Programme Description

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 Global 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 Global 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.