Prospective Students
Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures
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Studying MEELC is exploring the Middle East and Europe and the myriad of ties that connect these two deeply fascinating regions. Whatever initial curiosity and fascination I had with this part of the world is fed greatly by the immense wealth of knowledge provided by the ever-helpful and friendly lecturers. Every class and every assignment carries with it the potential to fall into a rabbit hole of discovery and learning, both when it comes to topics I thought I already knew about and when it comes to things I have never even heard of. If you're looking to get an in-depth and broad understanding of the Middle East and Europe, as well as a chance to learn new languages and expand your interests regarding cultures and peoples, then this is the course for you.
MEELC degree
Programme overview
The degree in Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures (MEELC) gives students a unique opportunity to study the history, cultures and one language of the Middle East (Arabic, Hebrew, Turkish) combined with a choice of a European language (French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Polish) and its history and culture. In this programme students explore diverse perspectives on Middle Eastern and European societies through a study of history, literature and identity politics.
The skills and in-depth knowledge acquired in this course prepare students to engage critically with, and contribute to, current discussions about the cultures, histories and religious affairs of the Middle East and their relationship with European societies as well as Europe’s millennia-long history of engagement with this region.
In our increasingly globalised world, there is need for graduates who have the skills to work and live in many cultural environments and work with international teams at home and abroad. The current challenges to our societies demand that we look beyond the traditional study of Europe and its languages recognising the interconnectedness not only of present but also the past.
Our dynamic students enjoy the challenge of engaging with new and different cultures, not only in the classroom but living and studying abroad for a year.
Introduction to the MEELC four-year undergraduate degree
Prof. Zuleika Rodgers provides an overview of the content of the MEELC degree, the skills students gain, and the type of careers opportunities open to graduates (Duration: 9m 22s).
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.
Leaving Certificate | Advanced GCE (A-level) |
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If candidates are presenting two or more languages, they must attain at least the following grades: |
Grade B in one language other than English or Irish OR |
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Career and Postgraduate opportunities
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Graduates of this course will be well placed to work in international relations and international development, with multinational corporations and with NGOs as well as in advocacy, diplomacy, journalism, academia, secondary school education, the Civil Service and the institutions of the European Union. Speaking a European language fluently and having a level of proficiency in a Middle Eastern language gives graduates a competitive advantage when it comes to recruitment in multinational companies, many of which have Ireland as their European base.
Graduates of this programme will also be well placed to take up further study in languages, history, cultural studies or—because of their language skills and their cultural understanding—international business and marketing as well as international relations.
Life at Trinity
During your time at Trinity, take the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in our meaningfully inclusive community, in addition to your academic studies.