Languages - Advanced Languages and Global Communication (HDip)

Why Choose This Course

Employers and graduates report on the importance of language competence in securing employment and in career development. The Cork region has an expanding GSS sector, with EMC, Apple and McAfee, for example, locating such services here. Munster-based companies like Kerry Foods are expanding globally, particularly in Brazil and Mexico. Since the 1990s, collaboration between the School of Languages in UCC and the IDA has succeeded in bringing call centres to the region by highlighting the availability of a core local workforce with the necessary language skills. People with experience in financial services will benefit from improved language skills, as vacancies and opportunities for promotion exist at national level that require these combined competencies.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

The Higher Diploma includes a 3-month Work Placement module which is coordinated by the Careers Office in UCC.

Skills and Careers Information

Provision of teaching in Portuguese and Spanish will facilitate the expansion of Irish companies into expanding global markets: this, in turn, will generate further demand for competence in these languages. 

Competence in German is highly sought after by employers and Germany remains the most important trade partner of Ireland along with the UK. French remains in high demand from our industry partners, a point recently highlighted by two important stakeholders, VMWare and VoxPro.

Requirements

Applicants for this programme are expected to hold a level 8 degree with a major language component or equivalent language qualification (including relevant professional qualifications and relevant accredited examinations).

Individual language level requirements will apply for students wishing to choose German, French, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese.

Candidates may be required to complete a brief language proficiency test.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is €6,130; .

The Non-EU fee for this course is €16,400.

How Do I Apply

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• Please indicate your level of language expertise in the language(s) offered by this programme and include details of any relevant qualifications, skills and experiences to date.

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

This course is aimed at people hoping to return to the job market with modern language and intercultural communication skills along with competencies relating to managing global relationships, ICT, translation and localisation skills.

It offers advanced specialism in one language (from Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian and French) and 10 credits of an additional foreign language from the same range. The programme will equip students with the necessary language competence, as well as intercultural skills, to be able to do business with markets of particular strategic interest to Ireland, both in Europe and beyond. By the end of the course, students in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German and French will have reached a minimum of CEFR level B1.

It is a 60 credits course which comprises of the following:

• Advanced Language Skills in either French, German, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese (20 credits)
• Additional 10 credits in a second language chosen from French, German, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese (10 credits)
• Translation and Professional Communication Skills (5 credits)
• ICT and Localisation Skills (5 credits)
• Mobility, Pluringualism and Intercultural Communication in a Globalized World (10 credits)
• Work Placement (10 credits)

Recognised Qualification

Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) PLUS 1 Year at Bachelor degree level from a recognised university with competitive grades in specific relevant subjects

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum Entry Requirements

Minimum average of 90% in Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) PLUS competitive grades in year 1 at Bachelor degree level.

International Baccalaureate   

Classroom Daytime with online elements, including a work placement

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a combination of methods, e.g. class tests, presentations, essays and formal exams. See individual module descriptions for details.

Who teaches this course

Staff in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.