Languages & Global Software Business

Course Outline
Do you hold a graduate degree or are you fluent in a language? Are you interested in advancing your career opportunities in multilingual global software and technology companies?

Then the Higher Diploma in Languages and Global Software Business is just for you! Our exciting Higher Diploma course (QQI/NFQ Level 8) will strengthen your existing language skills and will help you to develop competencies in relation to the ICT, software sales, technical support and localisation skills which are necessary for managing global relationships in the ICT sector. We will also provide you with the intercultural communication skills necessary for the global world of work.

This diploma is delivered in an online learning format that will train you in areas essential to the industry such as the fundamentals of IT and software and supporting technology users. Innovative and challenging, this bespoke diploma also includes project experience with specialist software companies that will be industry-mentored.

Apply for the Higher Diploma in Languages and Global Software Business at UCC and open the door to a career that combines your language skills with emerging technologies and markets.

The Higher Diploma in Languages and Global Software Business will enable graduates to:

develop skills and demonstrate knowledge of technology and software sales,

develop skills and demonstrate knowledge of technology and software localisation,

develop skills and demonstrate knowledge of technology and software support,

develop the skills to negotiate a global workplace where intercultural competencies are required,

reinforce and make "work ready" their existing language competencies of graduates, including the capacity to undertake independent research in the target language,

develop and apply problem solving skills to real world problems, through student work supported by both industry and UCC staff.

Our curriculum includes a practice of the Wordfast Studio suite of translation tools, courtesy of the Wordfast Academic Program.

Module Descriptions

LL5007: Localisation Essentials

Doing business in the global market relies on the successful adaptation of products and services to the requirements of customers in local markets around the world. This is the goal of localisation. In this module you will learn about the key concepts, strategies and challenges in the localisation industry. You will gain familiarity with both the cultural and technical implications arising from the practice of localisation. In addition, this module will introduce you to the use of technological aids such as CAT (Computer Aided Translation) Tools.

LL5008: Localisation Project

In this module you will work with a team to carry out a localisation project from start to finish. You will be provided with hands-on experience of a range of tools and technologies employed by industry professionals to manage, complete, and deliver translation and localisation projects, including computer-aided translation tools (CAT), machine translation, terminology management systems, and localisation software. You will work through the various stages and core activities of a localisation project lifecycle taking on the role of different stakeholders, and will learn to critically assess the requirements for different projects.

LL6014: Translation and Professional Skills*

This module is designed to develop and maintain the translation and communication skills necessary to underpin work as a translator, researcher, professional linguist or equivalent. It will show students how to keep their language skills up-to-date and familiarise them with appropriate technical presentation skills and resources to prepare for translation, research and professional assignments. It will provide a guide to a range of information sources and research relevant to translation and professional communication, focusing specifically on institutional, financial and commercial text-types and discourses.

LL5005: Negotiating Knowledges in Networked Societies

This module provides students with the tools to recognise and embrace the complex ways in which we communicate within and across cultures, in a variety of texts and contexts. Focusing on critical discussions of key concepts such as intercultural communication, migration, mobility, plurilingualism and technology, it demonstrates how Humanities approaches can inform our response to a global business environment. In doing so, it encourages students to make meaningful connections between their theoretical engagement with these ideas and the technical knowledge of the software business acquired elsewhere in their programme.

IS5004: IT Solution Selling and Digital Business

Selling is one of the most important activities in any business and the sales landscape has been digitally transformed to an enormous extent in recent years. This module looks at the role of the salesperson in identifying customer needs and solving customer problems in the modern digital business environment. Several practical tools and frameworks will be introduced to support go-to-market strategies and entrepreneurial activity. Design thinking methodologies will be employed to create customer journey maps that result in better customer experiences. Industry speakers from a range of tech companies will provide insights into commercial best practices.

IS5005: Enterprise Sales Solutions for Global Business

This module examines how sales management practices in organisations are enabled and augmented by technology. Processes such as customer identification and engagement, account planning, sales and marketing analysis, have been impacted by new communications technology and customer relationship management (CRM) software as well as advances in machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. Sales strategies for building sales capabilities in the digital world will be critically evaluated. Guest speakers will share their experiences of using technology to create long-term value for their customers as well as their own organisations.

