Key Info
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 study three languages or combine your study of two languages with subjects like Law, Marketing or Politics and International Relations?
Would you like to acquire specialist skills, such as Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or Technical Communication while you study languages?
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 Law, Marketing, Politics and International Relations, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or Technical Communication.
What you will Study
Pathways and Electives for Applied Languages
It is compulsory to study 2 of the languages below as core languages. All languages are available at an advanced level, with German, Japanese and Spanish also available at beginners' level.
- French
- German
- Irish
- Japanese
- Spanish
Along with your 2 core languages, you will generally have 1 additional core module each semester, as well as a professional elective stream and 1-2 literature/cultural elective modules.
In Semester 1:
For your professional elective stream, you must choose one of the following:
- An additional language from the initial list
- Law
- Marketing
- Politics and International Relations
You must also choose one Literature/Cultural elective from:
- Literature in one of the languages you are studying
- Introduction to New Media and Cultural Studies
What you will study
Semesters 1, 2 and 3: You will spend the first three semesters in UL, building a foundation in your two (or three) chosen languages and the 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. Students generally divide their time between their two main languages; so if German 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 German-speaking country. If you are studying Irish, you may be working in the Gaeltacht or in Irish-medium schools and media organisations. Whatever your language combination, 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 continue the study of your third language/ politics and international relations/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, literature and film.
A full year by year breakdown of modules is below:
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Year 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Language, Culture and Society A: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish | Language, Culture and Society A: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish |
| Language, Culture and Society B: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish | Language, Culture and Society B: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish |
| Linguistics 1 | Linguistics 2 |
| Elective 1: French OR German OR Irish OR Spanish OR Japanese OR Marketing OR Law OR Politics and International Relations | Elective: French OR German OR Irish OR Spanish OR Japanese OR Marketing OR Law OR Politics and International Relations |
| Elective 2: Literature in Language A OR B OR Cultural Studies and New Media | Elective 2: Literature in Language A OR B OR Language and Culture |
| Year 2 | Semester 1 | Year 2 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Language, Culture and Society A: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish | Cooperative Education |
| Language, Culture and Society B: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish | |
| Language and Technology | |
| Elective 1 : French OR German OR Irish OR Spanish OR Japanese OR Marketing OR Law OR Politics and International Relations | |
| Elective 2: Literature in Language A OR B OR Cultural Studies |
| Year 3 | Semester 1 | Year 3 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| External Academic Placement | Language, Culture and Society A: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish |
| Language, Culture and Society B: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish | |
| Elective 1 : French OR German OR Irish OR Spanish OR Japanese OR Marketing OR Law OR Politics and International Relations OR Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages OR Technical Writing |
| Year 4 | Semester 1 | Year 4 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Language, Culture and Society A: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish | Language, Culture and Society A: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish |
| Language, Culture and Society B: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish | Language, Culture and Society B: French OR German OR Irish OR Japanese OR Spanish |
| Applied Languages Project | Applied Languages Project |
| Elective 1:French OR German OR Irish OR Spanish OR Japanese OR Marketing OR Law OR Politics and International Relations OR Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages OR Technical Writing | Spanish OR Japanese OR Marketing OR Law OR Politics and International Relations OR Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages OR Technical Writing |
| Elective 2: Literature in Language A OR B OR Cultural Studies OR European Cinema OR New Media | Elective 2: Literature in Language A OR B OR Cultural Theory OR European Cinema OR Travel Literature |
Frequently Asked Questions
French and Irish are only available at the advanced level (i.e. post Leaving Certificate or equivalent);: and German, Japanese and Spanish are offered at Beginners level.
The term ‘Applied Languages’ is commonly used to describe degrees which produce graduates with a high level of proficiency in their chosen languages and an in-depth understanding of the culture and society where they are spoken, combined with an appreciation of how they might best be used in a range of professional contexts at home and abroad.
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 language professionals.
As core languages you can choose two from French, German, Irish, Japanese and Spanish. French and Irish are only available at Advanced level (i.e. post Leaving Certificate or equivalent); the other languages are available at both Advanced and Beginners’ level. If you would like to take a third language, you can take any of the above.
From Year 1, a third language (as above), Marketing or Politics and International Relations. In Year 3, you can continue with these, or take up Technical Communication or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
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 countries where your chosen languages are spoken. This is particularly important if you decide to take three languages. You might do a summer job or visit a language course – it’s your choice.
