Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures
What is Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures?
This degree programme combines the study of languages with the history, politics, cultures and religions of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. You will gain in-depth knowledge of the current debates about the cultures, histories and religious affairs of the societies of the Middle East and their relationships with Europe. The course is designed to provide you with skills and knowledge in two languages and their regional histories and cultures. Students choose one of Arabic, Hebrew, and Turkish and one from French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian and Polish. With the exception of French, any of these can be studied at beginners level.
Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures: The course for you?
The course suits those interested in current debates about global issues and international politics. You can explore the connections between regions and peoples, religions and politics, societies and cultures, literature and history and look beyond the narrow focus of Europe.
Students spend third year abroad. Living and studying overseas provides skills and experience preparing you to work in a global context. You can spend one or two semesters at a leading European university. There is also the option to spend a semester at a prestigious Middle Eastern or North African university.
There is a great demand for graduates with a deep understanding of the complex historical relationships between Europe and its neighbours. Unique to this course is the study of the cultural interconnections that shape modern strategic and political interactions. The course is designed in a way that allows you to explore periods and places of interest from the ancient world through to the present day.
Graduate skills and career opportunities
Students interested in a future in international relations, diplomacy, journalism, working with multinationals and global tech companies, with NGOs, and in careers that demand a deeper understanding of regional cultures and politics should consider the degree in Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures.
Graduates with a European and a Middle Eastern language degree have a competitive advantage when it comes to careers across a wide range of sectors. Many multinational companies are choosing Ireland as base for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Graduates of this course are well placed to continue their studies in international relations, languages, history, cultural studies or international business and marketing.
Your degree and what you’ll study
Each year students take a variety of classes that include language, history and culture. You can tailor your classes to develop your knowledge and skills in the areas that most interest you.
First year
Students take classes in the following subjects: one European language (French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian and Polish); the history and culture relating specifically to that language; the history and formation of Europe; the history of the Middle East including politics and religion; and the relationship between the Middle East and Europe; and Jewish and Islamic civilizations.
Second year
Students continue their European language, start a Middle Eastern language (Arabic, Hebrew, and Turkish) and take additional classes on historical and contemporary perspectives on Europe, the Middle East and also their relations.You can also choose to continue your study of the ancient world as well as Jewish and Islamic civilisations.
Third year
Study abroad (full academic year).
Fourth year
Students may choose to continue both their European and Middle Eastern languages or choose to continue just one language. A wide range of subjects related to Middle Eastern and North African history, religion and society, the Jewish and Islamic worlds and ancient literature and cultures are offered to final-year students as well as courses related to the study of their European language; these build on the knowledge gained in the previous years. Students also undertake a piece of independent research on a topic of their choice (Capstone project).
Assessment
We use a mix of traditional and innovative continuous assessment methods such as essays, project work, presentations, book reviews and dossiers, podcast creation. It is ensured that students can demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in their chosen language(s). Final year students write a Capstone project (piece of independent research on a topic of your choice).
There are QQI/FET routes available for this course. Please seewww.cao.ie for details.
Click here for further information on modules/subject.
This degree is also available within the Dual BA Programmebetween Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University.
Study abroad
Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures students spend their third year abroad at a prestigious European or Middle Eastern university. Students benefit by improving their language skills and gain valuable experience of other cultures and ways of life.
We currently have links with the following European universities where students can spend a semester or their third year: for Spanish: University of Granada, University of Seville; for French: Sciences Po; University of Geneva; for Italian: University of Naples; for German: University of Cologne, University of Hamburg, University of Vienna. Many of these universities also offer Middle Eastern languages and you may continue the study of your chosen Middle Eastern language while in Europe.
For the semester in the Middle East, we have links with: American University Beirut, Hebrew University Jerusalem, International University of Rabat and American University Cairo.
This degree programme can also be taken as part of the Dual B.A. with Columbia University.
Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University Dual BA Programme
Two BA Honours Bachelor Degrees (NFQ Level 8) Degrees awarded by Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin and Columbia University
What is the Dual BA Programme?
The Dual BA Programme between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University offers students a unique opportunity to earn two BA degrees while spending the first two years at Trinity and years three and four at Columbia University in New York.
The Dual BA: The course for you?
This course is for those interested in expanding their experience to gain a truly international education. Students in the Dual BA Programme graduate with two BA degrees, one from Trinity and one from Columbia. After the first two years in Trinity, students then spend a further two years at Columbia, where they fulfil the requirements for one of the approved majors while also completing Columbia’s core curriculum. Students also undertake additional study to meet the requirements of the Trinity BA, including a Capstone project.
Your degree and what you’ll study
At Trinity students are introduced to the cultures and societies of the Middle East through the study of history, politics, literature and religion from ancient times to the present alongside courses on European culture and history. In year one students take a European language, from French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, or Polish, and in year two, they study a Middle Eastern language from Arabic, Hebrew or Turkish. At Columbia, students can major in history; religion; political science; or Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African studies. Students can also undertake an internship or a multidisciplinary-taught module.
Application process and requirements
Applicants to the Dual BA Programme must apply by 2nd January 2022 for September 2022 entry. The admissions process includes a review of the applicant’s academic history, letters of recommendation, an essay, and an interview conducted in English. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) can be submitted but are not required for 2022 entry. Applications are reviewed by a joint committee with representatives from both Institutions. EU applicants to the Dual BA Programme must also apply to and receive an offer from their chosen programme at Trinity through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
GET IN TOUCH!
Further information and contact details:
www.tcd.gs.columbia.edu
E columbiadualba@tcd.ie
Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures
This video provides an overview of the Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures programme at Trinity College Dublin.
Course Details
Awards
B.A.
CAO Information
CAO Points 495 (2022) CAO Code TR040
Number of Places
12 Places
Admission Requirements
Special entry requirements
Applicants must normally present at least one European language other than English or Irish in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent).
Leaving Certificate: H4 in a language other than English or Irish
Advanced GCE (A Level): Grade C in a language other than English or Irish
International Baccalaureate: HL Grade 5 in a language other than English or Irish
Where a student is presenting two languages they must attain at least the following grades:
Leaving Certificate: H3 If presenting French or German. H4 If presenting in other languages (excluding the above)
Advanced GCE (A Level): Grade C In two other languages (excluding English and Irish)
Course Fees
Click here for a full list of undergraduate fees.
Apply
To apply to this course, click on the relevant Apply Link below
EU Applicants
Read the information about how to apply, then apply directly to CAO.
Non-EU Applicants
Advanced Entry Applications
Read the information about how to apply for Advanced Entry, then select the link below to apply.
