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Applied Multilingualism (MSc)

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Course Overview

The MSc in Applied Multilingualism is designed to cater for increasing linguistic diversity in communities in Ireland, the EU and globally. Multilingualism is defined as using more than one language or being able to function, at some level, in more than one language. Some people grow up in multilingual communities where they acquire multiple languages from early on, while others learn foreign languages later in life. Different language circumstances have a different impact on individuals and communities. This innovative new programme welcomes Irish and international students alike.  

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Bilingual Basque-Spanish street sign in Bilbao. Basque is a co-official language with Spanish in the Basque Autonomous Community.

The main aims of the programme are to:

  • Provide a learning environment and experience that fosters problem-solving, critical thinking and critical reflection in understanding, planning and catering for diverse multilingual people and their communities. 
  • Develop students’ professional competencies in the field of multilingualism within the boundaries of professional accountability and critically examine their professional role and expertise.
  • Encourage students to develop their own professional and research interests and to demonstrate their knowledge and capability to critique current literature, adopt best-practice and develop, undertake and disseminate research in the field of multilingualism.
  • Develop advanced skills and flexibility in attitudes that will enable students to manage projects related to and in collaboration with people from diverse backgrounds and language experiences in order to maximise the quality of life and well-being of those groups.
  • Stimulate and support academically-oriented students further develop their academic career through a structured PhD in the field of multilingualism. 

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Bilingual road sign in the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) area of Co. Kerry. Place names in the Gaeltacht (left) are in Irish only on road signs but residents of Dingle (right) voted for a bilingual version.

 

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System.  All will be required to submit a personal statement. Applicants who meet the minimum entry criteria will be considered. In the case of a high number of suitable applicants selection will be made on the basis of personal statements and interviews. 

Who Teaches this Course

Dr. Laura McLaughlin 

researcher
Dr Stanislava Antonijevic-Elliott
B.S., M.S., Ph.D
SENIOR LECTURER
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researcher
Dr, John Walsh
BA, MA, PhD
Léachtóir Sinsearach | Senior Lecturer
Roinn na Gaeilge
Scoil na dTeangacha, na Litríochtaí agus na gCultúr
OÉ Gaillimh
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researcher
Dr Laura McLoughlin
PhD
SENIOR LECTURER
Dept. of Italian
Room 314
Arts Millennium Building
NUI Galway
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researcher
Prof. Saoirse Nic Gabhainn
B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
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researcher
Dr Mary-Pat O'Malley
B.Sc., M.LITT, Ph.D
LECTURER
Discipline Speech & Lang Therapy
Áras Moyola
NUI Galway
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researcher
Dr Mel Boland
BA, M.LITT, Ph.D.
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researcher
Dr Máire Aine Mannion
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researcher
An tOll. Tadhg Ó hIfearnáin
BA, PhD
Ollamh / Professor
Roinn na Gaeilge
Scoil na dTeangacha, na Litríochtaí agus na gCultúr
Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh
IRL - H91 TK33
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researcher
Dr. Liam Ó hAisibéil
B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
Léachtóir
Roinn na Gaeilge
Áras na Gaeilge
OÉ Gaillimh
H91 TK33
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Requirements and Assessment

All modules involve continuous assessment in the form of written assignments and other forms of assessment as advised. Written and oral assignments will apply in the case of Advance Language Skills modules. Students are required to successfully complete a minor dissertation in order to achieve the award of MSc.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Applicants will be expected to possess a good quality first degree at NFQ Level 8 (at least an upper second class honours degree) or an equivalent qualification from Arts programmes (e.g., languages, education, psychology, sociology and political science, geography) or from medical, nursing, and health care programmes (e.g., speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, public health nurses). Applicants intending to take modules in Advanced Language Skills will have to possess language proficiency that is equivalent to B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Applicants are required to fulfill the following English language requirements. 


Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year (full-time); 2 years (part-time)

Next start date

September 2020

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

20

Closing Date

 Please view the offer rounds website.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90 ECTS (full-time); part time pro-rata

Award

CAO

Course code

1AML1 (full-time) | 1AML2 (part-time)

Course Outline

Please click here to view the Course Outline.

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Bilingual commercial sign in Luxembourgish and French in Luxembourg City. Luxembourg is officially trilingual but is a highly multilingual society.

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Trilingual road sign in Val Gardena in northern Italy, where Ladin, German and Italian are spoken.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

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Increasingly multilingual societies are creating demand for professionals in the fields of health, education, public administration and NGOs who are equipped to work with multilingual populations. Furthermore, improving language skills is relevant for those intending to seek employment in the areas of language planning and policy, language teaching, cultural and heritage institutions, government and diplomacy. Possible career avenues include:

  • Health professionals providing services to multilingual populations
  • Educational professionals working with multilingual populations
  • NGO staff working with linguistic diversity
  • Organisations working with minority languages and language planning
  • International organisations specialising in language policy (EU, UNESCO, OSCE, etc.)
  • Civil servants employed in administrations with a remit to serve more than then one language community
  • Employees in diplomatic services and cultural/heritage organisations
  • Academic/research careers

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Trilingual commercial sign at Barcelona Airport. English is in the largest print, followed by Spanish and then Catalan.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€7,210 p.a. 2020/21

Fees: Tuition

€6,986 p.a. 2020/21

Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2020/21

Fees: Non EU

€15,200 p.a. 2020/21

Find out More

Dr. Stanislava Antonijevic-Elliott
 School of Health Sciences,
Áras Moyola,
NUI Galway,
Galway
T: +353 91 495 623
E: stanislava.antonijevic@nuigalway.ie

Dr. John Walsh
Roinn na Gaeilge,
Áras na Gaeilge,
NUI Galway,
Galway
T: +353 91 492 563
E: john.walsh@nuigalway.ie

Downloads

  • Postgraduate Taught Prospectus 2020

    Postgraduate Taught Prospectus 2020 PDF (21 MB)