Bachelor of Arts in Applied Languages

About You

Do you enjoy speaking languages and finding out about the countries in which they are spoken?

Are you also interested in language itself – why languages are different, why people in different places speak differently, how we communicate? Do you enjoy travelling and getting to know other cultures in depth?

Would you like to acquire specialist skills, such as Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or Technical Communication while you study languages?

Would you like to combine your study of languages with the study of subjects like Marketing or Politics and International Relations? If this sounds like you, then Applied Languages at UL could be the course for you.

If this sounds like you, then Applied Languages at UL could be the course for you.

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.

Applied Languages Q&A

Which languages can I study? 

French and Irish are only available at the 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.

What does Applied Languages mean?
The term ‘Applied Languages’ is commonly used to describe degrees which produce graduates with a high level of proficiency in their chosen languages, an in-depth understanding of the culture and society where they are spoken and an appreciation of how they might best be used in a range of professional contexts at home and abroad.

How many languages can I take? 
You must take 2 languages; you can take a third as an option. At least one language must be taken at the advanced level. The exceptional opportunity offered by this course to study three languages to degree level is one of its most attractive features for students who wish to pursue careers as specialist linguists.

Which languages can I take?
As core languages you can take French, Gaeilge, (Advanced only), German and Spanish (Advanced and Beginners). If you would like to take a third language, you can take any of the above or Japanese.

What elective options can I take?
From Year 1, a third language (as above), Marketing or Politics and International Relations or Computing. In Year 3 you can continue with these, or take up Technical Writing or Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Will I spend time abroad at a university or working?
Yes! You will spend at least two six-month periods on work placement and study abroad. It is particularly important when learning foreign languages that you keep working regularly rather than “cramming” in the week before exams. It is also a good idea to take advantage of holiday periods to spend more time living in the countries where your chosen languages are spoken. You might do a summer job or visit a language course – it’s your choice.

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. In addition, you can choose from a variety of interesting electives in the areas of linguistics, media, sociology and literature.

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

In addition, applicants must hold a minimum Grade H3 in French or German or Irish or Spanish or Japanese.

Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation Maths is not reckonable for scoring purposes.

We welcome applications from Mature Students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

QQI Entry

Certain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling admission requirements for this programme.. Go to the UL Admissions QQI page for a full list of modules.

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 second level
• International business, marketing, exporting
• Software, IT and internet sector
• English Language Teaching
• Further study with a view to a professional qualification (e.g. Speech and Language Therapy - Professional Masters in Education, subject to meeting requirements).

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.

Want to find out more about possible careers with this degree? Click Here

Key Fact

This programme aims to give you a high level of competence in at least two languages, combined with a specialist knowledge of the societies in which those languages are spoken.