BA (Hons) TRANSLATION, MEDIA AND MODERN LANGUAGES

Break down barriers of language and culture with a combination of advanced language studies and training in translation and media. 

This distinctive and flexible course reflects the global need for skilled language and media professionals. You’ll study your chosen languages to degree level (choosing two from French, Spanish and Japanese), as well as choose from a range of specialist modules in translation, media, culture, and society. You’ll explore the theory and technique of translating, and questions of style and register in a range of media and genres. You’ll also explore questions of policy, ethics and power in the translation industry and have the chance to gain exposure to how professional translators work by undertaking translation work experience. 

By exploring media, intercultural communication, translation and other applied language studies, you will discover new perspectives which will help you be effective in the communication networks of today’s globalised world. 

Our BA Translation, Media and Modern Languages is ranked in the top 20 for Media and Film Studies by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023'.

About

This unique and flexible course combines degree level learning of French, Spanish or Japanese language with the study of translation issues and media in today’s fast-changing world.  

Your language learning will involve reading and listening comprehension, translation from and to English, précis and paraphrase work, the study of different styles and registers, lexical exercises, and oral work. In all of these activities, you’ll use contemporary rather than literary or historical materials. You'll put theory into practice on your year abroad as you push your language and communication skills to the next level, before choosing from advanced language modules in your final year.  

You may have the opportunity to take a third language as a non-credit module with certification. Depending on availability you can choose from Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Spanish, Russian and Advanced English. 

Alongside developing your language competence, you’ll cover the theory and technique of translating and questions of style and register in a range of specialised areas. You’ll look at issues associated with globalisation by looking at various translation types, including the transposition of text between languages, media and genres. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose from a range of specialist modules in translation, media, culture and society.  

You’ll apply your language and translation knowledge to a range of real-world situations, engaging in authentic assessments that will help you develop a wide range of skills. These will not only include written and spoken skills, but also project management, teamwork and interpersonal skills, and leadership skills, all preparing you to engage in today's globalised world. 

Placement Year and Study Abroad

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

In your third year, you'll enhance your studies by living in a country 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 will 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 are studying Japanese, you will attend one of our partner universities in Japan. 

If you are 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 are 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 are 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 section of our website. 

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, customer services, and personal services such as childcare. 

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

A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.

Examples of careers you could enter include: 

• Sales and marketing 

• Business and finance 

• Information technology and telecommunications 

• Media 

• Teaching and education 

• Translation and Interpreting