利莫利克大学

Why Study Applied Languages at UL?

This programme aims to produce graduates with a high level of competence in at least two languages combined with a specialist knowledge of the societies in which those languages are spoken. The course also offers the unusual opportunity to take three languages to degree level. Graduates will also possess professional expertise in an area such as Marketing, Politics and International Relations, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Technical Communication.

Which languages can I study? French and Irish are only available at advanced level (i.e. post Leaving Certificate or equivalent);: Spanish and German are offered at Beginners’ level and Advanced level. Japanese is offered at Beginners’ level only.

Course Structure

The Applied Languages programme is a four year programme, divided into eight semesters. In each semester you will study: your two languages (Language A and Language B); 1-2 compulsory modules (e.g. Linguistics 1 and 2, Language Technology, Applied Languages Project); and 2 elective modules, the first of which you can choose from (e.g. a third language, including Japanese, Politics and International Relations, Marketing) and the second of which you can choose from a range of literature modules in a language you are studying, or cultural studies modules focusing on a language.

Semesters 1, 2 and 3: You will spend the first three semesters in UL, getting a foundation in your two (or three) chosen languages and societies in which these languages are spoken, as well as in Linguistics, which is the science of language, and in your elective subjects.

Semesters 4 and 5: You will spend semesters 4 and 5 away from UL. You will be on a work placement for the first semester (cooperative education) and you will be studying in a university for the second semester (external academic placement). Working and studying abroad gives you a fantastic opportunity to deepen your linguistic skills and cultural knowledge. Many students generally divide their time between their two main languages; so if French and Spanish are your main languages, you could spend your cooperative education in Spain or Argentina for example and spend your external academic placement in a French-speaking country. You will get plenty of advice and guidance about these choices and you will start planning them well in advance.

Semesters 6, 7 and 8: During semesters 6, 7 and 8, you will acquire a deeper understanding of the historical, political, economic and cultural factors that have shaped the societies in which your two languages are spoken, while also continuing the study of these languages to a high level of proficiency. You will also acquire specialised, advanced skills such as interpreting and translating. In addition, you have the opportunity in your last 3 semesters to either continue the study of your third language/ politics/marketing, or you can choose to specialise in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, or Technical Communication. You can also choose to study literature modules in your second language.

Career Prospects

Careers open to you with a degree in Applied Languages include;

• Translating and interpreting
• Communications, media and public relations
• Training for Modern language teaching at secondary level
• International business, marketing, exporting
• Software, IT and internet sector
• English Language Teaching
• Further study with a view to professional qualification (e.g. Speech and Language Therapy) or a research and academic career.

Applied Languages graduates are highly attractive to employers because of their mix of proficiency in more than one language, excellent communication and intercultural skills, and experience of living and working overseas.