Prospective Students

Understanding the Course:

NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO NEW INTAKE OF STUDENTS TO THIS PROGRAMME FOR SEPT. 2012.

Please see instead Business Studies International (DC110)

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The BA in International Business and Languages degree enables you to gain knowledge of a comprehensive range of business subjects and fluency in two European languages or Chinese or Japanese. You study in France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Spain, Mexico, China or Japan in third year and so immerse yourself in the language and culture of the host country and pursue your business studies in that language.

About You:

NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO NEW INTAKE OF STUDENTS TO THIS PROGRAMME FOR SEPT. 2012.

Please see instead Business Studies International (DC110)

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You want to study business but you're good at languages too. Why not study both?

Understanding International Business and Languages

Languages are back on the business agenda and there are now more opportunities than ever for business-savvy graduates who speak a foreign language. The International Business and Languages (IBL) degree has enjoyed remarkable success with graduates flourishing in many industries across many countries. The opportunities are vast and will take you anywhere you want to go. Borders are no longer a barrier to trade, with small, large and multinational companies trading freely on a global scale. International employers based in Ireland or abroad really place value on business graduates' ability to speak German, Spanish, French, Japanese or Chinese.

This degree prepares you for a successful and varied career by combining a thorough business grounding with a high level of written and oral fluency in two languages or Japanese or Chinese. There's also the great opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe, Central America, Japan or China.

A successful IBL student is dynamic and highly motivated, with strong communication skills, and excellent language learning ability. If that sounds like you then read on.

Course Structure:

You will be introduced to the core business subjects in Years 1 and 2. During second year you also choose which language you wish to major in, and the country where you want to study for a year. For your language modules you can choose from the following (please note that no student may take two languages at ab-initio [beginners] level):

International Business and Languages with Chinese:
You take Chinese at ab-initio level.

International Business and Languages with Japanese:
You take Japanese at ab-initio level.

International Business and Languages with French and Spanish:
You take French at intermediate (post-Leaving Cert. or equivalent) level.
You may take Spanish at intermediate or ab-initio level.

International Business and Languages with French and German:
You take French at intermediate (post-Leaving Cert. or equivalent) level.
You may take German at intermediate or ab-initio level.

International Business and Languages with German and Spanish:
You take German at intermediate (post-Leaving Cert. or equivalent) or ab-initio level.
You may take Spanish at intermediate or ab-initio level.

Third year involves a year of language and business studies at a partner institution abroad. We are particularly proud of the calibre of our Erasmus exchange partners who rank among the top academic institutions in their respective countries.

Year abroad destinations include China, Japan, Belgium, Mexico, Spain, France, Germany and Austria. When you return home for your final year you can draw from your experience and decide which business area to specialise in, be it finance, law, marketing, human resource management, and management and information systems. Specialist subject options are also offered in the language and cultural field.

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

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.

What Our Graduates Say
"I chose IBL because I wanted a course that would allow me the best of both worlds: languages and business. In today's world, a business degree isn't always enough and a well-rounded and well-travelled individual with a foreign language can have a greater appeal for an organisation. IBL has offered me a good grounding in all business aspects yet allowing me to differentiate myself from others in my chosen specialisms of French and Finance"
Marie-Claire Fidgeon, Graduate of IBLFG, 2005.

"IBL allowed me to develop my business acumen, my language skills and my cultural awareness. I majored in German and took French as a minor language. I am currently working for the French Bank Société Générale (Corporate and Investment Banking) in the Frankfurt office. Further rotations will take me to Paris and London. I have so many fond memories of the time I spent in DCU… the academic staff and all my fellow classmates helped to make my college years the best of my life".
Shane Michael Kelly, Graduate of IBLFS, 2006.

Career Prospects:

Your impressive competence in languages, business and cultural awareness is a combination that is particularly attractive to employers. Graduates of IBL enjoy successful careers with companies such as Accenture, Bank of Ireland, The Financial Times, Diageo, Kepak, the Department of Foreign Affairs and many more. More career details can be found at: www.dcu.ie/careers/fdr

This course is also suitable for those who ultimately wish to pursue a career in teaching Business as it is recognised by the Teaching Council for purposes of teaching Business.

Entry Requirements:

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

OC3 or HD3 in Mathematics plus Grade C3 at Higher Level in French

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

GCE A-Level D or GCE AS-Level C or GCSE C Mathematics plus GCE A-Level C in French

FETAC Level 5
No Entry Path

Transfer Applications
Holders of a HETAC National Certificate or National Diploma with Merit or Distinction (in Business Studies, Marketing or Related Subjects) who can demonstrate competence in French and Spanishcommensurate with one year full-time post-leaving certificate study, may be considered for admission into the second year.

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

EU Transfer Applicants
Apply directly to DCU by the 1st July

All Non-EU Candidates
Apply directly to DCU by 15th February. Applications may also be taken up to the 1st July if places have not been allotted.

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

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