BA (Hons) Translation and Interpreting with Modern Languages
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- Q9R8
- Typical Offer
- ABB including French, Spanish or Japanese
- Contextual Offer
- BBC including French, Spanish or Japanese
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
5th
UEA is ranked 5th overall for research quality in Area Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis95%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 202096%
Of final year Languages students at UEA were satisfied with the course
National Student Survey 2022Course Overview
Bring countries and cultures together as you perfect two languages (choosing from French, Spanish and Japanese) while developing professional expertise in translation and interpreting.
You’ll study two languages (French, Spanish, or Japanese) to degree level, and hone your ability to communicate confidently in your chosen languages. You’ll be able to choose from an exciting range of modules in translation, interpreting, culture, communication, subtitling and dubbing. You’ll also be introduced to a range of specialist translation skills and learn how translation is practiced in different contexts. You’ll benefit from practical experience in interpreting, in both public service and conference modes, which will give you more insights into the professional world.
Our language lab provides access to cutting-edge translation technologies and our new interpreting booths. We also offer a huge range of activities for you to get involved in! Recent examples include our Love Languages Day, Japanese cultural events and Creative Translation for Schools project.
In your third year, you'll enhance your experience of the language and culture by living in countries where your degree languages are spoken. You can study at university (all languages) or work on a teaching assistantship or placement (French and Spanish only). We have partnerships all over the world, including in France, Spain and Japan, as well as in Canada and Latin America.
Our graduates move on to a wide variety of rewarding careers, including teaching, the language services and media industries, business and marketing. We're immensely proud of our language graduate success stories!
Year Abroad
The year abroad is a compulsory element of this four-year language degree.
In your third year, you'll enhance your studies by living in one or more countries where your degree languages are spoken. During this year, you’ll deepen your experience of the languages and cultures by either studying at a local university (all languages), or taking up a teaching assistantship or suitable work placement (French and Spanish only). Through this opportunity you'll enhance your language skills, while also developing your intercultural awareness, resourcefulness and flexibility. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your resilience, confidence, and ability to thrive in an international setting to future employers.
We have exchange links with many universities in France and Spain, as well as links with universities in Japan, Canada and Latin America. If you’re studying Japanese, you'll attend one of our partner universities in Japan.
If you’re studying two languages from A Level (or equivalent), you'll normally split your year abroad equally between two countries where your two languages are spoken. If you’re taking one of your languages from below A-Level (or equivalent), you'll normally spend your entire year abroad in a country where your weaker language is spoken, although you’re strongly recommended to follow some modules in your university placement in the stronger language and/or spend the summer working or studying in the country of your stronger language. We can provide support and advice on this.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad pages.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you'll focus on developing your two languages, as well as getting a solid foundation in translation theory and practice-related issues. You'll also be introduced to key themes in the study of language, culture, and intercultural communication.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll be taught by leading language and communication specialists and scholars through a combination of lectures, interactive seminars, oral classes and workshops. You'll undertake independent self-study and groupwork as you build key academic skills that you'll need later in your degree.
Assessment
Depending on the modules you choose, you’ll be assessed via a range of language tests, group projects and individual written and spoken coursework.
Structure
At this stage of your degree, you’ll continue to hone your language skills in your two languages, while developing your understanding of translation issues across media. You’ll also be able to choose from topics related to language and culture, translation, subtitling and dubbing, and intercultural communication.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As you start to specialise in your degree through optional modules, you’ll take classes in smaller group sizes. You'll learn through a balance of both theory and practice. Through a variety of activities, you’ll further develop your research, writing, groupwork and presentation skills.
Assessment
Through a variety of assessment methods, you'll further your grasp and understanding of the materials covered.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year abroad on study or work placements in countries where your chosen languages are spoken. Your linguistic and cultural confidence will increase hugely, allowing you to think more as a native speaker.
So how does this work?
- You’ll spend your third year abroad and return for the final year.
- If you’re taking French, you can study in one of our partner universities in France, Canada, Switzerland or Reunion Island (subject to availability).
- If you’re taking Spanish, you can study in one of our partner universities in Spain, Mexico, Uruguay or Chile (subject to availability).
- If you’re studying French and/or Spanish, you have the option to spend your year working abroad instead of studying at a university.
- If you choose to work abroad, you’re responsible for organising and securing your own work placement(s), which need academic approval. We can provide advice on employment opportunities based on the experiences of previous students and our close relationships with organisations in France, Spain, Argentina, Mexico and Peru.
- Japanese language students normally study in one of our partner universities in Japan.
