COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Global Languages at University of Galway is an innovative four-year degree that enables students to study two languages, with the option to explore a third at Beginner’s Level in first year. Language choices include Gaeilge, French, Spanish, German, and Italian, and students develop advanced linguistic competence through small, interactive classes delivered by native speakers to ensure fluency, accuracy, and confidence. The program extends beyond language acquisition by integrating Linguistics, Translation Studies, Media, and cultural analysis, equipping students with the intellectual tools to understand how language shapes society, identity, and global communication. In Year 1, students choose either two languages with Global Language Studies, Léann an Aistriúcháin, or Ancient Classics, or three languages, while taking core modules such as Europe in Cinema (GL1102) and Introduction to Translation (GL1101). All students must take at least one language at post-Leaving Certificate level or equivalent. In Year 2, students select one major and one minor language with a complementary pathway, or one major and two minor languages, alongside core modules including Translation in the World: Skills and Concepts (GL2101) and Introduction to Linguistics (GL2102). Year 3 is a mandatory immersion year abroad, involving Erasmus study, Gaeltacht residency for Gaeilge students, or a Language Assistant placement, ensuring authentic linguistic and cultural engagement. In Year 4, students continue their major language and either maintain two minors or combine a minor language with Global Language Studies, Léann an Aistriúcháin, or Ancient Classics, with opportunities to specialise further in Media, Technology, Linguistics, or Translation through advanced research and practice-based modules.