Languages

For anyone wishing to work abroad, or simply to broaden their horizons and improve their language skills, a postgraduate qualification in a foreign language can be invaluable. In recent years, the number of students wishing to study languages has risen as Ireland races to catch up with its European neighbours. This has been reflected in the broad range of postgraduate courses available in most of the country’s main third level institutions.

One such course is the Graduate Diploma in Applied Language and Intercultural Studies at DCU. Over the duration of the course, students can learn translation skills in a choice, or combination, of languages. There are also core modules in Intercultural Studies, and a range of electives, giving students the opportunity to concentrate on their particular area of interest. Over the course of the year, students have to complete two core modules, usually split between the two semesters as well as a choice of electives.

David Denby, lecturer in the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies at DCU says: ‘The two core modules this year are Multiculturalism in Ireland in semester one, and Translation Theory in semester two. There is also a wide range of options to choose from. Altogether, students have to obtain 60 credits, usually completing between six and ten modules. The languages studied as part of the Translation module include French, German, Spanish and Japanese, while the intercultural module is more ideas and literary based. People usually end up balancing in one direction or the other.’

Students can graduate with a postgraduate diploma, however it is also possible, having achieved a minimum of 60 per cent in the taught modules, to move onto one of two MA programmes. Graduates of the diploma course can choose to opt for either the MA in Intercultural Studies, or the MA in Translation Studies. ‘Students can make the transition from a graduate diploma into an MA, which can lead into translation studies or intercultural studies. After completing core modules in both areas, students can choose which discipline they would like to study at MA level,’ said Dr Denby. The course is also open to students who are not native English speakers: ‘Some students come to us through a foundation programme designed for non-English speakers, where they would participate in English language modules. Typically we would have a few Chinese students on this course each year. The foundation programme represents a route into doing the graduate diploma for non-Irish students.’ As with all postgraduate language courses, there are certain language requirements that prospective students must meet. Dr Denby says: ‘Applicants should have three months experience living outside Ireland. If they want to do a specific module in a language, they should have lived in a country where that language is spoken, or have studied the language at undergraduate level. They need to have a level appropriate to studying a language at graduate level.’

While some sectors have experienced a downturn in employment prospects due to the current economic situation, Dr Denby reveals that there are still excellent opportunities for language graduates: ‘There’s a lot of work out there in translation. It’s a very hands-on, nuts-and-bolts career, and there is plenty of work out there for people at the moment.’ The Intercultural Studies element of the course is also of particular importance given Ireland’s current environment. ‘A lot of our applicants would be teachers. Most of them would have been trained for dealing with mono-cultural and monolingual classes. Now our society has become a lot more multi-cultural, and they want to get a handle on that diversity. The majority would be on a career break from teaching and return to it when they graduate. Some of our other graduates would end up working with various agencies who look at dealing with integration and diversity in Ireland.’

For non-Irish natives with sufficient fluency in English, DCU also offers a graduate diploma or MA course in Community Interpreting. According to Dr Denby: ‘Interpreters require particular skills. This course provides graduates with the vital interpreting skills required for working in the courts, garda stations, hospitals or prisons; interpreting for people who would not have sufficient English to communicate with agencies of the state. Recently, there has been an interest in recruiting people with Romanian, French, Spanish, Russian and Polish.’

NUI Galway also offers both taught and research postgraduate courses in French, German, Spanish and Italian. The MA in Advanced Language skills provides students with training in translation and interpreting, as well as translation technology and subtitling. For those who would prefer to engage in independent research, there is also the possibility of an M Litt in any of the four languages mentioned. Máire Áine Ní Mhainnín, who lectures in the French Department at NUI Galway says: ‘Students can apply for an M Litt in either French, German, Spanish or Italian, in which they submit a dissertation on an original area of research. Some of the areas covered by past graduates include literature and translation topics. Some students would study a literary piece of work. We have one student working on a study of a French Canadian poet. In the French department, applicants can choose to write their dissertation on any area of Francophone studies. Applicants need to have achieved at least a 2.2 in their primary degree. They also need to have lived in a country where their chosen language is spoken for a year – they’d need that to acquire the fluency.’

An MA or M Litt in a foreign language can open the door to various exciting career avenues, with the possibility of working in far-flung locations across the globe. According to Ms. Ní Mhainnín: ‘Our graduates go into a wide range of careers – teaching, journalism, lecturing, publishing. Some work as translators for foreign companies both in Ireland and abroad. We also have graduates working as translators or interpreters in Brussels. Some past students work in editing or proofreading; others have got lecturing posts abroad. One graduate is currently working in Spain for the civil service.’ Postgraduate Diploma, MA and M Litt courses in languages are also run in UCD, Trinity College Dublin, NUI Maynooth, UCC and several other third-level institutions across the country.