Undergraduate programmes

Applying to study languages at Trinity

Trinity Joint Honours Programme allows students to study both languages equally throughout the four-year programme, or there is the flexibility for students to decide which of the two languages they choose as their major or their minor subject from the third year on.

When applying for two languages, both of these languages are studied equally at entry level. For example, if you choose French and Modern Language - French (TR667), French and Italian will be studied equally on entry to that programme. The same is also true for other combinations such as Irish and Modern Language - French (TR669), etc.

Trinity Joint Honours Programme

You can study Modern Languages with another subject (including another language) through Trinity's Joint Honours programmes.

The possible language combinations available through the Joint Honours degree are:

• French*
• German**
• Irish*
• Italian**
• Middle Eastern, Jewish and Islamic Civilisations
• Russian**
• Spanish**

*French and Irish must be taken at post-Leaving Certificate level (or equivalent).
**German, Italian, Russian and Spanish may be taken either at post-Leaving Certificate level or at beginners level.

Detailed information on each language, entry requirements and CAO codes are available in the current College prospectus.

Middle Eastern, European Languages and Cultures

Trinity's undergraduate degree in Middle Eastern, European Languages and Cultures (MEELC) offers students an opportunity to explore two regions and their interactions. Examining the societies of the Middle East, North Africa and Europe through the study of languages, history, culture, and religion prepares students to engage with current global issues. These regions have complex historical relationships that shape modern strategic and political interactions.

The course prepares students to engage critically with discussions about Middle Eastern cultures and their historic and current relationship with Europe. The MEELC programme promotes an integrated learning approach and equips students with excellent intercultural competencies.

Students study one European language (from French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian and Spanish) in their first year, and one Middle Eastern language from their second year (Senior Fresh), and gain invaluable international experience by living and learning abroad.

Special Entry Requirements

Applicants must present with at least one European language (other than English and Irish) in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent). If candidates are presenting one language (other than English or Irish), they must attain a grade of HB3 or higher.

Columbia University Dual BA Programme

The School currently participates in a flagship dual BA degree programme with Columbia University, offered with two degrees: European Studies and Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures.

The Dual BA Programme between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University allows students to study at two world-leading universities. The Programme offers students an international educational experience and allows students to enhance their global outlook and develop their language skills and communication abilities to the highest possible level.

Dual BA students engage deeply with their chosen academic subject from the outset of their time in Dublin. After two years at Trinity, they transition to Columbia, where they benefit from the breadth of the US curricular model, taking classes from the Columbia Core curriculum. Students are full members of both university communities throughout the four years of the programme and graduate with a degree from each university.

For further information email Trinity's Academic Registry office.

International study opportunities

A year or a semester studying abroad is one of the highlights of a student’s Trinity experience, and immersing oneself in the language and culture is one of the most valuable ways of achieving fluency and of gaining deeper intercultural understanding.

For those who choose European Studies, Business Studies and a language, Law and a language, Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures, Computer Science and a language programme as well as for those who choose the Single Honours pathway of Joint Honours programmes a third year of study abroad is mandatory (except for Irish).

As specified in the College Calendar, a residency requirement remains in place for those on Trinity Joint Honours. The residency abroad is very important for the development and consolidation of language learning. Nonetheless, the School recognizes that there will in some cases be force majeure circumstances that render it impossible. In the present academic year, if students self-certify by downloading and completing the Residency Form that force majeure applies to them, there will be no adverse consequence for their degree.

For students planning to become teachers, you will need to review the requirements of the Teaching Council.

To apply for one or more of the courses described above, or to find out more information about entrance requirements and minimum entry points (C.A.O.), see the Study at Trinity website.

For any other questions, email the School’s Erasmus and Study Abroad Administrator.

Alternative pathways to study at Trinity

There are many alternative entry routes to study at Trinity College Dublin for both young adults and mature students. Trinity encourages applications from students from all walks of life and actively works to facilitate access to education for all.

The Trinity Access Programme provides further Information on access routes, foundation programmes and alternative applications to study.

Trinity College Dublin’s University of Sanctuary Undergraduate Scholarships are available to students in the Irish International Protection system, who have taken the Leaving Certificate or further education qualifications (e.g., FETAC level 5/6), and are offered a place on an undergraduate course in Trinity through the CAO.

International students

Trinity ranks as the 31st most international university in the world.

The Study at Trinity website details country specific admissions information and details on how to make an application for any of the programmes in our School.

Supports for students

Trinity provides a wide range of student facilities including a health service, counselling services, accommodation, career advice, and study skills workshops. These supports are available to all students, as is Trinity's unique tutorial support.

Trinity’s disAbility service provides more information on all of the supports available to students.