- If you’re taking two of French, Spanish or Japanese from A Level, you'll normally split the year between two countries where those languages are spoken.
- If you’re taking one of your degree languages from below A Level, you'll normally spend your entire year abroad in the country of the weaker language. It’s strongly recommended that you follow at least some modules in the stronger language in your university placement and/or spend the summer working or studying in the country of the other language. We can provide support and advice on this.
- You must remain abroad in approved activities for at least seven months in total. The approved period of residence abroad will normally coincide with UEA’s academic year and must begin no later than October.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
On your year abroad you'll adapt to, and learn from, the values, attitudes and behaviours of different cultures while further developing your language skills in authentic contexts. You’ll learn through a mixture of experiences, including through managing your own work and studies with leisure and social activities away from home and with different classmates, friends or colleagues, developing the knowledge and skills to live, study or work independently in another country with more confidence.
Assessment
While you’re on your year abroad, you’ll take the compulsory Year Abroad module that will help support you while you’re away.
Structure
You’ll build your expertise with specialised translation modules in your two languages, as well as building practical experience and confidence in public service and conference interpreting. While honing these skills, you’ll have the choice to take advanced language study topics, engage in translation work experience, or develop theoretical and technical knowledge for subtitling and dubbing or media accessibility.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Depending on the modules you choose, you’ll engage in a range of learning activities, including case study work, practical projects, and advanced essays. You may have the opportunity to work with local and international organisations. If you take the optional dissertation module, you'll create a piece of independent work produced over an extended period, spending most of your time researching your chosen subject.
Assessment
A wide array of assessment methods in your final year will help you hone your skills in your areas of specialisation and prepare for your future.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate prepared for a whole host of career sectors, both in the UK and abroad. These include tourism, hospitality and leisure, human resources, marketing, sales, business, international banking, media, the Civil Service, local government and administration, teaching and education, translation and interpretation, international trade and business, journalism, arts administration, and customer services.
Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a Master’s degree such as our MA in Global Intercultural Communication, MA in Applied Translation Studies, or perhaps a MSc in Business Management. Our Careers Service runs an annual Arts and Humanities events programme. This includes alumni-led presentations and workshops across a range of sectors, including charities, politics and government, writing and communications, and museums and heritage. You’ll also benefit from our annual Careers Using Languages Fair, where we showcase the range of opportunities available to you. This is a great chance to meet employers and to hear alumni speak about their career paths since graduating.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Translation and Interpreting
- Sales and marketing
- Business and finance
- Information technology and telecommunications
- Teaching and education
- Media
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- Language Entry Levels
You can start this course from beginner's level, from post-GCSE level or equivalent, as well as from A-Level or equivalent - the course is tailored to meet your level.
- Native and Near-native Speakers
Native or near-native speakers can also apply for the French and/or Spanish degree programmes, but please note that the programme followed will be different from the one advertised. It is not possible to undertake a Japanese degree if you are a native or near-native speaker of Japanese.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
You are also required to have a Modern Language at Grade B or Grade 5 or above at GCSE (or an equivalent qualification)
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including French, Spanish or Japanese
Contextual offer: BBC including French, Spanish or Japanese
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM plus grade B in A-Level French, Spanish or Japanese.
Contextual offer: DMM plus grade B in A-Level French, Spanish or Japanese.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD plus grade B in A-Level French, Spanish or Japanese.
Contextual: DD plus grade C in A Level French, Spanish or Japanese.
Extended Certificate: D plus grades BB at A-Level to include French, Spanish or Japanese.
Contextual: D plus grades BC at A level to include French, Spanish or Japanese.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3. Grade B in French, Spanish or Japanese A-level, or equivalent qualification is also required.
T levels
Not accepted
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BA Modern Language with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL 5 in French, Spanish or Japanese
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including French, Spanish or Japanese
Scottish Highers
AAABB including grade A in French, Spanish or Japanese
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including French, Spanish or Japanese. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- Language Entry Levels
You can start this course from beginner's level, from post-GCSE level or equivalent, as well as from A-Level or equivalent - the course is tailored to meet your level.
- Native and Near-native Speakers
Native or near-native speakers can also apply for the French and/or Spanish degree programmes, but please note that the programme followed will be different from the one advertised. It is not possible to undertake a Japanese degree if you are a native or near-native speaker of Japanese.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
You are also required to have a Modern Language at Grade B or Grade 5 or above at GCSE (or an equivalent qualification)
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB including French, Spanish or Japanese
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL 5 in French, Spanish or Japanese
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees website.
There will be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: