Languages & Image Studies

Engaging with global culture through an analytical and critical lens is always easiest when the student also has the ability to engage with a foreign language. In this exciting new Graduate Diploma, students are invited to acquire new language skills, or to refresh and extend their knowledge of language(s) already studied. At the same time, students will develop their critical and analytical thinking via image-centred modules taught from a global perspective by in-house School experts.

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.

Students on this programme take 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.

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 engraved book in 17th-century France

SLL40800 Body and Matter: C21 Spanish Art

Applicants should have a min. 2.2 in their primary degree (NFQ Level 8 or international equivalent) ideally ( but not compulsorily) in a cognate area.
It is not necessary to have previously studied Languages at Third Level before applying to GDLI.

Grad Dip Languages and Image Studies FT (Z370)
Duration 9 Months
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

Grad Dip Languages and Image Studies PT (Z371)
Duration 18 Months
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 GradDip:
-Personal Statement (500 - 1000 words max: Why do you wish to take this MA in Languages and Image Studies? Any prior experience of Image Studies? Any prior experience of Language Study e.g. BA level studies OR travel OR school OR self-taught OR hobby OR other?) Please also list which 1 or 2 languages you might wish to study (and estimated level).
-One Academic Reference
-English Language Test (in line with UCD language requirements). Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit evidence of their English language proficiency. IELTS (Academic) Overall Band Score of 6.5 with no component band score below 6.0 and 6.5 in Writing and Speaking bands normally required or equivalent.
-Short writing sample in English (e.g. Essay/ Assignment on current degree topic), with statement that this is entirely applicant's own work.
-A short online interview exchange should be expected in advance of final acceptance to MALI

9 Months Full Time
18 Months Part Time
MODE OF DELIVERY: Face-to-Face

NEXT INTAKE: 2024/2025 September
Delivery: Face to Face

The foreign-language and visual/analytical focus of the Graduate Diploma 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.