Introduction
Localisation makes the multilingual, equal information and knowledge society possible. Localisers adapt and translate digital content (text, images, sound) for people around the world so that they can use IT, access the content available on the global networks, and use services on the world wide web in their language and with their cultural preferences. Localisers develop the technology to automatically translate, test, maintain and process localisation requests. The world-wide localisation market is estimated to be worth US billion and while large multi-national digital publishers such as Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, SAP, Google and Symantec are the dominant players, a large number of localisation projects are also undertaken by the hugely dynamic open source community, especially in emerging markets
The MSc in Multilingual Computing and Localisation builds on and now substitutes the second year of the highly successful 2-year GDip/MSc programme originally introduced at the University of Limerick in 1997 as the world's first dedicated and highly respected post-graduate programme in Localisation.
The MSc in Multilingual Computing and Localisation is a one year full-time taught programme. It is aimed specifically at students who already have a background in either localisation, computing, language technology, translation or related disciplines. It guides students in their research of the underlying issues in localisation, with an emphasis on technical and business aspects. Students are encouraged to spend some time studying at one of UL's partner universities and work closely with industrial mentors on relevant research projects
Objectives
This programme was prepared in consultation with a large panel of academic and industry experts, and takes into account the changes in localisation and internationalisation practice. It caters for new and emerging requirements with a focus on high-quality research output. In addition, while it is centred around the technical aspects of localisation, it recognises the need for localisation professionals to have a good understanding of international business organisation.
In particular, the programme now puts a much stronger emphasis then before on:
- Internationalisation requirements and their implementation;
- The critical analysis and research of translation technologies;
- The automation of the localisation process in what has been called the Localisation Factory;
- Business organisation and international business practices.
- Build on the University's world-wide reputation as the premier academic institution that teaches the best minds in the localisation/internationalisation business;
- Provide individuals interested in acquiring postgraduate academic qualifications in the areas of localisation and internationalisation with an easily accessible programme to do so, in close cooperation with industrial partners;
- Guide and support students conducting independent postgraduate research in technical aspects of localisation/internationalisation taking into account the relevant business processes;
- Prepare students for further PhD studies.
Programme Content
Semester 1
Localisation Project Management; Advanced Language Engineering, Principal Issues in Localisation; Directed Study: Localisation Standards and Best Practice.
Semester 2
Localisation Process Automation, Translation Technology, Best Practice Internationalisation; Directed Study: Applied Research Methods
Masters Thesis.
Thesis I, II and III These modules will, over a period of three consecutive semesters, allow students to prepare, research and write up their dissertation (MSc Thesis). Students will work on their thesis during the year and submit in Semester 3.
This programme is offered on a full-time and on a one day per week part-time basis. Modules of this programme should be scheduled over two consecutive days.
Students will be encouraged to study abroad with one of UL's partner universities. Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to develop teaching/research in localisation/internationalisation are currently in place with universities in Africa, South America and Malaysia. This study period abroad can take place between semester one and two.
Students can also study for a longer period with a foreign university that has established an MoU with UL/LRC and successfully complete relevant modules there. They can then apply to the course coordinator to have these modules recognised instead of the corresponding UL modules; they will then just have to complete the outstanding modules at UL.
Careers
International digital content and software developer, International digital content product management . Globalisation, internationalisation, localisation and translation (GILT) consultant . Technology business manager. Senior Researcher (Global Computing and Language Technologies)
Entrance Requirements
- Primary Degree (level 8) and Graduate Diploma in Localisation Technology (2.1 honours);or
- Primary degree (level 8) in: Computing or related discipline (2.1 honours), or Language Technology or related discipline (2.1 honours); or
- Primary degree (level 8; 2.1 honours) with interview and industry experience: work experience in localisation or 2-month internship with a localisation company.
What to Include with your Application
- Qualification transcripts and certificates
- English language qualification if English is not your first language
- Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English.
- A copy of your birth certificate (long document)
Application Fee
An application fee will apply from January 2011 to all postgraduate programmes. Please see Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the application fee.
Tuition Fee
The University recognises that many students are experiencing serious financial constraints in the present economic climate. Accordingly the Fees Office will endeavour to accommodate, where possible, the payment of fees via an agreed instalment payment plan. For further details please contact the Fees Office at feesoffice@ul.ie. Click here for details on the fee schedule.
Contact
Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
Course Director: Reinhard Schaler
Tel : 353-61-213176 Fax 353-61-202734
Email : reinhard.schaler@ul.ie
Web : www.localisation.ie/MSc
