Languages & Image Studies

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.



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.

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).



- One Academic Reference



- 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.



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



- 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. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

Z370 - 9 Months Full Time

Z371 - 18 Months Part Time

Delivery: On Campus

Z370 Grad Dip Languages & Image Studies Graduate Diploma Full-Time

Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught



Z371 Languages & Image Studies Graduate Diploma Part-Time

Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught

The 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.