Learning languages in UCC
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Learning languages in UCC
25.01.2012

Almost every student in university education in Ireland has studied languages to Leaving Certificate level. Yet public policy and business studies are unanimous on one point: in all subject areas, Ireland needs more graduates who are competent in one or more non-native languages. In response to this demand, an increasing range of languages is now being offered in UCC in degree level programmes spanning Arts, Business and Law.

The importance of studying languages at UCC was recently highlighted with the launch of the first Ryan Scholarships in the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences. These awards are made to students who entered the university in 2011 with the highest overall Leaving Certificate points who register for two or more foreign language subjects for the duration of their Bachelor of Arts degrees.  Awards are made to students in each year of their degree programme while they continue to take two or more foreign language subjects. Language subjects covered under the Scholarship are French, German, Italian, Hispanic Studies and Chinese Studies (Mandarin).

Professor Caroline Fennell, Head of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences in UCC, commending the students said: “In launching the Ryan Scholarships, we want to signal the importance we attach to the opportunity to study languages to degree level. The range of courses within which CAO applicants can do so is expanding in UCC, so there is something for everyone here. I urge students to consider the options carefully and to think seriously about opting for languages this year.” Her comments are endorsed by Professor Patrick O’Donovan, Head of the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures: “This is an exciting time to think about studying languages. In common with other European countries, we are seeing an upsurge in demand for places across the range of degrees which include these subjects. I’m very glad to say that next year new opportunities will be in place: our Department of Hispanic Studies, conscious of the increasing importance of trade and cultural links with Brazil in particular, is introducting Portuguese as a subject that can now be taken to degree level.”

UCC is taking a leading role in the fostering of excellence in language skills with the range of languages taught at the university – French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese (with Japanese and Korean shortly becoming available).

In support of Ireland's national strategy to engage more closely with Asia in what is rapidly becoming the 'Asian century', this year UCC plans to offer Asian Studies as a new subject area in the BA degree.  Students, some of whom will take an 'international' degree including a year spent in Asia, will graduate confident in their ability to understand and engage with the peoples and languages of Asia, from the Middle East to India, South-East Asia, Korea, China and Japan.

Pictured at the launch of the first Ryan Scholarships in the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences :  Back Row, left to right- Professor Fan Hong (Chinese), Dr Manfred Schewe (German), Luke Nolan (MRS recipient), Professor Nuala Finnegan (Hispanic Studies), Dr Mark Chu (Italian), Patrick O'Callaghan (MRS recipient), Professor Patrick O'Donoghue (Head of School of Languages and Literatures). Front row,  left to right- Aideen O'Connor (MRS recipient), Professor Caroline Fennell (Head of CACSSS), Ciara Brickley (MRS recipient).

 



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