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This program equips students with professional conference interpreting skills, preparing them for career opportunities in this specialized field. As Ireland's sole offering of its kind, it was designed in collaboration with EU institutions. Active professionals deliver training in both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting methods, incorporating essential techniques like focus exercises, memory-based interpretation, sight translation, note-taking strategies, and guided use of official speech databases. The curriculum covers interpreting theory and practice, professional ethics, conference protocols, plus industry standards and working environments. Participants explore EU institutional frameworks, with the university arranging educational visits to European Parliament and Commission facilities. The program currently includes Irish, English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German language options.
Career Prospects
A postgraduate qualification in Conference Interpreting is mandatory for students to qualify for EU Accreditation Tests and pursue professional interpreting careers. Graduates can access diverse global employment prospects, as interpreting services are consistently needed for conferences, seminars, and similar events. Numerous alumni secure positions with EU and UN bodies, while additional opportunities exist beyond major international organizations.
Students must hold a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent). In addition, candidates are expected to have:
Admission to the programme is subject to success in both a suitability test and an interview. Language ability will be ascertained by the programme director during an interview as per a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the EU institutions.
English Language Requirements
IELTS: 6.5 overall, no less than 5.5 in any one component; Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): 176 overall; Cambridge C2 Advanced (CPE): 180 overall; TOEFL: 88 overall (7 Listening, 16 Speaking, 18 Writing, 8 Reading); Pearson PTE: 61 overall, no less than 48 in any one component.