Languages & Image Studies

MA Languages & Image Studies
Graduate Taught (level 9 NFQ, credits 90)
** NEW MA PROGRAMME STARTING SEPTEMBER 2023**

MA IN LANGUAGES AND IMAGE STUDIES students are invited to acquire new language skills, or to refresh or extend their knowledge of language(s) already studied (French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Spanish), while developing their critical and analytical thinking via image-centred modules taught from a global perspective by academic experts from UCD's School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics.

What will students learn?

Students will work on their language skills and will simultaneously study a range of Image Studies modules which hone their critical thinking skills and expand their ability to engage and comprehend global cultures through study of images, whether film, art, illustration, photography or more.

How will learning be facilitated?

Language study is a cumulative skill, so language will be studied across the entire year. At the same time, Image studies will be explored via individual modules, whether Core or Options. Students all study film analysis and they then bring those taught skills into the study of other Image-centred modules, from a range of options such as photography, film, art, intermediality, illustration or more.

Research

Each student will complete two Extended Guided essays on topics that are of interest to them, under the guidance of a specialist lecturer from the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics.

Who should apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

As a student of this new MA in Languages and Image Studies, you choose which global language you wish to study (French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Spanish), starting at your own current level, whether Beginners, Intermediate or Advanced (CEFR A1-C2). Some students may choose to study two languages across the year. This permits students from a wide variety of backgrounds to take up language learning or to revisit or perfect a language you have already studied. In tandem with language studies, students are introduced to image studies from a multilingual perspective, through a variety of modules centred on global film, photography, illustration, or art, and across a wide range of media, genres and languages. All modules draw on School specialist expertise within individual languages and across a wide range of image-related topics. Flexible teaching and learning styles permit students to identify and pursue their own areas of interest in terms of both language and image studies. Students will be guided in analysis and criticism of a range of different types of image, from the perspectives of language-specific and more widely shared cultural contexts.

No Modules to display for this Course

Students on this programme take 3 core modules in Language(s) and in Image Studies (global film) and choose 3 option modules from a choice of other Language and Image Studies modules. Students will write two short pieces of independent research, called Extended Guided Essays: all students are encouraged to choose research material that links to the language(s) they are studying and to image-related topics that are of particular interest to them. One of the Extended Guided Essays may be submitted in visual form.

INDICATIVE MODULES

Language Studies (French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Spanish) *individual supports*

Approaches to European Film Analysis

The Global Prison Film

Surrealism: A Global Revolution

Precarious Perceptions 1900-1930: Modernist Literature, Film and Photography

The Politics of Documentary Photography in Latin America

Text and Image in the Early Modern French Book

Please go to the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section to see a draft timetable of the MA in Languages and Image Studies.

Applicants should have a min. grade 2.2 or higher in their primary degree (NFQ Level 8 or international equivalent) and ideally ( but not compulsorily) in a cognate area.

It is not necessary to have previously studied Languages at Third Level before applying to MALI.

The following entry routes are available:

MA Languages & Image Studies FT (Z372)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

MA Languages & Image Studies PT (Z373)
Duration 2 Years
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

Application requirements for FT/PT/GradDip:

Curriculum Vitae
Personal Statement (1000 words max: Why do you wish to take this MA in Languages and Image Studies? Any prior experience of Language Study e.g. BA level studies OR travel OR school OR self-taught OR hobby OR other?)
One Academic Reference
Transcript of UG degree
English Language Test (click HERE for UCD entry requirements)

GradDip in Languages and Image Studies is suitable for students who do not wishh to undertake individual research and/or who are unsure of their language learning skills and/or who perhaps wish to begin their studies in January. If this is the case, please apply for the Graduate Diploma in Languages and Image Studies.

1 Year Full Time
2 Years Part Time

The foreign-language and visual/analytical focus of MALI offers valuable opportunities to graduates who wish to simply challenge themselves to enhance their language skills and to think critically through cultural engagement with images, as well as to graduates who wish to consider a range of career areas with an international dimension, from the arts, culture and education, to business, diplomacy, travel and more.