Languages & Image Studies

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; Catalan.

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: 1. Personal Statement (500 - 1000 words max: Why do you wish to take this GradDip 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). 2. One Academic Reference. 3. 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. The School may waive the requirement for an IELTS or equivalent English language test score (typically 6.5 in all four components) if you can provide satisfactory evidence that you have completed a university degree (BA, BSc, MA) taught entirely in English or at an English-speaking institution. Please submit appropriate documentation to support your claim, along with all other required materials. The School will review your submission and inform you of the outcome. 4. Short writing sample in English (max 1000 words), e.g. Essay/ Assignment from current degree work. Where the degree is historic, or has no link at all with GradDip in Languages and Image Studies, applicants are requested to watch a film in their target foreign language, e.g. French/German/Spanish/Catalan/Italian/Portuguese, and to write and submit an original close analysis (max 1000 words) of the final portion of that film. All uploaded work must be accompanied by a statement that this is entirely the applicant's own work, without the use of AI or other tools. 5. A short online interview exchange should be expected in advance of final acceptance to GDLI. 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 at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.