Applied Language and Translation Studies

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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421

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /Dublin City University/Applied Language and Translation Studies

Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC155

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 17,300 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

Applied Language and Translation Studies

About

Overview

If you have a passion for languages and you are interested in exploring the field of translation, this degree course is for you.

Open up global career opportunities

The BA in Applied Language and Translation Studies (ALTS) is a unique degree that aims to prepare a new generation of translators and language professionals for global career opportunities. You will study two foreign languages with exciting combinations that include Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish. Plus this dynamic degree allows you to explore the principles behind language, culture, translation and intercultural communication.

Linguist and translator skills

You will acquire professional and academic competencies as a linguist and a translator, allowing you to compete in the national and international marketplace. You will also acquire significant technical skills as you work with multimedia texts and a variety of software applications used by translators, and develop critical and creative thinking skills.

Taught by leading experts for 30 years

DCU is ranked joint number one in Ireland for Linguistics and with the ALTS degree, you will gain top-quality language, translation and intercultural skills from the top experts in the field of linguistics and translation. You can complete the ALTS degree in three years, or choose to take an extra year either to study abroad or complete an INTRA placement.

Disciplines

SALIS

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Leaving Cert

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of H4 in French or German or Spanish

GCE A Level

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

GCE A Level C French or German or Spanish

FET Level 5

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Mature Applicants

Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:

a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.

For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website

Additional Requirements

This programme requires evidence of competency in French, German or Spanish. The requirement for the chosen language should equate to an Irish Leaving Certificate H4 in this subject. This requirement is essential for this programme. Applicants can show their strength in this through formal examinations e.g. school leaving examinations, QQI-FET, access programmes or other third level qualifications. If applicants do not have any relevant examinations, they may be able to meet the requirements through their work and life experience, applicants must give examples of this experience to demonstrate their competency in these areas in their personal statement. In this instance applicants may be requested to supply additional information or/and attend an interview to establish language proficiency

Advanced Entry

Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6, 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

Additional Criteria

Applications are welcomed to Year 2 from students who have studied at Level 6, 7 or 8 in relevant areas. Applications will only be considered in cases where the applicant has studied two of the five languages taught on ALTS in an appropriate combination (two European languages or one European plus one Asian language) at Level 6, 7 or 8 in the year of application. To assess their language level, applicants may be required to participate in an interview with SALIS lecturers.

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

English Program Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants - Minimum English Standards

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or in a recognised English language test. The minimum standards for entry to DCU are outlined below.

Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only.

EXAMINATION

Level Required

Irish Leaving Certificate English

O6/H7

GCE A-Level English Language

Grade D

GSCE

Grade C

IELTS ACADEMIC

Composite score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component.

*Scores must be achieved in one sitting.

TOEFL

237 (computer-based),
580 (paper-based test)

TOEFL iBT

Total Score of 92

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

63 (with a minimum of 59 in all components)

Duolingo

Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU.

Additional Information

Your English language certificate must be awarded within the two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
Scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

Alternative Requirements/Evidence of Competency

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

Career

Careers & Further Options

Careers

Graduates from our degree in Applied Language and Translation Studies are immediately work-ready and sought after for their professional competencies as language professionals and translators.

Many of our graduates have found employment across a range of industries where they have applied their language skills, including localisation, gaming, banking, tourism, education, research and recruitment.

Additionally, Ireland’s technology sector has been dubbed the ‘Silicon Valley of Europe’ and a source of great opportunity for graduates with foreign languages working in sales, marketing and customer solutions. Graduates have also secured positions with international organisations including the United Nations, European Parliament and European Commission and in the not-for-profit sector.

Career Areas

Translator
Interpreter
Mediator between cultural groups
Editor
Terminologist
Educator
Researcher
Marketer
Sales manager
Diplomat
Journalist
Logistics manager
International development worker

Career Prospects

Translation agency

Localisation

Diplomatic services

Government agencies

International development agencies

Education

Global business

Sales, marketing and advertising

DCU Career Services

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.