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Grad Dip Languages & Image Studies

GradDip (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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The Graduate Diploma in Languages and Image Studies invites students to acquire new language skills, and/or to refresh or extend their knowledge of language(s) already studied from a choice of: French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Spanish. 

From the outset, students will use their cultural expertise to develop their critical and analytical thinking in Image Studies modules taught from a global perspective. Classes are all taught by academic experts from UCD’s School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics.

The course is designed to be inclusive: for those who wish to learn about Image Studies analysis (film, art, photos, online images); for those who are already language specialists and who may wish to expand their expertise by learning new language(s); and for those who are language non-specialists, that is, those who have never studied language at university before, but who wish to undertake accelerated language learning. 

About This Course

Throughout this degree, students work on both their language skills and their Image Studies skills. From the outset, each student will study a range of Image Studies modules which hone their critical thinking skills and expand their ability to engage and comprehend global cultures through study of images, whether film, art, illustration, photography or more. Image studies will be explored via individual modules, both Core (European film analysis; the global prison film) or Options such as Global Surrealism or the Body in C21 Spanish art.

Language study is a cumulative skill, so language will be studied relatively intensively across the entire year. Students are welcome to concentrate solely on their core language OR to also student a second language option. All students are encouraged to work on writing, speaking, listening and writing, with particular focus on oral presentation skills. 

Students bring their core language skills and core taught Image Studies skills into the study of all Image-centred modules, from a range of options which vary, and may include focus on photography, film, art, intermediality,  illustration or other. 

TThe foreign-language and visual/analytical focus of MALI offers valuable opportunities to graduates who wish to simply challenge themselves to enhance their language skills and to think critically through cultural engagement with images, as well as to graduates who wish to consider a range of career areas with an international dimension, from the arts, culture and education, to business, diplomacy, travel and more.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SLL40390 European Film Analysis Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SLL40380 Global Prison Film Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
All GDLI students must take 3 Option modules in total. Where a student is taking a 2nd language Option module, just 2 Option modules must be taken from this list. Where a student is not taking a 2nd language Option module, then 3 Option modules must be taken from this list. Please discuss credit balance with programme Director before registering to Option modules.
 SLL40800 Body & Matter: 21C Spanish Art Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
All GDLI students must take 3 Option modules in total. Where a student is taking a 2nd language Option module, just 2 Option modules must be taken from this list. Where a student is not taking a 2nd language Option module, then 3 Option modules must be taken from this list. Please discuss credit balance with programme Director before registering to Option modules.
 SLL40810 Cross-Border Imaginings Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
All GDLI students must take 3 Option modules in total. Where a student is taking a 2nd language Option module, just 2 Option modules must be taken from this list. Where a student is not taking a 2nd language Option module, then 3 Option modules must be taken from this list. Please discuss credit balance with programme Director before registering to Option modules.
 SLL40370 Surrealism: A Global Revolution Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40410 Spanish A1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40420 Spanish B1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40450 Spanish A2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40460 Spanish B2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40470 Spanish C1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40490 Italian A1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40500 Italian B1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40530 Italian A2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40540 Italian B2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40550 Italian C1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40590 French B1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40600 French B2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40610 French C1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40620 German A1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40660 German A2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40670 German B1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40680 German B2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40690 German C1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40700 Portuguese A1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40710 Portuguese B1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40740 Portuguese A2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40780 Portuguese B2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - B)0 of:
Any GDLI student whose Core Language is NOT at Beginners level may take a 2nd language as an Option module. All students must take a short language assessment before being registered to an Option Language module. Please contact programme Director.
 SLL40790 Portuguese C1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40450 Spanish A2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40460 Spanish B2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40470 Spanish C1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40530 Italian A2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40540 Italian B2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40550 Italian C1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40590 French B1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40600 French B2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40610 French C1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40660 German A2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40670 German B1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40680 German B2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40690 German C1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40740 Portuguese A2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40780 Portuguese B2 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:
Choose one language module from the list below.
 SLL40790 Portuguese C1 Autumn and Spring (separate)  10

The MALI programme has given me the chance to expand my language skills alongside studying a variety of engaging and culturally relevant image-based modules. Being able to learn a new language while also studying modules with content from Europe and beyond has allowed me to hone my research skills and has opened my horizons to areas of study that I had not imagined. This experience has been invaluable to me and has given me great confidence looking towards my career prospects after graduation.
 

Gia Simmons (MALI, 2023-24)

Grad Dip Languages & Image Studies (Z370) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 7000
nonEU    fee per year - € 15070

GradDip Languages & Image Studies (Z371) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4190
nonEU    fee per year - € 7540

***Fees are subject to change

Applicants should have a min.  2.2 in their primary degree (NFQ Level 8 or international equivalent)  ideally ( but not compulsorily) in a cognate area. 
It is not necessary to have previously studied Languages at Third Level before applying to GDLI.

 

Application requirements for GradDip:

Personal Statement (500 - 1000 words max: Why do you wish to take this MA in Languages and Image Studies? Any prior experience of Image Studies? Any prior experience of Language Study e.g. BA level studies OR travel OR school OR self-taught OR hobby OR other?) Please also list which 1 or 2 languages you might wish to study (and estimated level).


  1. One Academic Reference

  2. English Language Test (in line with UCD language requirements). Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit evidence of their English language proficiency. IELTS (Academic) Overall Band Score of 6.5 with no component band score below 6.0 and 6.5 in Writing and Speaking bands normally required or equivalent.

  3. Short writing sample in English (e.g. Essay/ Assignment on current degree topic), with statement that this is entirely applicant's own work.

  4. A short online interview exchange should be expected in advance of final acceptance to MALI
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Grad Dip Languages & Image Studies:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt Z370
Grad Dip Languages & Image Studies
Graduate Diploma
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt Z371
Languages & Image Studies
Graduate Diploma
Part-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt Z370
Grad Dip Languages & Image Studies
Graduate Diploma
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Opens 01 Oct 2024
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt Z371
Languages & Image Studies
Graduate Diploma
Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsOpens 01 Oct 2024
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