Graduate Diploma

Multilingual Software Development and Translation Technology

Core Information

  • 1-year (2 semester) programme, starting beginning of  September, with graduation in Summer the following year.
  • Conversion programme for those with a non-ICT/computer science level 8 degree.
  • Teaches Software development fundamentals, localisation/software internationalisation and translation technology.
  • HCI funded 

Watch a video introducing the Graduate Diploma Multilingual Software Development and Translation Technology here (external link, opens in new window).

Apply Here!

What our Students Say

Niamh F, class of 2020/21

I thought the course was really good. I was drawn to the course for the localisation aspect and wouldn’t have considered learning software development otherwise. It wasn’t really something I had been encouraged to do before. I enjoyed learning programming, and the variety of it, even though it was quite challenging. It is so satisfying when you spend time on a problem and then you work it out!

If you are interested in languages and localisation, want to be able to branch out and are determined to keep going even if it is challenging, then this is the right course for you.

Niamh had previously studied Applied Languages with French, Spanish and Marketing and is now working as a Software Support Engineer

John G., class of 2020/21

I really enjoyed the programme. At the beginning I found it quite challenging, as programming requires a way of thinking that I wasn’t familiar with. However, I adapted my approach to my studies and stuck with it. After a few weeks, it “clicked” and I started to see examples of the problems I was trying to solve in my everyday life. I also made use of the support systems available to me, which was helpful. I am very interested in getting into the localisation industry as I found this aspect especially interesting and am confident that I am well-prepared for this.

John had previously studied Environmental Management and worked in retail. He is currently looking for work in the localisation industry.

Aoife M., class of 2020/21

I found the course overall good, albeit quite challenging in part. As a language graduate, I was especially interested in the localisation aspects, and the hands-on and varied content was also particularly attractive to recruiters I spoke to when applying for a localisation project management internship after the course.

I did not know what to expect going into the course, what software development was, but now I am glad I did it. I feel that the content covered gives me a range of options for my future career. I think it’s definitely worth doing.

Aoife had previously studied Applied Linguistics and worked in retail. She is currently interviewing for localisation project management positions.

The Course in Detail

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Multilingual Software Development and Translation Technology is a fulltime conversion programme for non-ICT graduates wishing to enter the IT sector. It is in particular aimed at language graduates as it will ideally complement their existing skillset but open also to those with an interest in this specialisation without a language background.

The course provides participants with fundamental theoretical and practical skills, abilities and knowledge to gain a comprehensive intermediate understanding of software development, language technology and designing software for international markets.

Modules

1 – Java Programming Modules

CS4141 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING
CS6402 INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING

These two modules introduce programming concepts through the programming language Java.

 

2 – Software localisation, internationalisation and translation technology modules

CS6381 BEST PRACTICE SOFTWARE INTERNATIONALISATION
CS6361 LANGUAGE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATION TECHNOLOGY
CS6113 TRANSLATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS

These three modules introduce students to principles of localisation, software internationalisation and translation technology. This means that you will learn about the principles of adapting digital content and software for local markets, preparing software and developing it in a way that this adaptation is possible and the processes and principles involved. Further, you get to know a range of technology that is used in translation and localisation. In addition, you will learn the principles of Python programming and using it for basic natural language processing tasks.

 

3 – Further Software Development Modules

CS4004 SOFTWARE TESTING AND INSPECTION
CS4416 DATABASE SYSTEMS
CS4457 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE
CS4056 MOBILE APPLICATION DESIGN
CS4082 INTRODUCTION TO WEB DEVELOPMENT

This set of modules is included in the programme to provide you with a wider view of software development and the process as a whole.

Skills you will acquire

On successful completion of this programme, graduates will have the skills, knowledge and abilities to:

 • Develop stand-alone applications (primarily in Java), develop web-based applications, and develop mobile applications (primarily using Android Studio) to the level one would expect after a programme of this duration.
• Design databases, use SQL to query tables and write stored procedures – create/design and execute test cases,
• Design systems for international markets
• Apply fundamental principles of natural language processing and utilize translation technology, interoperability and integration of translation technology in complex processes.

Who it is for

This course was designed with language graduates in mind as it will ideally complement their existing skillset. However, it is also open to those with an interest in this specialisation without a language background, for example those with a background in business, engineering, science or humanities.
To join, you need to have a level 8 qualification in a non-computing discipline as the key requirement. Please see the application page for a full explanation of requirements

If you have never learned a programming language before, you might be interested in the following resources to help you decide whether this is the right programme for you:

Playlist “Is a Computer Science Course for you?“. When going through this series of videos, don’t worry if you don’t understand everything that is being said or if you need to watch a video more than once. Instead ask yourself whether you find the process the series takes you through interesting and whether you are able to grasp the overall concepts. 

A basic answer to the question “What is Programming?” 

Careers

Potential future roles include: 

  • Junior Software Developer;
  • Requirements Engineer;
  • Software Tester;
  • Front-end Developer;
  • Localisation Engineer;
  • Translation Technology Consultant;
  • Internationalisation Consultant;
  • Technical Product Owner;

And many more!

What to do next

You can contact the course director, Dr. Tabea De Wille (tabea.dewille@ul.ie) if you have questions about the course content or delivery. For admission related questions, please contact springboard@ul.ie

If you wish to apply, you can do so from June onwards each year for the academic year starting in September.
https://www.ul.ie/gps/multilingual-software-development-and-translation-technology-graduate-diploma