Overview
What is "Applied Languages"?
It means learning languages AND how to apply them in real-world social and professional contexts.
Applied Language and Translation Studies (ALTS) at DCU is a modern, future-focused languages degree. It combines two foreign languages from Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish, with professional skills in translation technology, AI tools, and intercultural communication. Delivered by the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS), you'll study with world-leading researchers at Ireland's top-ranked linguistics programme, and prepare for a global career in international business, localisation, EU institutions, education, media, and more.
Why Choose This Course?
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Strong employment outcomes – 90% of graduates in work or further study.
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International or professional experience through Study Abroad or a paid internship.
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Focus on languages, cultures + translation technology that prepares graduates for emerging global careers.
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Delivered by experts in Ireland’s joint #1 university for linguistics and #2 in the world for translation
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Flexible structure: graduate after Year 3 or continue to optional Year 4.
Languages + Technology = Future-Ready Graduates
AI and machine translation are transforming language professions, and ALTS prepares students to work confidently in this new environment. Rather than replacing skilled language graduates, AI has created a growing demand for professionals who can guide, improve and quality-check machine-generated content. These are areas where human judgement, cultural insight and ethical decision-making remain essential.
On ALTS, students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI and translation tools. Graduates leave with the digital and analytical skills needed for roles in localisation, content quality, global marketing, communications, and AI-supported language services.
About This Course
The BA in Applied Languages and Translation Studies develops high levels of fluency in foreign languages and deep intercultural competence alongside technical literacy and digital skills. Applied Languages explores how languages function in real‑world professional contexts — from business communication to intercultural mediation and global content creation.
Translation Studies involves adapting meaning across languages and cultures in fields such as:
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Software and game localisation
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Medical and technical communication
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Legal and EU documentation
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Subtitling and media translation
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International marketing
What Will I Study?
Students choose two languages.
Beginner level: Chinese, German, Japanese or Spanish
Intermediate level: French, German or Spanish
Additional languages may be taken through DCU’s Language and Culture Programme.
DCU People
'By broadening the critical technology focus in ALTS we forearm students to see beyond technology hype and to prepare them to work in different languages and cultures.'
Read more about Dr Joss Moorkens
'I am interested in the contribution that translation and interpreting can make to society, and I try to bring that societal focus to everything that I teach and research.'
Read more about Dr Patrick Cadwell
Careers & Further Options
Careers
Graduate Outcomes
Based on the 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey:
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90% in employment or further study
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60% in employment
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30% in postgraduate study
The survey tracks graduate destinations one year after completion and is conducted by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
Careers
Graduates from this programme build successful careers across a wide range of sectors and roles. They develop strong multilingual and intercultural skills that prepare them for opportunities in both public and private organisations, in Ireland and internationally.
See the 'Career Areas' and 'Career Prospects' sections below for examples of the pathways our graduates pursue.
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Localisation & technology
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International business
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Consulting & marketing
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EU institutions
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Public service
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Education
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Digital content & media
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Arts & culture
DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.
DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
Minimum of H4 in French or German or Spanish
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
GCE A Level C French or German or Spanish
Please visit our Admissions webpage for application guidance and to review specific FET course requirements, please visit the CAO QQI FET Requirements Look Up Facility.
Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.
To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.
Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:
- a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
- academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
- an ability to engage and succeed on the programme
All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.
For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website
Additional Requirements
This programme requires evidence of competency in French, German or Spanish. The requirement for the chosen language should equate to an Irish Leaving Certificate H4 in this subject. This requirement is essential for this programme. Applicants can show their strength in this through formal examinations e.g. school leaving examinations, QQI-FET, access programmes or other third level qualifications. If applicants do not have any relevant examinations, they may be able to meet the requirements through their work and life experience, applicants must give examples of this experience to demonstrate their competency in these areas in their personal statement. In this instance applicants may be requested to supply additional information or/and attend an interview to establish language proficiency
Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6, 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.
Additional Criteria
Applications are welcomed to Year 2 from students who have studied at Level 6, 7 or 8 in relevant areas. Applications will only be considered in cases where the applicant has studied two of the five languages taught on ALTS in an appropriate combination (two European languages or one European plus one Asian language) at Level 6, 7 or 8 in the year of application. To assess their language level, applicants may be required to participate in an interview with SALIS lecturers.
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.
Course Structure
Students may:
• Graduate after Year 3
OR
• Study abroad / Complete a paid professional internship in Year 4
Study Abroad locations include (indicative list):
France: Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Lyon, Metz, Toulouse
Switzerland: Geneva
Germany: Bremen, Heidelberg, Hildesheim, Leipzig, Münster, Trier
Austria: Graz, Innsbruck
Spain: Andalucía, Barcelona, Castilla-León, Madrid, Salamanca, Granada
Mexico: Puebla
Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Kobe, Nishinomiya, Takasaki
China: Shanghai, Shantou
Alternatively, students may complete a paid Internship.
• Languages & Cultures
• Literature & Film
• Introduction to translation
• Computer-Assisted Translation Tools
• Digital skills
• Languages & Cultures
• Technical, economic & multimedia translation
• Localisation workflows
• Interpreting & public communication
• Translation project management
• Dissertation or applied research project
Fees and Funding
Fees
All programme fees are per annum and subject to an annual increase.
How To Apply
Applicants presenting EU School Leaving/FETAC Level 5 examinations: Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May
To apply for this programme:
Candidates should apply directly here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
Please provide
- Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.
All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here
Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open at the end of November to 1st July.
Please see Application Procedures or E-mail ugadmissions@dcu.ie.
Candidates submitting EU examination results are required to apply through the CAO at https://www.cao.ie/.
Candidates submitting non-EU examination results are required to apply directly here.
A minimum of 10 students is required for Chinese.
Life On Campus
This is a unique creative space on campus for all language-loving students! You can
- use your target language in an authentic intercultural atmosphere
- share and get to know each other´s languages and cultures
- get to know fellow students from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds
- share your curiosity/passion for new cultures and languages
Language Societies
As a language student at DCU you may want to join a number of clubs or societies to meet other like-minded students such as the Chinese Society, German Society, Japanese Society, French Society and Erasmus Student Network, to name a few.
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Will AI replace translators?
No. AI has increased demand for skilled graduates who can manage, edit and evaluate AI‑generated content.
What if I don’t want to be a translator?
The majority of ALTS graduates go on to apply what they learned on the degree in other fields such as business, technology, consulting and communications.
Can I study a language from beginner level?
Yes — Chinese, German, Japanese and Spanish are available at beginner level.
Is the Study Abroad year compulsory?
No. It is optional but very popular and often described as life-changing by students
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
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