Languages - Modern Languages

Course Overview
Advanced knowledge of European cultures and languages, spoken worldwide, has never been more important. The MA in Modern Languages offers students with a high level of attainment in one or more foreign languages at undergraduate level an opportunity to pursue specialist further study, including an optional Erasmus trimester.

Internationally recognised scholars offer advanced education across the subject areas of French, German, Italian and Spanish, their cultures and languages. The MA programme entails specialisation in one or two of these language areas, within and beyond Europe, while broadening learning horizons through a range of theoretically informed, interdisciplinary approaches.

What will students learn?
The programme aims to develop students’ communicative and analytical skills to a sophisticated level of proficiency in the language(s) studied as well as in English. An optional Erasmus term abroad offers great opportunities for linguistic and cultural development.

With a blend of disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies you will engage with current humanities research in foreign-language areas, guided by internationally recognised scholars. You will develop sophisticated critical and theoretical tools needed for deep engagement with language, literature, and culture. The programme will appeal both to students wishing to develop deep familiarity with the cultures of one language area and those looking for a broader exploration of the cultures of two language areas.

How will learning be facilitated?
Small graduate seminars at UCD ensure intensive interaction with academic staff and an ideal learning environment. Close individual supervision by a specialist in the field is central to the preparation of the Minor Thesis.

Research
Academics in the School are part of a vibrant research culture shaped by very strong connections between research, publication and teaching. They participate in international research networks and are dedicated individual scholars in their fields of expertise.

Course Description
Students on the MA in Modern Languages study six taught modules, choosing to specialise in one or two of the School’s language areas of French, German, Italian or Spanish (four modules in a single language area or at least two modules in each of two language areas). In addition, a compulsory theoretical module is chosen from literary or cultural theory. Finally, a cognate elective module is chosen from within the programme. Students taking an Erasmus term abroad take 30 credits worth of modules at the host university in spring trimester. (60 credits)

Students write a Minor Thesis on a research area of their choice, working closely with an academic supervisor to develop and explore an original research question. (30 credits)

The MA can be taken for one year as a course of full-time study or over two years part-time. An Erasmus term exchange is available to students on the full-time MA.

The programme comprises six taught modules and a minor thesis. Alongside a core theoretical module in either Cultural, Literary or Translation Theory, you will take four modules in one language/culture area or two each in two language/culture areas, plus an elective module chosen from the modules on offer. Students taking an Erasmus trimester abroad will normally take three modules in the host university. Small class sizes ensure you enjoy an ideal learning environment. For the minor thesis, you will identify a significant research question in collaboration with an academic specialist and carry out your research under individual supervision.

Core 1
Minor Thesis SLL40090

Stage 1 - Option
Queer Frictions: Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary Literature & Culture ENG41860
L'écriture migrante dans le monde francophone contemporain FR40070
Reading French for Research Purposes FR40390
Thinking Things FR40400
Other Voices: Contemporary French and Francophone Women Poets FR40410
Translation Studies: Theoretical Approaches GER40040
German literature and 19th-/20th-century opera: Translation/transformation from page to opera stage GER40080
Translation German-English GER40260
Youth and Cruelty GER40270
Transcultural Encounters GER40280
Introduction to Theory SLL40130
Introduction to Cultural Theory SLL40230
Self and Identity in the Apocryphal Machado SPAN40120
Surrealism in Spain SPAN40310
Identity, Sex & Sexuality in Post-Revolutionary Cuban Culture.SPAN40330
Spanish Poetry 2SPAN40350
Historical Memory in Spain SPAN40360
Latin American literature SPAN40370

• Applicants must present a primary degree (NFQ Level 8) in one or more languages, with an overall award of at least Second Class Honours, Grade 1. They also need to present two references from academic referees willing to comment on their intellectual ability, maturity and motivation.

• Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 7.0 (with no band less than 6.5 in each element), or equivalent.

• These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:
MA Modern Languages FT (Z202)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

MA Modern Languages PT (Z203)
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.

90

MA: Z202: 1 year full-time or Z203: 2 years part-time.

MA Modern Languages (Z202) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 7315
nonEU fee per year - € 19900

MA Modern Languages (Z203) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 4390
nonEU fee per year - € 9950

***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme.For further information please see International Scholarships.

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunity
With an MA in Modern Languages, graduates enhance their employment opportunities in diverse areas. In recent years, our graduates have found employment in such fields as:

- Cultural institutions in Europe
- Multinational companies
- Broadcasting and journalism
- Translation
- Doctoral research; academia
- The teaching profession
- The civil service
- The diplomatic service