| Code | HDLGS |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info. |
| Qualifications | HDip |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| EU Fees | Free or 90% funded See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | Applications Now Closed For 2023 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Start Date | 11 September 2023 |
Course Outline
Do you hold a graduate degree or are you fluent in a language? Are you interested in advancing your career opportunities in multilingual global software and technology companies?
Then the Higher Diploma in Languages and Global Software Business is just for you! Our exciting Higher Diploma course (QQI/NFQ Level 8) will strengthen your existing language skills and will help you to develop competencies in relation to the ICT, software sales, technical support and localisation skills which are necessary for managing global relationships in the ICT sector. We will also provide you with the intercultural communication skills necessary for the global world of work.
This diploma is delivered in an online learning format that will train you in areas essential to the industry such as the fundamentals of IT and software and supporting technology users. Innovative and challenging, this bespoke diploma also includes project experience with specialist software companies that will be industry-mentored.
Apply for the Higher Diploma in Languages and Global Software Business at UCC and open the door to a career that combines your language skills with emerging technologies and markets.
The Higher Diploma in Languages and Global Software Business will enable graduates to:
- develop skills and demonstrate knowledge of technology and software sales,
- develop skills and demonstrate knowledge of technology and software localisation,
- develop skills and demonstrate knowledge of technology and software support,
- develop the skills to negotiate a global workplace where intercultural competencies are required,
- reinforce and make “work ready” their existing language competencies of graduates, including the capacity to undertake independent research in the target language,
- develop and apply problem solving skills to real world problems, through student work supported by both industry and UCC staff.
Our curriculum includes a practice of the Wordfast Studio suite of translation tools, courtesy of the Wordfast Academic Program.
Module Descriptions
- LL5007 Localisation Essentials - Doing business in the global market relies on the successful adaptation of products and services to the requirements of customers in local markets around the world. This is the goal of localisation. In this module you will learn about the key concepts, strategies and challenges in the localisation industry. You will gain familiarity with both the cultural and technical implications arising from the practice of localisation. In addition, this module will introduce you to the use of technological aids such as CAT (Computer Aided Translation) Tools.
- LL5008 Localisation Project - In this module you will work with a team to carry out a localisation project from start to finish. You will be provided with hands-on experience of a range of tools and technologies employed by industry professionals to manage, complete, and deliver translation and localisation projects, including computer-aided translation tools (CAT), machine translation, terminology management systems, and localisation software. You will work through the various stages and core activities of a localisation project lifecycle taking on the role of different stakeholders, and will learn to critically assess the requirements for different projects.
- LL6014 Translation and Professional Skills* - This module is designed to develop and maintain the translation and communication skills necessary to underpin work as a translator, researcher, professional linguist or equivalent. It will show students how to keep their language skills up-to-date and familiarise them with appropriate technical presentation skills and resources to prepare for translation, research and professional assignments. It will provide a guide to a range of information sources and research relevant to translation and professional communication, focusing specifically on institutional, financial and commercial text-types and discourses.
- LL5005 Negotiating Knowledges in Networked Societies - This module provides students with the tools to recognise and embrace the complex ways in which we communicate within and across cultures, in a variety of texts and contexts. Focusing on critical discussions of key concepts such as intercultural communication, migration, mobility, plurilingualism and technology, it demonstrates how Humanities approaches can inform our response to a global business environment. In doing so, it encourages students to make meaningful connections between their theoretical engagement with these ideas and the technical knowledge of the software business acquired elsewhere in their programme.
- IS5004 IT Solution Selling and Digital Business - Selling is one of the most important activities in any business and the sales landscape has been digitally transformed to an enormous extent in recent years. This module looks at the role of the salesperson in identifying customer needs and solving customer problems in the modern digital business environment. Several practical tools and frameworks will be introduced to support go-to-market strategies and entrepreneurial activity. Design thinking methodologies will be employed to create customer journey maps that result in better customer experiences. Industry speakers from a range of tech companies will provide insights into commercial best practices.
