Applied Multilingualism

The MSc in Applied Multilingualism is designed to cater for increasing linguistic diversity in communities in Ireland, the EU and globally. Multilingualism is defined as using more than one language or being able to function, at some level, in more than one language. Some people grow up in multilingual communities where they acquire multiple languages from early on, while others learn foreign languages later in life. Different language circumstances have a different impact on individuals and communities. This innovative new programme welcomes Irish and international students alike.



The main aims of the programme are to:

• Provide a learning environment and experience that fosters problem-solving, critical thinking and critical reflection in understanding, planning and catering for diverse multilingual people and their communities. 

• Develop students’ professional competencies in the field of multilingualism within the boundaries of professional accountability and critically examine their professional role and expertise.

• Encourage students to develop their own professional and research interests and to demonstrate their knowledge and capability to critique current literature, adopt best-practice and develop, undertake and disseminate research in the field of multilingualism.

• Develop advanced skills and flexibility in attitudes that will enable students to manage projects related to and in collaboration with people from diverse backgrounds and language experiences in order to maximise the quality of life and well-being of those groups.

• Stimulate and support academically-oriented students further develop their academic career through a structured PhD in the field of multilingualism.



Course Outline

Bilingual commercial sign in Luxembourgish and French in Luxembourg City. Luxembourg is officially trilingual but is a highly multilingual society.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Semester 1

Required Modules:

SL5010: Psycholinguistics of Multilingualism - 10 Credits

HP832: Research Methods - 10 Credits

SL5012: Dissertation in Applied Multilingualism

SL5011: Cultural, Linguistic and Social Diversity - 10 Credits



Optional Modules:

SL5102: Using evidence to inform practice - 10 Credits

FR562: Advanced Language Skills I (French) - 10 Credits

NG6110: Teanga na Gaeilge - 10 Credits

GDT102.1: Irish for Beginners II: Reading and Writing - 5 Credits

GDT103.1: Irish for Beginners I: Conversation & Listening Skills - 5 Credits

FM6120: Human Rights: An Introduction for Advocates and Activists - 10 Credits

GR130: Beginners German Language 1 - 5 Credits

SL5111: Cultural Awareness in Research - 10 Credits

SH562: Advanced Language Skills I (Spanish) - 10 Credits

IT562: Advanced Language Skills I (Italian) - 10 Credits

IT6103: Language for Environmental Futures II - 10 Credits



Semester 2

Required Module:

NG6112: Sociolinguistics of Multilingualism - 10 Credits



Optional Modules:

SL5101: Narratives in Childhood - 10 Credits

FR563: Advanced Language Skills 2 (French) - 10 Credits

IT6101: Audiovisual Translation: Interlingual Subtitling - 10 Credits

GDT102.2: Irish for Beginners II: Reading and Writing - 5 Credits

GDT103.2: Irish for Beginners I: Conversation & Listening Skills - 5 Credits

GR131: Beginners German Language 2 - 5 Credits

SH563: Advanced Language Skills II (Spanish) - 10 Credits

IT563: Advanced Language Skills 2 (Italian) - 10 Credits

IT6100: Applied Multilingualism: Theoretical Perspectives and Practical Approaches - 10 Credits

MIC6100: Resisting through Culture: Conflicts in Europe and Beyond - 10 Credits

Applicants will be expected to possess a good quality first degree at NFQ Level 8 (at least an upper second class honours degree) or an equivalent qualification from Arts programmes (e.g., languages, education, psychology, sociology and political science, geography) or from medical, nursing, and health care programmes (e.g., speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, public health nurses). Applicants intending to take modules in Advanced Language Skills will have to possess language proficiency that is equivalent to B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.



Applicants are required to fulfill the following English language requirements.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year, full-time

2 years, part-time

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Increasingly multilingual societies are creating demand for professionals in the fields of health, education, public administration and NGOs who are equipped to work with multilingual populations. Furthermore, improving language skills is relevant for those intending to seek employment in the areas of language planning and policy, language teaching, cultural and heritage institutions, government and diplomacy.



Possible career avenues include:

• Health professionals providing services to multilingual populations

• Educational professionals working with multilingual populations

• NGO staff working with linguistic diversity

• Organisations working with minority languages and language planning

• International organisations specialising in language policy (EU, UNESCO, OSCE, etc.)

• Civil servants employed in administrations with a remit to serve more than then one language community

• Employees in diplomatic services and cultural/heritage organisations

• Academic/research careers.