Prospective Students

Understanding the Course:

A competency in language that embraces Translation Studies.

This degree looks at the principles underlying language, culture, translation and intercultural communication. It will develop your knowledge of different cultures and enhance your language skills tremendously in French, Chinese, German, Japanese and/or Spanish. You can study languages in combinations not available anywhere else in Ireland (e.g. Japanese and German; Chinese and French), giving you an even broader appeal to potential employers.

About You:

If you have a passion for languages, wish to reach high levels of proficiency in your chosen languages and are interested in exploring the field of translation, this programme is for you.

Why should I choose DCU?

SALIS offers language combinations not available elsewhere in Ireland. We combine languages that show the breadth and nature of both language and culture in countries and markets that are coming ever-closer together in today's multicultural world. What you learn will put you steps ahead when you start pursuing your career.

In addition to the general entry requirements the following entry requirements apply: Grade HC3 in a relevant foreign language (French, German or Spanish) at Leaving Certificate level (or equivalent).

Course Structure:

You will select from language choices in French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese, as well as taking foundation modules in linguistics, translation and intercultural studies.

You will take either two intermediate languages, or one intermediate and one beginner's level language. Please note: Chinese and Japanese are offered at beginner's level only; French is offered at intermediate level only; and German and Spanish can be taken at either intermediate or beginner's levels.

You continue with this focus in Year Two.

Year Three is spent studying at one of our partner universities. This year abroad provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the culture of another country and greatly enhance your oral language skills. The year's study includes a significant body of work taken in the target language. This is a major step in helping you towards the larger task of conducting independent research for your dissertation in Year Four. You will also continue to improve your target languages.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

Why DCU?

• Allows you to reach a high level of proficiency in more than one language and to apply your knowledge of languages and cultures in a number of contexts.
• Offers unusual language combinations as well as more traditional ones.
• Introduces students to a broad range of subjects in Language Studies and Translation Studies.
• Includes a year of study at a partner university abroad.
• Responds to national and international needs for graduates with high level language, translation and intercultural skills.

What our Graduates Say

"As well as opening minds, language studies at DCU will open opportunities, now hard to foresee. SALIS has always been a vibrant community of keen students and great staff." Michael Dwyer, CEO, Founder of Pigsback.com and DCU language graduate

"I really believe that the attention to detail, approachability and support of the lecturers from the Japanese department is second to none and an excellent preparation for working life." Dr. Colm Caffrey, Graduated 2004 (Japanese / German)

International Students

Non-native English speakers may be eligible to apply to the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) course, which will help you to achieve the English language requirements necessary for entry to this course as well as preparing you for adjustment to university learning in the Irish context.

Additional Information

You may qualify for financial support in respect of your Year 3 studies in other member states of the European Union. This is provided with the support of the Commission of the European Union within the framework of the SOCRATES-ERASMUS Programme.

Career Prospects:

Advanced language skills and the ability to communicate across cultures are essential in an era of growing internationalisation. As freelance or fulltime professional translators you will help organisations communicate successfully and effectively. You can also take examinations leading to employment in the translating division of many organisations like the EU and UN.

Postgraduate opportunities exist in related areas or in areas such as business or information technology.

Future Careers

• Translator
• Interpreter
• Teacher
• Public Servant
• Working in International Organisations

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

HC3 in French or German or Spanish

GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

GCE A-Level C in French or German or Spanish

FETAC Level 5
ELESX Language and European Studies
Distinctions in 5 modules including:
E20024 European Studies
And
ONE from the following:
E20106 French
E20107 Spanish
E20108 German

Transfer Applications
No Entry Path

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

How to Apply and Closing Dates

EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 5

Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

EU Mature Applicants
Apply through the CAO by 1st February

All Non-EU Candidates
Candidates should apply directly to DCU. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to the 1st July. All non-EU candidates are advised to apply early as places are limited.

Make an Application
Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at http://www.cao.ie/
Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here

A minimum of 10 students is required for Chinese.

Full list of degrees >

Fee information