School of Languages Student Profiles
What our students say!
Name: Paul Leahy
Course: BA (Hons) in Modern Languages (French, Spanish and Portuguese)
Year of Graduation: 1996
Current Occupation: Translator
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Salford, both the studies and the social/cultural life. I view it as time extremely well spent that prepared me very well for my chosen profession.”
Programme of study
BA (Hons) in Modern Languages (French, Spanish and Portuguese)
Why did you choose this programme?
Because of the concentration on practical language skills (translating a wide range of texts, liaison interpreting, group projects, individual dissertation/research, awareness of different styles and registers of language etc.) and the opportunity to take paid employment during the “year abroad”.
What were the best aspects of the programme?
• The distinctive “applied” approach to language teaching – concentrating more on practical language skills and less on a predominantly literary curriculum.
• The well-structured programme, with coordination between different strands of the degree.
• The opportunity to learn skills that are relevant to employment.
• The friendly, sociable atmosphere among language students (the group projects and multiple language combinations probably helped in this).
• The rigorous but friendly approach of academic staff.
• The opportunity to take up paid work placements for at least part of the year abroad.
Current Occupation
Immediately after graduating from Salford, I completed an M.A. (Econ.) in Labour Studies at Manchester University, obtaining research funding partly on the strength of my degree from Salford.
After a short period doing administrative work I opted to set up as a self-employed translator, working from home and I have been making a living as a full-time freelance translator since 1999, translating a wide range of texts from French, Spanish and Portuguese into English. This is generally varied and stimulating (if sometimes pressurized) work for which my Salford degree prepared me well. It also offers a level of flexibility that is useful in balancing work with family commitments, social life etc.
Contact Details
If you would like to find out more about Paul’s experiences of studying at the School of Languages please e-mail him at: paulleahy@btconnect.com