BA (Hons) World Languages

Government and private bodies worldwide (IBEC, PayPal, Google, British Academy) testify to shortages of graduates with language skills. In Ireland, Forfás has repeatedly reported, most recently in the report on Key Skills for Enterprise to Trade Internationally (2012), on the need to extend the range and number of language graduates.

The programme’s flexibility and the possibility of studying multiple languages will enable graduates to meet these needs. The range of languages offered in UCC (including seven of the 10 languages identified by the British Council as most important for Britain’s future) is unique in Ireland.

The inclusion of English as a Second Language alongside other world languages will also appeal to international applicants; non-EU students will now be able to benefit from ERASMUS funding for study abroad.

Students of this programme will be eligible for the Mary Ryan Language Scholarships, awarded by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences to highly qualified students who choose to study two languages. The naming of the Scholarships after the first woman professor in Ireland and Britain, appointed to the Chair of Romance Languages in 1910, marks UCC’s commitment to and long tradition of excellence in languages.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study and/or placement abroad are an integral part of this degree programme. You will spend Year 3 in either one or two of the countries of the languages studied. The UCC Schools involved have well-established links with leading universities across the globe, where students will spend all or part of Year 3.

UCC’s outstanding International Education Office and Careers Service provide unbeatable support for students while studying or on work placements.

Students are encouraged to take the initiative in organising work placements but this will be facilitated by the Board of Studies. All work placements must be approved by the Board of Studies.

You can also avail of UCC's new Arts work-placement module in Year 2 of this degree.