GradDip Scríobh & Cumarsáid na Gaeilge

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 60)

This course is designed for those who are working in the broader Irish language sector with a specific focus on a high standard of language and transferable language skills such as media, translation, interpreting and copy-editing.

  • Students who complete this course graduate with a high standard of accuracy in language and interdisciplinary skills ranging from use of translation and media packages, to research skills, depending on the choices made by the student during the course.

Careers & Employability

Since its initiation many students from this Diploma have secured international scholarships, such as the Fulbright Award or the Ireland Canada University Foundation Scholarship, working annually in thirdlevel institutions in the US and Canada.

International opportunities can include posts in the following areas in Europe (European Parliament / Commission): translator, interpreter, copy-editing, administrative positions, lawyer linguist and publishing. Work in the European Union is not confined to one language which allows for diversity in employment.

National opportunities:
  • Publishing, terminology projects (Fiontar DCU, Foclóirí)
  • Media (print, radio television, online)
  • Teaching (second and third Level)
  • Research – particularly in the areas of media, revival, sociolinguistics, translation, terminology or literature for example
  • State and Semi-state bodies and funded organisations, such as Foras na Gaeilge, Conradh na Gaeilge and Eagrais Ghaelscolaíochta.

Curricular information is subject to change


Full Time option suitable for:

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

Part Time option suitable for:

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

The Dioplóma Iarchéime: Scríobh agus Cumarsáid sa Nua-Ghaeilge is aimed at students with an academic background in Modern Irish or a cognate subject and at Irish language and Media professionals. Our aim is to promote and preserve the Irish language, its literature and culture, and to emphasise their importance for Irish society, especially in the context of the Irish language as a working language in the European Parliament and the Official Languages Act (2003). Central to the programme is the specific focus on contemporary research on advanced language and professional skills such as translation, legal translation, media, editing and writing skills. Students will graduate with an in-depth knowledge in these areas, developing effective communication and analytical skills to prepare them for a variety of career paths including: careers in Education, Media, Translation, Public Service, Research, Editing and Publishing.

We value autonomous and collaborative learning, providing a vibrant academic environment for the teaching and use of the Irish language, supported by our multi-media language learning centre and work placements in national and international organisations. All teaching and communication is conducted through the medium of Irish, in small group tutorials, in lectures, in writing and media workshops, and in seminar-style participatory classes. Irish language usage amongst the student body and in the university is encouraged in our Student Space (An Seomra Caidrimh).

A series of seminars delivered by guest lecturers introduces students to current research by experts in their fields. Students are encouraged to make use of digital archive resources and learning and assessment approaches include oral, written and aural examinations, peer assessment, project work, essays, presentations and seminars. The assignments give students the opportunity to formulate their own research questions, engage with primary sources, and pursue topics using archival data-sets. 

  • Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of dialectal and Standard Irish (An Caighdeán Oifigiúil), attaining a C1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or its equivalent.
  • apply the use of accurate spoken and written Irish in both academic and professional contexts, i.e. give interviews and participate in current debate on broadcast and print media; debate and analyse current affairs and academic topics.
  • appreciate the study of the Irish language and its literature as an integral part of Irish society past and present in a national and global context.
  • be proficient in the use of on-line and traditional resources.
  • demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of analytical techniques and theoretical issues in contemporary research in the Irish language.
  • demonstrate effective communication skills with appropriate use of subject-specific terminology.
  • discriminate and self-evaluate areas of academic specialisation that are best suited to their strengths as potential research scholars and as professionals.
  • translate literary, legal and official texts for use in the public domain at all levels of society.
  • use the study of Modern Irish as a means of enabling critical thinking about social and cultural issues.

GradDip Scríobh & Cumarsáid na Gaeilge (Z165) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 7000
nonEU    fee per year - € 15070

GradDip Scríobh & Cumarsáid na Gaeilge (Z166) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4190
nonEU    fee per year - € 7540

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships

These courses are part funded by the Specific Skills Initiative from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.  For further information regarding scholarships for this course please contact Bairbre Ní Chonchúir at Bairbre.nichonchuir@ucd.ie. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

  • An upper second class honours degree, or the international equivalent, in Irish or a related area or significant professional work experience working in Irish language organisations or in the teaching profession is required.
  • Student who specialise in translation or legal translation as part of the report of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht funding for this course are required to be at a level B2 proficiency in Irish language as per TEG guidelines.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh,
Irish, Irish Awards Officer

at Fulbright, Dublin

This masters offered a variety of classes, giving students a wide range of skills and a chance to obtain quality work experience, giving me the chance to work with countless brilliant authors and in a Dublin radio station. The support I received during my time at UCD was invaluable to my career progression. I was encouraged by UCD academics to look into international scholarship programmes during my year there, and went on to teach Irish and study on a Fulbright scholarship in the University of Connecticut. I may never have heard about the scholarship had I not been studying in UCD. I have worked in media and education, teaching at third level and working mainly in broadcasting. I am now Irish Awards Officer for the prestigious organisation Fulbright working with students and academics who wish to study or teach in the United States.

The following entry routes are available:

Grad Dip Scríobh agus Cumarsáid na Gaeilge FT (Z165)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*
Grad Dip Scríobh agus Cumarsáid na Gaeilge PT (Z166)
Duration
2 Years
Attend
Part Time
Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised