Bachelor of Arts in Languages,Literature and Film

General Information

This degree combines and integrates some of the broader educational ideals of traditional Arts degrees with the University’s expressed intention to provide students with useful and relevant knowledge. It will enable school-leavers with an interest in languages on the one hand and literature and other forms of cultural expression (e.g. film, visual arts, popular or traditional music, theatre) on the other, to act as ‘cultural mediators’, i.e. as professionals who are in the business of explaining and interpreting Ireland to other nationalities and other cultures to the Irish.These professionals may be educators, journalists, PR personnel or organisers of cultural events and educational tours.

Course Structure

This programme will provide students with a high level of communication skills in up to two languages together with a deeper understanding of the literature and cultural traditions of Ireland, Britain, France, Spain or Germany. It will also give students the opportunity to specialise in a non-European culture by means of an elective in Japanese language and culture. A period of twelve months spent either fully or partly abroad on a work placement (off-campus programme) and studying at a European university is an important feature of the programme.

The programme is four years in duration.Over this period, students generally study eleven modules in their major subject, i.e. English Studies or French or Gaeilge or German or Spanish, plus six modules of Cultural Studies and six modules in their minor subject.

When French, Gaeilge, German or Spanish is taken as the major subject, 6 modules will be devoted to language work and area studies, while 5 will focus on literature and culture. In the case of English Studies as a major subject, all modules are devoted to the different literatures in English.

The Cultural Studies stream provides students with theoretical frameworks and fundamental knowledge in areas such as media studies, film studies, women's studies and cultural theory.

NB: French and German are offered at advanced level. Spanish is offered at beginners’ and advanced level both as major and minor subject while Japanese is offered at beginners’ level only.

The programme aims to:

• Give students a high level of competence in languages and develop their general communication skills;
• Give students a deeper understanding of the literatures and cultures of several European traditions;
• Provide students with insights into our cultural environment, current cultural debates and theories and aspects of cultural exchange while developing the students’ critical faculties;
• Provide students with professional expertise and skills in language related areas such as Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TechnicalWriting.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics; Irish or another language; and English).

In addition applicants are required to hold at least the following in the Leaving Certificate, or an approved equivalent: Grade C3 at Higher Level in their major subject, i.e. English or French or German or Gaeilge or Spanish. In the case of Spanish and German for Beginners as major subject, applicants are required to hold at least Grade C3 at higher level in one modern language.

We welcome applications from Mature Students.Application forms for mature student entry are available from the UL Admissions Office.

Career Prospects

The process of European integration means there is a growing need for graduates with a high level of comparative cultural awareness combined with secure linguistic competence.The BA in Languages, Literature and Film is responding to this need.The continuing demand for language teachers in educational establishments and the increasing level of cultural tourism creates outlets for graduates.This programme is approved by the Teachers’ Registration Council for the purposes of registering as a secondary teacher. Employment opportunities also exist in multi- or international companies and organisations.At the same time, the programme provides a solid foundation for many postgraduate programmes in the Arts/Humanities sector. Graduates of this degree may take up a career in a wide range of areas including:

• Education (Especially Modern Language Teaching)
• Mass Media
• Tourism and Heritage
• Public Relations / Advertising