IS5001: IT and Software Fundamentals

Information Technology has become pervasive in all our lives and information systems have transformed the way that global business is carried out. This module examines how information systems are used in organisations to solve problems and achieve business objectives. The components of an information system will be described, giving an introduction to the technical aspects of computer hardware, software and telecommunications. The evolution of information systems in business and society will be critically evaluated and discussed.

IS5002: Supporting Technology Users

Supporting customers and users is a critical activity for many organisations. Indeed, effective support can often make the difference between retaining or losing a customer. This module describes the technical support environment, covering common failure and defect troubleshooting issues, as well as effective techniques for communicating with users and customers. Strategies and processes for effective management and resolution of customers issues will be discussed and applied.

IS5003: Applied Industry Project (Summer months)

This is an exciting, real-world project. It will be a group-based, industry-mentored execution of case study project in which students apply data, analysis, and process development to real world problems. It will foster project solving, project management, and client interaction skills in order to ensure employment readiness.

*New modules subject to approval

Additional Teaching Mode Information
2022 Information - Given the current public health advice related to physical distancing, this programme will be delivered by live online classes, online recordings.

Applicants must have:

A minimum Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, L8) in a language

and

Second Class Honours Grade 1 (CEFR language level of B2.2/C1) in their final year language module.
For the purposes of this programme B2.2 will be deemed equivalent to a 2.1 result in the graduate's final year language module. In the event of competition for places, graduates will be selected on the basis of language module results in the final year of their degree.

A quota will be allocated to applicants who do not meet these entry requirements. These applicants will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning and assessed on the following factors:

Academic achievement
Prior Work Experience
Letter of Reference
Personal Statement

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency: See our English language proficiency requirements.

Applications for 2023 will open shortly.

2022 Application Information:

Candidates are advised to apply early as high demand is anticipated and places are limited.

Applications will NOT be assessed until all supporting documentation has been received. Please ensure that you have the documentation below available at the time of application.

For mainstream applications, you will need:

Copies of transcripts and parchments for any previous relevant educational qualifications

Personal / Motivation Statement - In 500 words or less, please state:
1) Why you wish to study this programme at University College Cork
2) How you meet the programme entry requirements

Current CV

Copy of an up to-date University approved English language exam e.g. IELTS, TOFEL, Duolingo etc., for non-native English speakers

For applications considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), you will need:

Copies of transcripts and parchments for any previous relevant educational qualifications

Current CV

References where applicable

Personal / Motivation Statement - In 500 words or less, please state:
1) Why you wish to study this programme at University College Cork
2) How you meet the programme entry requirements

Copy of of an up to-date University approved English language exam e.g. IELTS, TOFEL, Duolingo etc., for non-native English speakers

1 year full-Time.

Skills and Careers Information
What are the employment opportunities in this field?

The Higher Diploma in Languages and Global Software Business specifically addresses the need highlighted by employer reports for language skills in the ICT sector, as well as those identified in Global Ireland: Ireland's Global Footprint to 2025. Graduates of the HDip can expect to find their acquired ICT and language skills in demand across roles such as:

Technology and Software Sales, Account Management, and Sales Engineering
Technology and Software Localisation and Translation,
Technology and Software Post-Sales Support, Customer Support, and Technical Support

Are there any career workshops included as part of this course?

Students will have access to the UCC career services. Main activities will include:

Career coaching to formulate individual career action plans leading to employment, reflecting on:
Where are they now in their careers?
Where do they want to be?
Strategies for gaining employment on completion of the programme.

Job readiness workshops will be built into the programme as outlined below:

Positioning oneself for job readiness: Setting realistic career objectives; Understanding strengths and skills; Learning from successful role models; Developing a career management strategy.

Moving forward into a job: Taking action by developing career goals and implementing them;

Creative job-hunting both on-line and off-line; Written applications, CVs and interview preparation and implementing career plans.

Participants will be given the opportunity to meet employers by attending UCC organised recruitment fairs, jobs roadshows and other events where employers will be invited on campus to meet students.