The demand for Irish language translators with third-level qualifications has rapidly increased as a result of the Official Languages Act and the newly-acquired status of Irish as an official working language of the European Union. Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge at NUI Galway is offering a Masters degree (MA) in Translation Studies, which meets this rapidly growing demand for professional Irish translators at home and abroad.

Applications for the two-year, full-time masters course, the highest accredited course in this discipline ever to be offered in the country, will be accepted until 27 April. The course is also available over one year as a Postgraduate Diploma.

With the expansion of translation in Ireland as a field of education, business and employment, there is an onus on professional translators to ensure their work reaches a very high standard. Achieving a recognised qualification and acquiring sound translation skills is now, therefore, more important than ever.

"Acquiring professional translation skills and achieving a recognised third-level qualification is becoming an important career move. Our translation courses are designed to suit people's needs, whether it's a worker who wants to study part-time to improve their career path or someone who wants to study full-time to embark on a new career in Brussels", commented Peadar Mac an Iomaire, CEO, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway.

Throughout the course there will be an emphasis on accuracy in written Irish as a target language in translation. Participants will also get an insight into the translation business, as well as the software and electronic tools available to the Irish language translator. The course is designed to give practical experience of translating the types of texts most commonly translated into Irish.

Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge is NUI Galway's national institute pioneering third-level education through the Irish language. In addition to translation courses, NUI Galway's Acadamh offers a growing range of courses through Irish including: Communications, TV & Radio Skills, Language Planning, Drama and IT.

Applications are now being accepted for all courses. For more information, telephone Cassie Ní Chathasaigh, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway on 091 869 022 or e-mail aistriuchan@oegaillimh.ie