What is Computer Science, Linguistics and a Language?

The Computer Science, Linguistics and a Language (CSLL) degree is an integrated, interdisciplinary programme. CSLL students learn computer science, study linguistics, the scientific study of language and speech, and study a specific language (with a choice of French, Spanish or Irish). 

 

There is an emphasis on the intersection of these subjects, on computational and empirical approaches to language, knowledge of which is important to the ever-growing fields of speech and language technology, such as machine translation, speech synthesis and recognition.

 

All the component disciplines are pursued to a high level, equipping CSLL graduates to pursue a very wide range of careers, such as in computing in general, in roles requiring skills in a particular language and in the speech and language technology area. 

 

Computer Science, Linguistics and a Language: The course for you?

If you enjoy problem solving, conceptual analysis, mathematics, language learning and are interested in combining topics in creative and insightful ways, then this may be the right course for you. It appeals to students with strengths in analytical reasoning and an affinity for mastering languages, but who do not want to choose between arts and sciences. Project work pursued throughout provides scope for personal expression.

 

Computer Science, Linguistics and a Language at Trinity

This is one of the most integrated, interdisciplinary degrees on offer, bridging computer science, linguistic sciences and the arts. It is the only programme of its kind in Ireland, and unique internationally as an undergraduate degree offering. The teaching is research led: many lecturers are themselves involved in research and the development of speech and language technology. Students get to see and, at times, participate in this research, and graduates are highly sought after as researchers. The interdisciplinary skills acquired open doors to world mobility and employability.

 

Over more than 50 years, it has earned a strong international reputation and has partnerships in education, research and industry across the globe.

 

Graduate skills and career opportunities

Since the course began in 1985, graduates have moved on to careers that reflect CSLL’s diversity. Graduates are qualified to work as language specialists, in the language and speech technology sector, as information technologists or software specialists in any of the IT, banking, translation, publishing or multimedia sectors. Some work as software engineers. Some have careers in professional translation; others in education. About 65% of graduates work in software engineering (often language oriented), whether in a mainly English-speaking country, or in a country where the language of the degree focus is the native language. About 25% pursue research careers and a number of graduates now hold academic staff positions in Ireland and abroad. Another 10% move into technical translation. Some are employed in government services, e.g. the European Patent Office and the Irish Diplomatic Corps.