Applied Language and Translation Studies
The BA in Applied Language and Translation Studies (ALTS) is a unique degree in Irish higher education that aims to prepare a new generation of translators and language professionals for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. You will study two foreign languages with exciting combinations that include Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish, as well as many stimulating modules on translation. It allows you to explore the principles behind language, culture, translation and intercultural communication. You will work with multi-modal and digital literacies, and you will develop critical and creative thinking.
The degree is delivered by experts in the field and has been running successfully for over 30 years. It will equip you with the skills needed to communicate effectively across cultures and languages. The skills you will develop are in demand in modern industry and make our future graduates highly employable in an increasingly competitive, technologically driven, international marketplace.
Duration: 3* or 4 Years
Year 3* will be typically spent studying abroad at one of our partner universities. This will allow you to apply your language skills in a real life setting, experiencing the culture of another country, honing your oral language skills and undertaking a significant body of work in the local language. This is an excellent opportunity to experience another society at first hand. After you do the year abroad, you’ll return to DCU to complete your final year.
* Students need to fulfil criteria in order to participate in the year-long study abroad programme.
"Thanks to a well-rounded range of modules, small classes and approachable staff, I found that ALTS offered a unique and in-depth approach to language learning and culture, while still maintaining a real-world perspective."
You’ll select from two language choices that include French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese, as well as foundation modules in linguistics, translation and intercultural studies. You’ll take either two intermediate languages, or one intermediate and one beginner level language. Chinese and Japanese are offered at beginner level only; French is offered at intermediate level only; German and Spanish can be taken at either intermediate or beginner levels.
Year Three is spent studying at one of our partner universities abroad and provides an opportunity to experience the culture of another country and greatly enhance your language, social and academic skills. The year’s study includes a significant body of work taken in the target language.
In your final year, you’ll conduct independent research for your dissertation, and take advanced courses in language and translation.
View the current course structure
We have a unique and vibrant culture on our modern campus close to Dublin city centre. We provide state-of-the-art study facilities for all our courses and everything else you need for a healthy, fun and active student life.
Exceptional Facilities
DCU students enjoy exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our 3 academic campuses. These include modern learning theatres, research centres, television and sound studios, classrooms, computer suites and advanced laboratories in the areas of languages, engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology, as well as a sports performance centre and a virtual hospital ward.
A Vibrant, Dynamic Social Environment
Student facilities include a superb sports complex with a 25 metre pool, two libraries and The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre. In 2016 we announced plans to invest over €230m in developing new, world-class facilities across our three academic campuses. The new €14m Student Centre has become home to the more than one hundred and twenty student clubs and societies. This commitment to student facilities means that our world-class learning experiences are complemented by a vibrant, dynamic social environment.
"Thanks to a well-rounded range of modules, small classes and approachable staff, I found that ALTS offered a unique and in-depth approach to language learning and culture, while still maintaining a real-world perspective."
DCU's Applied Language and Translation Studies video from the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies.
We live in a multicultural society and studying languages opens doors to other countries, cultures, people and employment opportunities. Good communication through foreign languages is essential to organisations and sectors operating globally. Graduates from our degree in Applied Language and Translation Studies are immediately work-ready and sought after for their professional competencies as language professionals and translators. Many of our graduates have found employment across a range of industries where they have applied their language skills, including localisation, gaming, banking, tourism, education, research and recruitment. Additionally, Ireland’s technology sector has been dubbed the ‘Silicon Valley of Europe’ and a source of great opportunity for graduates with foreign languages working in sales, marketing and customer solutions. Graduates have also secured positions with international organisations including the United Nations, European Parliament and European Commission and in the not-for-profit sector.
Career areas:
- Translation and Interpreting
- Culture and Heritage
- Diplomatic Services
- EU Institutions
- Government Agencies
- International Development Agencies
- Global organisations
- Non-Governmental Organisations
- Post Primary Education
- International Affairs
- Policy Evaluation
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
For details of QQI requirements and relevant codes please click here. Simply enter the DC code for the programme you are interested in or if you are not sure of the code enter DC in the Select by Institution option, then click on Go.
No Entry Path
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.