- IS5005 Enterprise Sales Solutions for Global Business - This module examines how sales management practices in organisations are enabled and augmented by technology. Processes such as customer identification and engagement, account planning, sales and marketing analysis, have been impacted by new communications technology and customer relationship management (CRM) software as well as advances in machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. Sales strategies for building sales capabilities in the digital world will be critically evaluated. Guest speakers will share their experiences of using technology to create long-term value for their customers as well as their own organisations.
- IS5001 IT and Software Fundamentals - Information Technology has become pervasive in all our lives and information systems have transformed the way that global business is carried out. This module examines how information systems are used in organisations to solve problems and achieve business objectives. The components of an information system will be described, giving an introduction to the technical aspects of computer hardware, software and telecommunications. The evolution of information systems in business and society will be critically evaluated and discussed.
- IS5002 Supporting Technology Users - Supporting customers and users is a critical activity for many organisations. Indeed, effective support can often make the difference between retaining or losing a customer. This module describes the technical support environment, covering common failure and defect troubleshooting issues, as well as effective techniques for communicating with users and customers. Strategies and processes for effective management and resolution of customers issues will be discussed and applied.
- IS5003 Applied Industry Project (Summer months) - This is an exciting, real-world project. It will be a group-based, industry-mentored execution of case study project in which students apply data, analysis, and process development to real world problems. It will foster project solving, project management, and client interaction skills in order to ensure employment readiness.
*New modules subject to approval
Additional Teaching Mode Information
This programme is delivered by live online classes, online recordings.
Course Practicalities
2022 Timetable information
Teaching in 2022 took the form of online teaching. All of the lectures in 2022 were recorded and uploaded to Canvas (UCC's Learning Management System):
Timetable for Semester 1
| Module Code | Module Name | Day/Time | Co-ordinator |
|---|---|---|---|
| LL5007 | Localisation Essentials (5 credits) | Monday 5-6pm; Online | Dr. Marco Amici (mamici@ucc.ie) |
| LL5014 | Translation and Professional Skills | Wednesday 3-4pm; Online | Dr. Aisling O'Donnell (aisling.odonnell@ucc.ie) |
| IS5001 | IT and Software Fundamentals (5 credits) | Thursdays 3-5pm; Online | Dr. Jeremy Hayes (J.Hayes@ucc.ie) |
| IS5004 | IT Solution Selling and Digital Business (5 credits) | Monday 3-4pm, Tuesday 4-5pm; Online | Dr. Veeresh Thummadi (vthummadi@ucc.ie) |
Timetable for Semester 2
| Module Code | Module Name | Day/Time | Co-ordinator |
|---|---|---|---|
| LL5005 | Negotiating Knowledges in Networked Societies (10 credits) | Friday 2-4pm; Online classes recorded and uploaded | Dr. Céire Broderick (ceire.broderick@ucc.ie) |
| LL5008 | Localisation Project | Wednesday 5-7pm; Online | Dr. Marco Amici (mamici@ucc.ie) and Estefanía Munoz Gomez (emunozgomez@ucc.ie) |
| IS5002 | Supporting Technology Users (5 credits) | Tuesday 6-7pm (pre-recorded) and a live lecture Thursday 6-7pm on Thursday. | Andrew O’Donovan (VMWare) (golden.andrew23@gmail.com) |
| IS5005 | Technology and Solutions for Sales (5 credits) | Monday 3-4pm, Tuesday 4-5pm | Dr. Jeremy Hayes (J.Hayes@ucc.ie |
Modules for this programme will be delivered online. These sessions will help students connect with each other and with their lecturers, reinforce module content and build transferable skills, and interact with industry leaders and other experts. We look forward to providing you with a high-quality online learning experience that will help you to learn, grow, build your professional networks, and finish the programme ready to take the next step in your career.
Why Choose This Course
This programme is designed for high-achieving language graduates who wish to work in global software and technology sales and support sectors. Global software and technology industries are a rapidly expanding sector within the Irish and EU economy. This conversion course offers language graduates the opportunity to upskill for, and to gain experience in, this dynamic and expanding sector.
