Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts (Gaeilge agus Léann an Aistriúcháin)

The Bachelor of Arts (Gaeilge agus Léann an Aistriúcháin) is a highly practical degree course that focuses on the linguistic, technological, and workplace skills needed to become a professional translator.

Course Overview

• The course is offered by the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.
• The CAO code for this course is GY136.
• The CAO points required for admission in 2025 were 368.
• The average intake for this course is 15 students.
• The course is delivered on campus and is classified as a Level 8 program under the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
• There are 2 QQI/FET/FETAC places available for this course.
• The award type is a Major, and the next intake is scheduled for September 2026.
• The duration of the course is 4 years.

Why Choose This Course?

• The course offers a one-year work placement with an organisation or business operating through Irish.
• The University of Galway is ranked among the Top 250 Schools in the world in Linguistics and Modern Languages (QS 2024).
• The course provides practical training in the linguistic, technological, and workplace skills needed to become a professional translator.
• Graduates of this course have been successful in finding jobs in various areas where language skills are important.

Course Information

• The course covers a range of modules, including Gaeilge, Léann an Aistriúcháin, and one other subject chosen in the first year.
• In the second year onwards, students take Gaeilge and Léann an Aistriúcháin.
• The modules available in each of the four years of the degree are taught through Irish.
• The course includes a work placement in the third year, which provides students with the opportunity to gain professional experience and immerse themselves in the Irish language.

Modules

• Year One:
  • Léann an Aistriúcháin: Gnéithe den Aistriúchán, Bunscileanna Gramadaí, Bunscileanna Aistriúcháin, Téarmeolaíocht, Cruinneas agus Saibhriú Teanga.
  • Gaeilge: Teanga na Nua-Ghaeilge I, An tSochtheangeolaíocht, An Gearrscéal sa Ghaeilge, Teanga na Nua-Ghaeilge II, Téamaí i Nuafhilíocht na Gaeilge, Modúl roghnach.
• Year Three:
  • Work placement (September to April).
• Year Four:
  • Léann an Aistriúcháin: Aistriúchán Feidhmeach Téacsanna 3, Gramadach agus Litriú na Gaeilge 2, Eagarthóireacht agus Léamh Profaí, Tionscadal Aistriúcháin, Gnó an Aistriúcháin/Fotheidealú.
  • Gaeilge: Teanga na Nua-Ghaeilge 3, Filí agus Filíocht na Gaeilge, An Béaloideas agus An Scéalaíocht, Teanga na Nua-Ghaeilge IV, Próslitríocht na Gaeilge, Modúl roghnach.

Postgraduate Programme Options

• MA agus Teastas Iarchéime (Léann an Aistriúcháin).
• MA (Léann Teanga).
• MA (Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála).
• MA (Cleachtas Gairmiúil sna Meáin).

Unique Features

• The opportunity for a work placement with an organisation or business operating through Irish in Ireland or abroad.
• The chance to engage deeply with the Irish language, focusing on and analysing many elements of the language.
• Strong links with EU institutions, with many graduates working in these organisations and the Irish state sector.

Careers

• This degree is aimed specifically at careers in the field of language skills, with excellent opportunities in Ireland and Europe for those with a translation/language qualification.
• Graduates are successful in finding jobs in various areas where language skills are important.
• The skills learned by students are completely transferable, and fluency in the Irish language gives them a considerable advantage in today's highly competitive market place.

Learning and Assessment

• How Will I Learn?:
  • Language immersion to promote Irish language acquisition.
  • Technology-assisted learning.
  • Collaborative learning that promotes group work and problem-solving skills.
  • Reflective practice to foster deeper understanding through peer assessment, self-assessment, and constructive feedback.
  • Project-based learning, including a major translation project of 6,000 words in the final year.
  • Practical experience via classroom tasks and placement.
  • Computer-Assisted Translation tools and software.
• How Will I Be Assessed?:
  • Translation tasks to assess language, comprehension, and translation competence.
  • Language exercises to evaluate proficiency in grammar.
  • Error analysis to identify language, translation, and comprehension weaknesses.
  • Project work to provide opportunities for collaboration, translation, and management.
  • Presentation to assess communication, fluency, and comprehension skills.

Research Excellence

• Research is a central part of the work, not only in terms of Translation Studies but also around the teaching and learning process.
• The university organises workshops and seminars and invites guest speakers from translation services and associations.

Entry Requirements and Fees

• Minimum Entry Requirements: Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes. A H3 in Irish is also required.
• Alternative Pathways: The Access Centre at the University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes.
• Fees for Academic Year 2026/27:
  • EU Tuition: 3,098.
  • Student Contribution: 2,500.
  • Non-EU Tuition: 19,250.
  • Levy: 140.
  • Total Fee: 2,640 (EU), 5,738 (EU with student contribution), 19,390 (Non-EU).

Scholarships

• High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential.

International (Non-EU) Application Information

• Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU) should apply online via the University of Galway's application portal.
• The application portal opens on the 1st of October each year for entry the following September.

Related Courses

• Bachelor of Arts (Cumarsáid agus Gaeilge), GY122.
• Bachelor of Commerce (Gaeilge), GY208.
• Bachelor of Arts (Joint-Honours), GY101.

Why University of Galway?

• The University of Galway is a world-renowned research-led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.
• Ranked 284th in the QS World University Rankings.
• Ranked 1st in Ireland for Sustainable Development in the THE World Rankings.
• Ranked in the top 2% of universities globally in the QS World University Rankings.