Bachelor of Arts (Global Languages)

Course Overview

This is a degree designed for students who are passionate about languages and who know that they want to work with languages.

This innovative and specialist language degree allows you to study two languages, with the possibility of taking another language at Beginner’s Level in the First year. Linguistics, Translation Studies and Media are embedded at all levels of the programme. At Undergraduate level, small language classes, with native speakers of the target language, facilitate the acquisition of a high degree of linguistic competence. Students will also study literary and other cultural products of their target language. Students may also choose to take short introductory courses in Chinese and modules in Latin will also be available.

This four-year degree programme incorporates a mandatory year of study abroad, typically involving study at partner institution(s).  Students taking two languages will spend a semester immersed in each of their languages.

Watch our introductory video from our May 2021 Virtual Open Day

Learning outcomes for the programme

Students will be able to:

1. Communicate fluently and accurately in at least two languages at an Advanced level as defined by the proficiency criteria of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
2. Demonstrate familiarity with major European literatures and cultures.
3. Demonstrate advanced translation skills. This will be achieved through exposure, over four years, to a wide selection of texts covering a range of registers, including journalistic and literary.
4. Demonstrate independent research skills.
5. Demonstrate familiarity in using technology for language mediation, at an advanced level.

“If you talk to a person in a language they understand, that goes to their head. If you talk to them in their own language - that goes to their heart.”

Nelson Mandela
Politician & Philanthropist

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Course Outline

Year 1:

In Year 1 of the BA (Global Languages), students take two languages with Global Language Studies, or alternatively choose three languages.

All students must take at least one language at post-Leaving Certificate level, or equivalent. We recommend that students taking three languages take no more than one at Beginner level

Global Language Studies

There are 3 core modules and 2 optional modules in first year:

Year 2:

 In Year 2 of the BA (Global Languages) students take one major language and one minor language with Global Language Studies, or one major and two minor languages.

Global Language Studies

There are 3 core modules in second year:

 Year 3:

Year 3 of the the BA (Global Languages) programme is a structured year of mandatory immersion in the target languages. Students taking Gaeilge as one of their languages will spend one semester in the Gaeltacht, and one semester on Erasmus in one of the countries of their other language. Students taking two European  languages will take one of the following routes:

• Academic year on Erasmus in one of the language areas (and minimum of 12 weeks in the other language area).
• One Semester on Erasmus in each of the language areas.
• Work placement as Language Assistant for a year in one of the language areas (and minimum of 12 weeks in the other language area).

The key outcomes of the third year of the programme are as follows:

1. Students will achieve a high level of proficiency in their target languages in the four key areas of speaking, listening, writing and reading, using formal or informal registers where appropriate.
2. Intercultural competency and cultural sensitivity: students will appreciate the internal diversity and cross-cultural connectedness of cultures and demonstrate openness towards other cultures.
3. Develop strategies of language-learning suited to their personal needs and foster independent study skills.
4. Develop skills of independence, self-reliance by living and working abroad.
5. Acquire a greater awareness of their own values and culture.

Year 4:

In Year four of the BA (Global Languages) students will continue to major in their primary Language (30 ECTS) and either continue their two Language minors or one Language Minor and a minor in Professional Skills modules.

Modules in final year will allow students to consolidate their specialism in Media, Technology, Linguistics or Translation through research projects and practice-based modules.

Further Education

Graduates of the BA in Global Languages are well qualified to pursue a wide range of courses at MA and PhD level. Students may also consider conversion courses in translation, interpreting, subtitling, International Relations and International Business. NUI Galway has excellent and well-established offerings including:

• MA Translation Studies
• MA Conference Interpreting
• MA Advanced Language Skills
• MA (Léann an Aistriúcháin)

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student Contribution

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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