| Code | HDALGC |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year Full-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | HDip |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| Start Date | Not on offer 2024/2025 |
Course Outline
This course is aimed at people hoping to return to the job market with modern language and intercultural communication skills along with competencies relating to managing global relationships, ICT, translation and localisation skills.
It offers advanced specialism in one language (from Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian and French) and 10 credits of an additional foreign language from the same range. The programme will equip students with the necessary language competence, as well as intercultural skills, to be able to do business with markets of particular strategic interest to Ireland, both in Europe and beyond. By the end of the course, students in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German and French will have reached a minimum of CEFR level B1.
It is a 60 credits course which comprises of the following:
- Advanced Language Skills in either French, German, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese (20 credits)
- Additional 10 credits in a second language chosen from French, German, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese (10 credits)
- Translation and Professional Communication Skills (5 credits)
- ICT and Localisation Skills (5 credits)
- Mobility, Pluringualism and Intercultural Communication in a Globalized World (10 credits)
- Work Placement (10 credits)
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
Classroom Daytime with online elements, including a work placement
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of methods, e.g. class tests, presentations, essays and formal exams. See individual module descriptions for details.
Who teaches this course
Staff in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Why Choose This Course
Employers and graduates report on the importance of language competence in securing employment and in career development. The Cork region has an expanding GSS sector, with EMC, Apple and McAfee, for example, locating such services here. Munster-based companies like Kerry Foods are expanding globally, particularly in Brazil and Mexico. Since the 1990s, collaboration between the School of Languages in UCC and the IDA has succeeded in bringing call centres to the region by highlighting the availability of a core local workforce with the necessary language skills. People with experience in financial services will benefit from improved language skills, as vacancies and opportunities for promotion exist at national level that require these combined competencies.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
The Higher Diploma includes a 3-month Work Placement module which is coordinated by the Careers Office in UCC.
Skills and Careers Information
Provision of teaching in Portuguese and Spanish will facilitate the expansion of Irish companies into expanding global markets: this, in turn, will generate further demand for competence in these languages.
Competence in German is highly sought after by employers and Germany remains the most important trade partner of Ireland along with the UK. French remains in high demand from our industry partners, a point recently highlighted by two important stakeholders, VMWare and VoxPro.
Requirements
Applicants for this programme are expected to hold a level 8 degree with a major language component or equivalent language qualification (including relevant professional qualifications and relevant accredited examinations).
Individual language level requirements will apply for students wishing to choose German, French, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese.
Candidates may be required to complete a brief language proficiency test.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:
- Please indicate your level of language expertise in the language(s) offered by this programme and include details of any relevant qualifications, skills and experiences to date.
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You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
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In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
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Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.