languages are spoken in the US
Resources
Comments