School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies, Trinity College Dublin, modern languages
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Study languages and cultures at Trinity College Dublin
In 1776 Trinity College was the first university in the world to introduce the study of modern continental languages. Today we are consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for the study of languages, literatures and cultures. Learn about our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Our School is one of the largest of the 12 Schools in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and comprises seven Departments: French, German, Hispanic Studies, Italian, Irish and Celtic Languages, Near and Middle Eastern Studies, and Russian and Slavonic Studies.
Trinity College Dublin is proud to be a University of Sanctuary. Our School encourages applications from students from all walks of life and actively works to facilitate access to education for all.
School News
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Trinity retains 75th position in 2027 QS World University Rankings
Trinity College Dublin has placed 75th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027, holding its strongest position in a decade. The university remains by some margin the highest ranked university in Ireland.
18 Jun 2026
Education, News
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Languages Alumni Summer Social - an evening to remember!
To celebrate 250 years of Modern Languages at Trinity College Dublin, the School welcomed our alumni back to campus for a celebratory reception in the Examination Hall on 5 June. It was an evening of words, wit and music.
12 Jun 2026
Event
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Clemens Ruthner awarded the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art
Germanist Clemens Ruthner was bestowed with the honour by the Austrian Minister of Science and Research for his "academic efforts and achievements in Austrian Studies worldwide" at a ceremony in Vienna on 8 June 2026.
10 Jun 2026
News
Languages 250 at Trinity
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2026 Hely-Hutchinson Memorial Lectures
This year's visiting lectures are Professor Yves Citton and poet Ulrike Draesner. The lectures will take place on 8 October 2026, booking details will be available closer to the date.
08 Jun 2026
Education, Event
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Listen back: Annual Humanities Horizons Lecture | A STEM Strategy for Modern Languages? Mapping Ireland’s Multilingual Futures
The Trinity Long Room Hub Annual Humanities Horizons Lecture for 2026 was delivered by Michael Cronin, Professor of French (1776) on 21 May 2026.
03 Jun 2026
Education, Event
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Listen back: In conversation with Professors Emeritae Eda Sagarra and Corinna Salvadori Lonergan
Listen back to this inspiring conversation between two trailblazing female academics, Professors Emeritae Eda Sagarra and Corinna Salvadori Lonergan. This event took place on 15 April 2026 in Trinity Long Room Hub.
29 May 2026
Event
Events Calendar
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German Translation Slam
Translators Rachel McNicholl and Lucy Jones will be comparing their translations of an extract from 'Essen' (Food), a culinary biography by Alina Bronsky.
Trinity Centre for Literary and Cultural Translation
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 6 – 7pm GMTDT
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Queer Literature in Translation: Frank Wynne and Lucy Jones
Translator Lucy Jones will be in conversation with Frank Wynne about her new translation of Ronald M. Schernikau's cult German classic 'SMALLTOWNNOVELLA'
Trinity Centre for Literary and Cultural Translation
Wednesday, 1 July 2026, 6 – 7pm GMTDT
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Society for Italian Studies Biennial Conference
To celebrate 250 years of Italian at Trinity College Dublin, the Department of Italian are co-hosting a conference with University College Dublin
Thursday, 9 July – Saturday, 11 July 2026
Our Programmes
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Undergraduate Programmes
Our programmes will give you the opportunity for full immersion into the languages and cultures that you study.
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Postgraduate Programmes
The School currently offers nine postgraduate programmes across our different departments.
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Columbia Dual B.A.
An innovative four-year undergraduate programme between Trinity and Columbia University in New York.
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Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures
The MEELC undergraduate degree equips students with excellent intercultural competencies.
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European Studies
A full-time four-year undergraduate course of study, which is broad in focus, covering the continent of Europe from the Renaissance to the present.
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Early and Modern Irish
An undergraduate programme that focuses on the critical study of the language, literature and culture of Ireland and Gaelic Scotland.
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Diploma in Irish for Teachers
An innovative two-year postgraduate programme aimed at enhancing the skills of registered post-primary teachers in Irish.
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Diploma in French for Teachers
A two-year postgraduate programme for post-primary teachers to develop their language proficiency in teaching French.
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PhD Research
The School offers a structured PhD programme of normally four years’ duration, which is assessed by a thesis.
Student and Staff Resources
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Programme Handbooks
Access the programme handbooks for the 2025/26 academic year.
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Current Students
Comprehensive information for current undergraduate and postgraduate students in the School.
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Student Supports
How to access resources and reasonable accommodations, to support your studies and wellbeing during your time at Trinity.
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Campus Life and Facilities
In addition to your academic studies, take the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in campus life.
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Sustainability and Wellbeing
Campus green spaces, recycling points, water fountains, secure bicycle and disability parking spaces, and building accessibility.
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Study Abroad
The School provides students with valuable opportunities to participate in Erasmus or Study Abroad programmes.
Inside the School
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Research Centres
The School is affiliated with eight Research Centres.
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Our People
Contact information for the School's Academic Leads and Professional Staff.
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School Research
The School is recognised internationally for wide-ranging high-quality research on languages, literatures and cultures.
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Staff Local Access Hub
Secure Local Access for staff in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies.
Login via a valid TCD email address is required.