Skills and Careers Information
What are the employment opportunities in this field?
The Higher Diploma in Languages and Global Software Business specifically addresses the need highlighted by employer reports for language skills in the ICT sector, as well as those identified in Global Ireland: Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025. Graduates of the HDip can expect to find their acquired ICT and language skills in demand across roles such as:
- Technology and Software Sales, Account Management, and Sales Engineering
- Technology and Software Localisation and Translation,
- Technology and Software Post-Sales Support, Customer Support, and Technical Support
Are there any career workshops included as part of this course?
Students will have access to the UCC career services. Main activities will include:
- Career coaching to formulate individual career action plans leading to employment, reflecting on:
- Where are they now in their careers?
- Where do they want to be?
- Strategies for gaining employment on completion of the programme.
- Job readiness workshops will be built into the programme as outlined below:
- Positioning oneself for job readiness: Setting realistic career objectives; Understanding strengths and skills; Learning from successful role models; Developing a career management strategy.
- Moving forward into a job: Taking action by developing career goals and implementing them;
- Creative job-hunting both on-line and off-line; Written applications, CVs and interview preparation and implementing career plans.
- Participants will be given the opportunity to meet employers by attending UCC organised recruitment fairs, jobs roadshows and other events where employers will be invited on campus to meet students.
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A minimum Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, L8) in a language
AND
- Second Class Honours Grade 1 (CEFR language level of B2.2/C1) in their final year language module. For the purposes of this programme B2.2 will be deemed equivalent to a 2.1 result in the graduate’s final year language module. In the event of competition for places, graduates will be selected on the basis of language module results in the final year of their degree.
A quota will be allocated to applicants who do not meet these entry requirements. These applicants will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning and assessed on the following factors:
- Academic achievement
- Prior Work Experience
- Letter of Reference
- Personal Statement
All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency: See our English language proficiency requirements.
Fees and Costs
In 2023, places will be subsidised under the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 as follows:
- Standard EU Fee: €8,250
- 90% Subsidised Fee: €825 payable by applicant
- 100% Subsidised Fee: No course fees payable by applicant
For full details on subsidies available please see 'What will it cost?' on the main HCI Pillar 1 webpage.
How To Apply
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
- If you already have a Springboard+ account - please apply here
- If you are new to Springboard+ - please apply here
- When you log in to your existing account or register for a new account, go to the courses tab at the top of the page and search for the course you are interested in applying for. Further instructions can be found in the 'How to Apply' section of the Springboard+ webpage.
Candidates are advised to apply early as high demand is anticipated and places are limited.
Applications will NOT be assessed until all supporting documentation has been received. Please ensure that you have the documentation below available at the time of application.
For mainstream applications, you will need:
- Copies of transcripts and parchments for any previous relevant educational qualifications
- Personal / Motivation Statement - In 500 words or less, please state:
- 1) Why you wish to study this programme at University College Cork
- 2) How you meet the programme entry requirements
- Current CV
- Copy of an up to-date University approved English language exam e.g. IELTS, TOFEL, Duolingo etc., for non-native English speakers
For applications considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), you will need:
- Copies of transcripts and parchments for any previous relevant educational qualifications
- Current CV
- References where applicable
- Personal / Motivation Statement - In 500 words or less, please state:
- 1) Why you wish to study this programme at University College Cork
- 2) How you meet the programme entry requirements
- Copy of of an up to-date University approved English language exam e.g. IELTS, TOFEL, Duolingo etc., for non-native English speakers
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must -
- be living full time in the Republic of Ireland
- hold a valid Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)
- have lived in the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland for 3 out of the past 5 years
- meet the nationality/visa requirement i.e.,
- you are an EU/EEA/UK/Swiss national OR
- you have a Stamp 4/Stamp 4 EU FAM, Stamp 5, or Stamp 6 on your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card or GNIB card.