INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS & LANGUAGES (SPANISH)/GNÓ IDIRNÁISIÚNTA & TEANGACHA (SPÁINNIS) DT557
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Qualification awarded: BA (INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS & LANGUAGES) Level 8 / BA (GNÓ IDIRNÁISIÚNTA & TEANGACHA) Leibhéal 8
Duration of programme:
4 years
Type of programme:
Honours Degree
Number of places:
20 approx.
What is International Business & Languages?
Competence in languages has an important role to play in Ireland’s ability to trade with other countries. Fluency in French, German and Spanish are all vital to the success of businesses dealing with the regions in which those languages are spoken. Offering students the opportunity to study French, German or Spanish alongside common business modules, 50% of the programme is devoted to languages and 50% to business subjects.
The key characteristics of this degree programme are the emphasis on language acquisition, and the third year abroad spent studying at a partner institution – in a country of the student’s major language.
What are my career opportunities?
In view of the increasing globalisation of world markets and the dependency of the global economy on international trade, it is essential that students develop the linguistic skills, critical thinking skills, and business skills required. Students who successfully complete the programme will be equipped to play a key role in companies and organisations seeking out new markets and/or expanding within them.
Graduates will be equally well suited to the demands of all business organisations from small and medium-sized enterprises to multi-national concerns.
What will I study on this programme?
The programme is shared equally between the School of Languages and the School of Marketing at the DIT. This means that you will study the language(s) of your choice and also have a broad level of exposure to the world of international business. You will benefit from the international reputation, experience and knowledge of both schools. You will study the full range of business modules required to gain an in-depth understanding of the international business environment. In languages, you will acquire the language skills necessary to work in a variety of multilingual and multicultural environments. The focus is on expansion and consolidation of your language expertise, both oral and written, in a professional context.
French is only offered to students who have obtained a minimum grade of HC3 in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
For German and Spanish, application is by language irrespective of level, as students are streamed on intake. Those who take German or Spanish at beginner’s level study it intensively (9 class contact hours per week). This will enable students to achieve the standard of language competence necessary to spend year 3 abroad and go on to find employment in a variety of businesses using their language skills. Students also take the full range of business subjects.
Students who take the language at Post Leaving Certificate level have the opportunity to also study a minor language at beginner’s level. The minor language options currently on offer (subject to minimum numbers) are German, Italian, French or Spanish. Alternatively, students can opt for a suite of cultural modules or literature modules (subject to numbers).
What other options do I have after completion?
Students who have reached the appropriate honours standards may have access to a range of Masters Degrees in DIT and elsewhere in Higher Education.
Module listing
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Year 1
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Language modules: Advanced Stream:
Options: Minor Language OR Introduction to Literature (through the target language) OR Introduction to Cultural Image, Identity & Memory. Beginners Intensive Stream:
Business Modules:
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| Year 2 |
Language modules: Advanced Stream:
Options: Minor Language OR Classic & Contemporary Literature OR Intercultural Studies. Beginners Intensive Stream:
Business Modules:
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| Year 3 |
Students spend their 3rd year in a Partner University abroad, in the country of the language they are studying |
| Year 4 |
Language modules:
Options for Students coming from the Advanced Stream: Minor Language OR Literary & Critical Studies. Business Modules:
The following IT Support Modules (non-examinable) may be taken at any stage in the course of the programme:
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Are there study abroad opportunities?
Students are required to spend the third year of the programme in the country of their major language.
What our students say!
Charlotte Ripke, DT557: I think IBL is an excellent programme that combines two very important disciplines needed in today’s globalised world: the ability to speak languages and an understanding of a great variety of business subjects.I like the way business subjects, such as Marketing, Management and Finance, are all interconnected throughout the course so that you often learn something in one subject and can instantly relate it to something you learnt in a different subject. That makes it more interesting and easier to understand. I also like that DIT is not anonymous and everybody knows everybody. Classes are relatively small compared to big universities. Small classes make interaction in class easy. Whenever I feel I haven’t understood something, I can ask the lecturer and they are always willing to explain.As for the language side of the course, I am really glad that we are taught the language in a practical way and focusing on various aspects of culture. I particularly enjoy writing out dialogues and doing in-class presentations. Two years ago, I started as a complete beginner and now I feel so confident in the language that I cannot wait to go on Erasmus next year!
Entry Requirements
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Minimum no of |
Minimum Grade in |
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Subjects |
Honours |
Maths |
English/Irish |
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6 |
2 |
OD3 |
OD3 |
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Other Requirements* A minimum HC3 in French is required for DT555 - International Business & Languages (French) |
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