Entry Requirements
| CAO points history |
403
|
|---|---|
| Minimum grades |
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. Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation Maths is not reckonable for scoring purposes |
| Subject requirements |
Applicants must hold a minimum Grade H3 in French, German, Irish, Japanese or Spanish. |
| Additional considerations |
Mature StudentsWe welcome applications from Mature Students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. Application information for mature student applicants (PDF) QQI EntryCertain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling admission requirements for this programme.. Go to the UL Admissions QQI page for a full list of modules. |
| Non-EU Entry Requirements |
Filters |
How to Apply
| Where are you applying from? | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found here. |
| The UK | Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| The EU | EU Students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| Non-EU country | If you are outside of the EU, you can apply for this degree here. |
Fees and Funding
Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.
A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.
An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.
EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €2,558 |
| SUSI pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €96 |
| €5,654 |
EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €2,558 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €96 |
| €5,654 |
Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €2,558 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €96 |
| €5,654 |
Non-EU Students
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €12,704 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €96 |
| €12,800 |
Student course fees are comprised of three components:
Student Contribution
Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The curent student contribution is set at €3000.
Student Levy
All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €96. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.
Tuition Fees
These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.
Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
-
Residency
- You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
-
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
-
Course Requirements
(all must be met)
- You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
- You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
- You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)
Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -
- Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the Higher Education Authority’s Free Fees scheme.
- EU Fee Status: You satisfy the citizenship and/or residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees
- Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.
More information about fees can be found on the Finance website
These scholarships are available for this course
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| The Noel Ryan Scholarship | €2,000 per year for 4 years | 1 per year |
These scholarships are available for all courses
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | €6,750 | 125 |
| Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
| Elaine Fagan Scholarship | €5,000 | 5 |
| Financial Aid Fund | ||
| Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
| Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | €2,500 | |
| Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
| Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | €750 | |
| Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
| The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over €7,000 in value | |
| UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
Your Future Career
Employability skills from this degree
- Communicating effectively verbally and in writing in different languages
- Gathering, assessing and interpreting information
- Leading and participating in discussions and groups
- Adapting to new and changing surroundings
- Working in teams and independently
- Organising and working to deadlines
- Developing opinions and proposing ideas
- Reading text to pick out essential points
The year after graduating with this degree
The University of Limerick Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) is a detailed review of the employment outcomes of UL graduates conducted annually by the University and supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The survey forms part of a nationwide review of the employment outcomes of Irish University Graduates. The table below illustrates a five-year trend for UL graduate employment levels and location the year after graduation.
| Employed in Ireland | Employed abroad | Further study | Not available | Seeking employment | No. of responses | Total no. of graduates | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48% | 24% | 27% | 0% | 0% | 33 | 36 | 2014 |
| 31% | 34% | 28% | 3% | 3% | 29 | 30 | 2015 |
| 51% | 11% | 29% | 0% | 9% | 35 | 46 | 2016 |
| 43% | 38% | 17% | 2% | 0% | 42 | 58 | 2017 |
| 36% | 20% | 40% | 4% | 0% | 50 | 56 | 2018 |
Further Study Options
- Masters/PhD in Languages, Literature, Culture and Communications
- MA in Business Management
- Structured Ph.D. in Applied Languages
- MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- MSc in Marketing, Consumption and Society
Job titles for graduates with this degree
- Communications, Media and Public Relations
- Department Administrator
- Events Coordinator
- Professional Interpreter and/or Translator
- Public Service, Including the Irish Foreign Service
- Sales and Marketing
- Software, IT and internet sector
- Teacher
- Technical Writer
Graduate Profile - Kevin McCarthy
Languages are my livelihood. Studying Applied Languages at UL allowed me to learn two completely new languages - Spanish and Japanese – as well as building on my French. Obviously, spending time abroad is an important part of the language-learning process, and my year abroad proved invaluable in this regard. I spent one semester at the Université d’Orléans in France, and then 6 months in Argentina on a Co-op placement organised by UL. While at UL, I also won a scholarship that enabled me to study in Japan.
With 24 official EU languages, language training is central to my job here in Brussels so I’m currently taking classes in Dutch.
If you have a passion for travel and language-learning, I can whole-heartedly recommend studying Applied Languages at the University of Limerick. The lectures are interesting and interactive, and the language-learning technology is top notch. Once you graduate with this degree, you’ll be able to travel the world. Who could ask for more?
Kevin currently works as a Conference Interpreter at the European Commission in Brussels.
