Irish Language Diploma

Program Overview

The Diploma in Irish Language is a two-year part-time program designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of Irish. It provides a strong foundation in Irish, developing communication skills in speaking, reading, writing, and grammar. Upon completion, students will be able to have basic conversations, understand written texts, and write simple sentences and paragraphs in Irish. The program can serve as a stepping stone for further studies in Irish at the Bachelor's degree level.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: The Diploma in Irish Language (Belfast, Magee, Cookstown) aims to provide new learners with a strong foundation in Irish, helping them develop communication skills in speaking, reading, writing, and grammar.
• Overview: This program is designed to take beginners with no prior knowledge of Irish and equip them with the fundamental skills needed to communicate effectively in basic everyday situations.
• Description: The program offers a two-year curriculum focused on developing oral and written communication skills in Irish.
The curriculum covers pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing abilities. Upon completion, students will be able to have basic conversations in Irish, understand written texts, and write simple sentences and paragraphs.
• Possible Pathway: The program can serve as a stepping stone for students who wish to pursue further studies in Irish at the Bachelor's degree level.

Outline:

• Structure: The program is offered part-time over two years.
Classes typically take place from September to May, with sessions held once a week in the evenings. Additional lectures or seminars may be offered every second Wednesday or in blocks depending on the venue.
• Content: The program covers the following main areas:
• Pronunciation:
Students will learn the correct pronunciation of Irish sounds and words.
• Grammar: The program will delve into the fundamental elements of Irish grammar, including sentence structure, verb conjugations, and noun declensions.
• Vocabulary: Students will expand their vocabulary through exposure to everyday Irish words and phrases.
• Writing Skills: Students will develop their writing skills in areas like sentence construction, paragraph writing, and basic composition.
• Modules: The program consists of the following modules:
• Year 2:
• Gaeilge Mheánleibhéil 1 (IRS149):
This module takes students from CEFR level A1/A2 (acquired through IRS001 and IRS148) to level B1, facilitating the transition from Basic Users to Independent Users of Irish.
• Gaeilge Mheánleibhéil 2 (IRS150): This final module builds upon IRS149 and solidifies students' skills at CEFR level B1, enabling them to become more self-sufficient users of Irish.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a combination of coursework and examinations to assess student learning.
• Coursework: Assignments may include essays, reports, seminar papers, tests, presentations, dissertations, designs, portfolios, journals, and group work.
The specific format and combination of coursework will vary depending on the module.
• Examinations: Written examinations can also form part of the assessment in certain modules.
• Feedback: Timely feedback is provided for all coursework assessments, allowing students to improve their understanding and performance.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles.
These include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and online learning activities.
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced and qualified staff, including Professors, Readers, Senior Lecturers, and Lecturers.
The majority of staff hold PhDs in their subject area and many have professional body recognition.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of this program can pursue careers in various fields, including:
• Irish Language Officer
• Presenter
• Primary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• Teacher
• Employment Opportunities: Opportunities can be found in diverse areas such as education, media, publishing, government, librarianship, and various business sectors.
• Graduate Employers: Notable past graduates have secured employment with Coláiste Feirste, BBC, Conradh na Gaeilge, Foras na Gaeilge, and the European Parliament.

Other:

• Start Dates: The program typically starts in September each year.
• Language Requirements: International applicants must meet the minimum English language requirement of Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score below 5.5.
• Scholarships: Applicants may be eligible for the GAA "Gaeilge sa Chlub" scholarship.
• Testimonial: A past student, Gemma Nic Cionnaith, highlighted the program's effectiveness in helping her transition from having virtually no Irish to becoming comfortable using the language in everyday situations.