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Not sure what to choose?

We offers electives in fourteen world languages at levels ranging from absolute beginner to advanced. So, whether you’re starting from scratch, refreshing your memory or honing your skills, we have something for you! See the full list of modules on offer below.

Modules are offered at six different levels of proficiency, from Level 1 (absolute beginners) to Level 6 (advanced). Each one of these levels broadly corresponds to the widely recognised CEFR Levels for proficiency in language learning. If you are not a beginner, you have to choose a module at a level which best matches your language skills.

Go to Find Your Language Level to get more information about levels. 

Choose from 14 languages:

Why take a language elective with us?

Small group teaching
Our small classes (maximum 18 students per class) offers a more personal experience, with greater opportunities for interaction.
Structured Electives
It is also possible to achieve a Structured Elective with some of our language modules. This means taking your elective credits in a structured manner to form a recognised block of learning in a subject area.
Accredited modules
It’s an excellent opportunity to learn a language at no extra cost. Each module is worth 5 credits.
CEFR levels
Our classes are synchronised with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) making it much easier for students to clearly define their language learning progress and level of proficiency.
Native or near-native speaker teachers
Our teachers are all either native or near-native speakers of their language with years of experience.
Flexible class times
Our flexible timetable, with classes running from 10 in the morning until 8 in the evening, enables students of all disciplines and profiles to find a class that suits them.
Global reach
Our classes attract students from all over the University, and indeed all over the world, representing a unique chance to meet people from outside your degree programme.
Skills
Language skills are not only invaluable for students looking to work or study abroad but for those hoping to travel or volunteer overseas during their time in UCD.
Increase your employability
Multilingual graduates massively increase their career options as well as their employability.
Enhance your critical thinking skills
Speaking more than one language enhances not only your creativity, but also your memory, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Wondering how to register?

Wondering how to register?

UCD undergraduate students: to register for language electives on SISweb, please select 'Global Languages' from the drop-down menu under 'Subject Search' (the second search box) on the elective registration tab.

You can also enter the module codes above into the first keyword 'Search' box (LANG...). 

For more tips on how to register to elective modules, please see here. For more information, please email: (opens in a new window)languages@ucd.ie 

Erasmus, Exchange or Postgraduate students: please email (opens in a new window)languages@ucd.ie to be registered (provided you have 5 credits available).

Each elective is worth 5 credits.

Structured Electives

It is also possible to achieve a Structured Elective with some of our language modules. A Structured Elective means taking your elective credits in a structured manner over the course of your programme to form a recognised block of learning in a subject area amounting to a minimum of 15 credits – typically three 5 credit modules.

A Structured Elective will appear on your official UCD Transcript, and means future employers will see that you have a block of credits in a specific area.

Find out more here.

Ruth Colbert image
What really worked for me was the small class size and I loved that the teachers were native speakers. I can't wait to take more language modules next year!
Ruth Colbert, Spanish for General Purposes 1, 2 and 3a, French for General Purposes 4, Italian for General Purposes 1, Science student
Bronagh McMullan image
I chose French 4 as I wanted to pick up from my school French and it worked a treat as the classes are small and conversational practice is so easy. I loved it!
Bronagh McMullan, French for General Purposes 4 & 5, Chemistry student

UCD Centre for English and Global Languages

Daedalus Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 7900 | E: languages@ucd.ie