Modern Languages

What is Modern Languages Studies?

Modern Languages studies combines advanced language skills with the study of the literature, history, and culture of any particular language. Students interested in careers in modern languages will work towards fluency while developing cross-cultural awareness skills. 

What 3rd Level Courses are Available?

Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:

• English Language - the study of English as a second language for non-native English speakers.
• Literature - the study of written works of the imagination such as poetry, drama, and narrative fiction.
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language - the practice of teaching English as a foreign language, especially in areas where English is not widely spoken by the native population. 

Studying Modern Languages in College

Most first year study involves an overview of the subject. This will offer students a great introduction to the foundational principles of Modern Languages including developing fluency in two or more world languages as well as developing critical cross-cultural awareness skills.

In subsequent years of study students will combine lectures, tutorials, and hands-on exercises with regular exams and presentations as benchmark assessments of their course progression. 

Most undergraduate Modern Languages courses run for three of four years and in certain cases universities will facilitate work experiences. 

It is common with all language-based courses that students are expected to engage in a high number of contact hours with lecturers in tutors, ensuring their successful completion of a rigorous curriculum and preparing them for careers in Modern Languages after university. 

A bachelor’s degree is adequate for some non-research based careers in Modern Languages. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start working as journalists, politicians, and school teachers. 

Career Options
Graduating from college with a degree in Modern Languages will serve you well as it equips you with a unique and marketable skill set. A humanities degree teaches students to think creatively as well as equipping them with invaluable problem solving and communication skills. 

Many recent graduates have gone into ‘entry-level’ careers in Modern Languages working as marketing and business agents, and as content and media producers. 

Other careers in Modern Languages that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training, and/or experience to qualify for, e.g. teaching, research, and consulting positions. 

Relatable Jobs Include:

• Politician
• Public Service Agent
• Journalist
• Educator
• Marketing and Business Agent
• Content and Media Producer
• Translator
• Interpreter
• Marketing Agent
• Writer

Further Study

An undergraduate Modern Languages degree is often the first step towards further postgraduate study often involving specialization in particular fields and areas of Modern Languages and/or undertaking new, sometimes, interdisciplinary fields. 

Visit postgrad.ie for more information. 

FAQ

• What points do I need to study Modern Languages?
  • Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always best to check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule, Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or Four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
  • Some universities also require that students who wish to study a language at an advanced level in their first year have at least an H4 Leaving Cert grade in their intended language of study. 
• Are there any particular qualities you need to study Modern Languages?
  • Students interested in careers in Modern Languages will need to enjoy the study and use of language as well as its application in the real world. They will need to be innovative, creative, and collaborative as well as being able to communicate their own ideas and opinions.
• Where can I study Modern Languages?
  • Explore your options here. 

Did You Know?

• There are nearly 7000 distinct languages spoken worldwide!
• Languages are constantly changing, which means that, in many cases, a modern reader, even an educated one, would not be able to understand their own language if it were written 500 years ago!
• The Ayapaneco language, native to Mexico, is at risk of dying out because the two remaining speakers refuse to talk to each other!

Resources

• https://ppli.ie/
• http://www.actlanguageschools.com/
• https://www.languageinternational.com/