All students of the University, whatever their degree course, are encouraged to learn a new language and to use the Centre's library of self-study courses. Software installed on the PCs includes dictionaries, grammar packages and interactive CD-Rom courses for all levels. There is also available a large library of audio tapes for over 30 languages. With the scheme Languages for Non-Specialists, the School of Modern Languages provides courses for students from all areas of the University who wish, on a voluntary basis, to take up or continue the study of a language. French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Dutch, Mandarin Chinese, Modern Greek, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Swedish are all taught, some at many levels.
Emphasis is on the practical use of the language.
Students are given the opportunity to take examinations from external boards, e.g. The Institute of Linguists, The Paris Chamber of Commerce and The Goethe-Institut, if they wish. There is also a Queen's certificate of attendance. The Technology Centre in the College of Engineering provides educational and industrial services in the application of the computer aided design and manufacturing technologies. It was formed in 1987 by the amalgamation of the Northern Ireland Automation Centre, the Northern Ireland Materials Testing Station and the Wolfson Signal Processing Unit as the Automation, Construction and Wolfson Electronics Division respectively. The principal activities of the Technology Centre are based in a new building which is adjacent to the main engineering Schools in the Ashby and David Keir Buildings.