MA Modern Language Studies

At least an undergraduate degree at 2.2 honours level (or international equivalent) in an appropriate subject (i.e. with a substantial component of French, Spanish or German Studies). (Primary degree: Level 8 – National Qualifications Authority of Ireland).  Applicants’ language skills should be to a level corresponding to a minimum second class Honours degree in the language. An interview may form part of the selection process for all applicants. This will be done in person if possible or alternatively via Skype or video conferencing where the candidate is not available and cannot attend an interview.

Candidates who do not meet these criteria may apply for admission to the MA in Modern Language Studies programme as recognised prior learning may be taken into account. The admission of such applicants would be exceptional and would be subject to the approval of the Course Director and the Course Board.  Places on the programme will be offered on the basis of the above, viz. qualifications, performance and interview, language proficiency level (if applicable).

Please note that places on the programme are offered on the basis of all the above, viz. qualifications, performance at interview, language proficiency level (if applicable) as well as candidates’ references given in the application form

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English – Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Students graduating from this course will be equipped to follow a number of career paths. These include: teaching at various levels (including university), school management, business, publishing, materials’ development, adult education and support, further study to PhD level.

Autumn Semester:
Core modules: language and culture, language pedagogy, research methodologies in applied language studies. Electives: French, German or Spanish language and culture modules.

Spring Semester:
Core modules: language systems, culture and the market, linguistics for language teaching, thesis writing, translation in French, German or Spanish. Electives: French, German or Spanish language and culture modules.