BA TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETING WITH MODERN LANGUAGES

On this course you’ll devote between half and two thirds of your time to your language studies, aiming at equal competence in both. You’ll also be introduced to a range of specialist translation skills, as well as public service and conference interpreting. You’ll study compulsory language modules in your chosen languages, including topics in French, Spanish and Japanese culture and society. 

You’ll learn about translation issues across the media, and subtitling and dubbing, to help you understand how translation is practised in a range of 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. You’ll also have the opportunity to study a range of subjects in language, culture, communication and translation. These might include aspects of popular culture in Japan and Latin America, contemporary Japanese, French and Spanish society, varieties of French spoken across the world, or principles of interpersonal and intercultural communication. In all of these activities, you’ll use contemporary rather than literary or historical materials. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to take a third language as part of your degree or as a non-credit module with certification at no extra cost. You can choose from Arabic, British Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Advanced English.

About

On this course you’ll devote between half and two thirds of your time to your language studies, aiming at equal competence in both. You’ll also be introduced to a range of specialist translation skills, as well as public service and conference interpreting. You’ll study compulsory language modules in your chosen languages, including topics in French, Spanish and Japanese culture and society. 

You’ll learn about translation issues across the media, and subtitling and dubbing, to help you understand how translation is practised in a range of 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. You’ll also have the opportunity to study a range of subjects in language, culture, communication and translation. These might include aspects of popular culture in Japan and Latin America, contemporary Japanese, French and Spanish society, varieties of French spoken across the world, or principles of interpersonal and intercultural communication. In all of these activities, you’ll use contemporary rather than literary or historical materials. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to take a third language as part of your degree or as a non-credit module with certification at no extra cost. You can choose from Arabic, British Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Advanced English. 

Placement Year and Study Abroad

The year abroad is a compulsory element of our four-year language degrees. 

You’ll enhance your studies and boost your employability by studying or working abroad. This will be an opportunity to develop intercultural awareness, resourcefulness and flexibility along with your language skills. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your resilience, confidence, and ability to thrive in an international setting to future employers 

If you’re studying French or Spanish, you’ll have the option of taking up a teaching assistantship in Europe or a work placement, of doing voluntary work in an NGO, or of studying at one of our many partner universities. If you’re studying French you’ll also have the opportunity to apply to attend the prestigious Faculté de Traduction et d’Interprétation in Geneva or the Institut de Management et de Communication Interculturels (ISIT) in Paris. 

If you’re studying Japanese you’ll spend your time abroad studying at one of our Japanese partner universities. 

If you are a double honours student taking two of French, Spanish or Japanese from A level, you will normally split the year between two countries where those languages are spoken. 

If you are a double honours student taking one of your degree languages from below A level, you will normally spend your entire year abroad in the country of the weaker language. It is 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. 

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 an MBA. Our Careers Service run 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.

Career destinations

Examples of careers you could enter include: 

• Translation and Interpreting 

• Sales and marketing 

• Business and finance 

• Information technology and telecommunications 

• Teaching and education 

• Media