Grad Dip Languages & Image Studies

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /University College Dublin/Grad Dip Languages & Image Studies

University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 9 month(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 15,070 / year

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

Grad Dip Languages & Image Studies

About

The Graduate Diploma in Languages and Image Studies invites students to acquire new language skills, and/or to refresh or extend their knowledge of language(s) already studied from a choice of: French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Spanish; Catalan.

From the outset, students will use their cultural expertise to develop their critical and analytical thinking in Image Studies modules taught from a global perspective. Classes are all taught by academic experts from UCD’s School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics.

The course is designed to be inclusive: for those who wish to learn about Image Studies analysis (film, art, photos, online images); for those who are already language specialists and who may wish to expand their expertise by learning new language(s); and for those who are language non-specialists, that is, those who have never studied language at university before, but who wish to undertake accelerated language learning.

*MALI Catalan and MALI Portuguese may now be studied on Thursdays 4.30-6.30 in Trimesters 1 and 2*

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a min. 2.2 in their primary degree (NFQ Level 8 or international equivalent) ideally ( but not compulsorily) in a cognate area.
It is not necessary to have previously studied Languages at Third Level before applying to GDLI.

Application requirements for GradDip:

Personal Statement (500 - 1000 words max: Why do you wish to take this MA in Languages and Image Studies? Any prior experience of Image Studies? Any prior experience of Language Study e.g. BA level studies OR travel OR school OR self-taught OR hobby OR other?) Please also list which 1 or 2 languages you might wish to study (and estimated level).

One Academic Reference

English Language Test (in line with UCD language requirements). Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit evidence of their English language proficiency. IELTS (Academic) Overall Band Score of 6.5 with no component band score below 6.0 and 6.5 in Writing and Speaking bands normally required or equivalent. The School may waive the requirement for an IELTS or equivalent English language test score (typically 6.5 in all four components) if you can provide satisfactory evidence that you have completed a university degree (BA, BSc, MA) taught entirely in English or at an English-speaking institution. Please submit appropriate documentation to support your claim, along with all other required materials. The School will review your submission and inform you of the outcome.

Short writing sample in English (e.g. Essay/ Assignment on current degree topic), with statement that this is entirely applicant's own work.

A short online interview exchange should be expected in advance of final acceptance to MALI

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

Career

TThe foreign-language and visual/analytical focus of MALI offers valuable opportunities to graduates who wish to simply challenge themselves to enhance their language skills and to think critically through cultural engagement with images, as well as to graduates who wish to consider a range of career areas with an international dimension, from the arts, culture and education, to business, diplomacy, travel and more.