The MSc in Applied Multilingualism is designed to cater for increasing linguistic diversity in communities in Ireland, the EU and globally. Multilingualism is defined as using more than one language or being able to function, at some level, in more than one language. Some people grow up in multilingual communities where they acquire multiple languages from early on, while others learn additional languages later in life. Different language circumstances have a different impact on individuals and communities. This innovative new programme welcomes Irish and international students alike.    

The main aims of the programme are to:  

• Provide a learning environment and experience that fosters problem-solving, critical thinking and critical reflection in understanding, planning and catering for diverse multilingual people and their communities. 
• Develop students’ professional competencies in the field of multilingualism within the boundaries of professional accountability and critically examine their professional role and expertise. 
• Encourage students to develop their own professional and research interests and to demonstrate their knowledge and capability to critique current literature, adopt best-practice and develop, undertake and disseminate research in the field of multilingualism. 
• Develop advanced skills and flexibility in attitudes that will enable students to manage projects related to and in collaboration with people from diverse backgrounds and language experiences to maximise the quality of life and well-being of those groups. 
• Stimulate and support academically oriented students further develop their academic career through a structured PhD in the field of multilingualism.   

What will I study?  

All modules involve continuous assessment in the form of written assignments, individual and group presentations, and other forms of assessment as advised. Written and oral assignments will apply in the case of Advance Language Skills modules. Students are required to successfully complete a minor dissertation to achieve the award of MSc. 

• Addresses bi/multilingualism from the perspective of individual language processing and cognition (psycholinguistics) and social & cultural environment (sociolinguistics)
• Optionally addresses language teaching and translation technologies (applied linguistics) and issues related to health care of multilinguals to cater for professional from different disciplines
• Offers Advanced Language Skills modules in French, Spanish, Italian, German for those who wish to further their language proficiency
• Offers beginners Irish module for those who wish to acquaint themselves with the language and culture

Increasingly multilingual societies are creating demand for professionals in the fields of health, education, public administration and NGOs who are equipped to work with multilingual populations. Furthermore, improving language skills is relevant for those intending to seek employment in the areas of language planning and policy, language teaching, cultural and heritage institutions, government and diplomacy. Possible career avenues include: 

• Health professionals providing services to multilingual populations
• Educational professionals working with multilingual populations
• NGO staff working with linguistic diversity
• Organisations working with minority languages and language planning
• International organisations specialising in language policy (EU, UNESCO, OSCE, etc.)
• Civil servants employed in administrations with a remit to serve more than then one language community
• Employees in diplomatic services and cultural/heritage organisations
• Academic/research careers 

• Dr Stanislava Antonijevic-Elliott
• Dr Andrea Ciribucco
• Dr Mary-Pat O’Malley
• An tOll. Tadhg Ó hIfearnáin
• Dr Aoife Howard

The MSc in Applied Multilingualism is comprised of 4 core modules, 2 elective modules and a dissertation. Core modules focus on major theories, concepts and principles related to multilingualism as well as the combination of theoretical knowledge and its application to practical problems. Elective modules cater for the diverse needs of potential students. Some are primarily aimed at students with healthcare and educational background while others are primarily aimed at students interested in the areas of language planning and policy, language teaching, cultural and heritage institutions, government and diplomacy. Research Methodology core module is closely connected with the minor dissertation to support students in the research process.  

Teaching and learning approach differs across modules. Some modules include weekly face-to-face contact while others involve a flexible blended learning approach combining face-to-face workshops (number of days depending on modules) and on-line learning.  

Across the modules, on-line activities will include use of online classroom, discussion boards, video tutorials, podcasts, self-directed learning tasks and reading materials organised through Blackboard virtual learning environment. Students will have an opportunity to gain practical experience related to research, team-work and working with multilingual populations through participating in on-going research projects.

Modules are assessed through continues assessment and include a range of written tasks, collaborative work, individual and group presentations. 

Course queries: 

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Stanislava Antonijevic-Elliott 
School of Health Sciences 
Áras Moyola 
University of Galway 
Galway 

T: +353 91 495 623 
E: stanislava.antonijevic@universityofgalway.ie 

Minimum Entry Requirements 

Applicants will be expected to possess a good quality first degree at NFQ Level 8 (at least an upper second class honours degree) or an equivalent qualification from Arts programmes (e.g., languages, education, psychology, sociology and political science, geography) or from medical, nursing, and health care programmes (e.g., speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, public health nurses). Applicants intending to take modules in Advanced Language Skills will have to possess language proficiency that is equivalent to B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Applicants are required to fulfil the following English language requirements. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.5 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents 

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September. 

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process. 

Centre for Applied Linguistics and Multilingualism 

CALM News and Events 

Launch of CALM 

Dr Stanislava Antonijevic-Elliott 
School of Health Sciences 
Áras Moyola 
University of Galway 
Galway 
T: +353 91 495 623 
E: stanislava.antonijevic@universityofgalway.ie