Overview

• To develop students' understanding of key aspects of the cultural life of German, French and Spanish-speaking countries today.
• To enable students to analyse and interpret German, French or Spanish-language and culture within a broader European context.
• To provide students with the necessary skills to communicate in oral and written German, French or Spanish with a high degree of accuracy and confidence.
• To foster students' ability to conduct independent research in all fields relating to German, French or Spanish languages and cultures
• To equip students with both the linguistic and conceptual skills to operate in an increasingly multi-cultural environment in Ireland and abroad.
• To conceptualise larger research projects (e.g. at PhD level) and to participate in a broader intellectual community of postgraduate research and learning.

Contact
Course Directors: Dr Frédéric Royall and Dr. Mariano Paz
School of Languages, Literature, Culture and Communication
Tel:  353-61-233495 or
Email:frederic.royall@ul.ie

Email:mariano.paz@ul.ie
Webpage: http://www3.ul.ie/llcc/ma-in-mls/

Graduate Profile

Students graduating from this course will be equipped to follow a number of career paths. These include: teaching at various levels (including university), school management, business, publishing, materials' development, adult education and support, further study to PhD level.

Programme Content

Entry Requirements

At least an undergraduate degree at 2.2 honours level (or international equivalent) in an appropriate subject (i.e. with a substantial component of French, Spanish or German Studies). (Primary degree: level 8 NQAI).  Applicants' language skills should be to a level corresponding to a minimum second class Honours degree in the language. An interview may form part of the selection process for all applicants. This will be done in person if possible or alternatively via Skype or video conferencing where the candidate is not available and cannot attend an interview.

Candidates who do not meet these criteria may apply for admission to the MA in Modern Language Studies programme as recognised prior learning may be taken into account. The admission of such applicants would be exceptional and would be subject to the approval of the Course Director and the Course Board.  Places on the programme will be offered on the basis of the above, viz. qualifications, performance and interview, language proficiency level (if applicable).

Please note that places on the programme are offered on the basis of all the above, viz. qualifications, performance at interview, language proficiency level (if applicable) as well as candidates' references given in the application form

What to Include with your Application

• Qualification transcripts and/or certificates (including certified English translations if applicable)
• English language qualification(s) (if English is not your first language) 
• A one-page supporting statement
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document)
• An application fee will apply from January 2011 to all postgraduate programmes.  Please see Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the application fee.

English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than  two years prior to application):
Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:
Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved

• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), 80 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* for Business, Arts, Humanities or Education programmes. Minimum score of 6.0* for Science, Engineering, Informatics or Electronics programmes *with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.