Business and Language Programmes
Tipperary Institute Certificates in Languages
Programme Location: |
Thurles and Clonmel Campus* |
*Provision of this programme is subject to viable registered student numbers, and will only be provided on both campus subject to demand.
About the Programme:
For many good reasons, the importance of language education is constantly emphasised by the European Union and the Council of Europe. Languages inspire and fascinate learners; they make travel to other countries easier and give learners the possibility to become acquainted with new cultures all around the globe. Furthermore, language skills facilitate the creation of new business opportunities: this is of particular relevance in an enlarged
Europe where English, French and German remain the three key languages.
Gaeilge is a core part of the culture of Ireland and has an increasingly important role in business and in public life. The Official Languages Act will further increase the prominence and use of Gaeilge.
Language programmes at Tipperary Institute focus primarily on communication. We aim to equip learners with the language skills not only for holidays and social situations but also for new cultural and business exchanges.
On successful completion of Year 1 in their chosen language, participants are eligible to progress to higher levels of language skills over two subsequent years.
Year 2 builds on the foundations introduced in the previous year, bringing the participants’ spoken skills to an Intermediate level. Vocabulary is taught across a broader range of functions and new grammatical concepts are introduced in order to increase the capacity to build sentences autonomously.
Year 3 equips participants with the opportunity to extend their vocabulary to incorporate more varied topics of conversation and to enable them to raise their listening and speaking skills to advanced level.
Programme Duration:
The language programme will run for 24 weeks over the academic year.
Award:
We offer Tipperary Institute Certificate programmes in French, German and Gaeilge. Each programme is based upon a three year cycle of learning, each year building on the competencies acquired throughout the previous year. The following pages provide an overview of elements specific to the individual languages (Irish, French & German) offered in Tipperary Institute.
Subject to demand, languages will be provided in Thurles and Clonmel.
Programme Fees:
The programme fee is to be confirmed for 2008/09. The fee for 2007/08 was €315 where attendance was at night and €375 where attendance was during the day.
Information:
For further information and an application form, contact the Business Department at:
| Tel: 0504 28180 | Email: business@tippinst.ie | |
| Fax: 0504 28188 | Web: www.tippinst.ie |
This programme is designed to equip the learner with a corpus of everyday vocabulary and basic grammar, enabling him/her to communicate competently in a range of social situations. It will contain aspects of all forms of language expression, written, oral & aural in relation to universal topics such as introductions, holidaying, transport, culinary themes and similar practical themes. Cultural variants and the prevailing customs within French-speaking countries will also be explored. This programme is suitable for those wishing to experience the real France and to build on an existing rudimentary knowledge of the French language, for living or holiday purposes. Interactive exercises and real-life simulations through authentic media will be employed to develop the learners’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. While basic grammar elements of the language will be integrated into each lesson, communication will be the cornerstone of the programme. The programme is assessed through continuous assessment (70%) and an end-of-year examination (30%).
Entry requirements:
Some prior knowledge of French is required.
While German has always been a key European language, it has become increasingly relevant since the accession of more Central and Eastern European countries into the EU. It is often the second most spoken language in those countries, more important even than English. Native speakers of English enjoy an advantage when learning German as there are many similarities between the two languages. The first year of the German programme concentrates primarily on conversation skills but also teaches the basics of sentence structure and a range of vocabulary across functions such as travel, holidays, shopping, directions, hobbies, work, daily routine and other elements of basic conversation. The
programme is taught through interactive exercises, entertaining activities and Internet tasks. The programme is designed for those who aim to use German on their next skiing holiday or during a visit to the Christmas market in Vienna, but it will also satisfy the needs of those who travel to German-speaking countries on business. The programme is assessed through continuous assessment (70%) and an end-of-year examination (30%).
Entry requirements:
No prior knowledge of German is required.
Thanks to TG4 and the increasing use of Irish in the media, the growth of gaelscoileanna and the Official Languages Act, there are more and more opportunities for us to use Irish in everyday life. This course is designed to give learners the skills to use Irish in a wide range of situations and to enhance their confidence and enjoyment in using Irish.
This is a programme in everyday Irish of interest to those who would like to be able to hold simple conversations on a range of topics in Irish such as family, pastimes and everyday activities and/or refresh Irish skills acquired in the past. Interactive class activities, role-play and Internet-based learning skills. While the emphasis will be on communication, the programme will also introduce students to relevant basic grammar within the context of effective communication. The programme is assessed through continuous assessment (70%) and an end-of-year examination (30%). On successful completion of each year, participants will be awarded a Tipperary Institute Certificate in Irish.
Entry requirements:
Some prior knowledge of Irish is required.
