The new BA Translation at Cardiff
Why translation?
This course was developed in response to the increasing demand for translation skills within the public and private sector in the UK and Europe. One of very few undergraduate degrees in Translation in the UK, the BA is uniquely positioned to address the shortage of professional native English translators lamented by the EU and European business.
What does the BA Translation offer?
As a three-year full-time degree (also available part-time), it provides an alternative route to studying modern languages. This qualification offers:
- A good foundation in two languages and cultures (French, German, Spanish, Italian, Welsh or Japanese).
- A clear focus on employability. The course will foster generic and specialised translation skills in areas such as legal, commercial and scientific translation in professionally-orientated modules often taught in tandem with professional translators.
- Access to a languages degree for students who do not wish to spend a year abroad.
- The opportunity to gain two degrees in four years. Subject to successful completion of the BA, students can progress onto the existing and successful MA in Translation Studies at Cardiff.
How does it differ from a modern language degree?
- The translation curriculum is designed to develop the students’ skills in line with the standards set by recognized professional bodies in the field (Institute of Linguists and the Institute for Translators and Interpreters).
- The course focusses specifically on developing translation skills. Students study language and culture (as in a modern languages degree) but the majority of their modules will be on translation theory, methods and skills.
- All students must study at least two languages for the first two years. In the final year students can decide, should they wish, to specialize on just one language.
- Students translate only into English (as professional translators are generally expected to do in the UK).
- There is no year abroad (although the department is happy to facilitate work opportunities/placement abroad during the summer).
Read more about studying BA Translation at Cardiff
Would you like to find out more?
About translation and becoming a translator:
- What is translation? A useful introductory site from the government’s Routes into Languages Programme
- Working as a translator for the European Union
- European Association for Translation Studies
- International Association for Translation and Interpreting Studies
- The Institute of Linguists: the main professional association for Translators in the UK
- Free online magazine on the world of professional translation in the UK
- The Institute of Translators and Interpreters: the other British association for Translators and Interpreters
Student views
As well as receiving practical and in-depth language tuition, students are also given translation specific skills not available on the traditional language courses. Legal, medical and specialized translation will allow a student to carve out a particular career path, and act as an excellent foundation for a foothold in the translation industry. This is also achieved in only three years, without a compulsory Erasmus year. The staff are extremely helpful, passionate and friendly; always willing to provide that extra bit of clarification and further discussion.
Matthew, Translation student
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