BA (Hons) Translation and Interpreting

What’s it about?

Translation and Interpreting are key professions in our modern, globalised world. This course focuses specifically on translation and interpreting, has an applied approach, and draws on our long-standing experience in vocational training and academic research in this field.

Most of the lecturers in the team have professional experience as translators and/or interpreters themselves and you will benefit from their insights into these professions.

You will take two languages throughout the course and a third language can be taken up in the final year. The languages available are Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish and English as a Foreign Language (for non-native speakers of English). All are available for study at beginner’s level, with the exception of English as a Foreign Language for which you should have IELTS 6.5 or above. Arabic, French, German, Spanish and Italian are also available to study from post-A level standard.

 

Key Benefits

• Develop advanced translation and interpreting skills and gain a high proficiency in two languages
• Join a department with national and international standing in the field of translation and interpreting
• Undertake a work or study placement abroad, and benefit from our extensive network of translation company partners
• Study on an applied non-literary course designed to develop high-level practical communication skills and cultural knowledge
• Benefit from our long-standing expertise in translating and interpreting and the Centre for Translation, Interpreting and Intercultural Studies
• Improve your career prospects with an international placement year
• Benefit from our state-of-the-art Language Resource Centre including Conference Interpreting booths, satellite television and Multimedia equipment.

 

Which main languages can I study?

Two Languages strand:

Post A-Level: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Ab initio (Beginners): Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish

IELTS (6.5 or above): English as a Foreign Language (for non-native speakers of English)

 

What will I learn?

You gain a high level of proficiency in one or two languages as well as developing the relevant knowledge and skills to enable you to put them into practice in the workplace.  

The innovative combination of academic and vocational training on this course will open doors for your future due to the excellent transferable skills you will acquire. You will gain a high proficiency in two languages as well as developing the skills to enable you to put them into practice in the workplace. Language study is complemented by module components designed to develop a high level of intercultural knowledge and awareness.

Year 1
Alongside language modules you will take core foundation modules in linguistics and translation and interpreting.

Year 2
You will study the theoretical principles central to translation and interpreting. Practical work starts with preparatory exercises such as text analysis, reformulation, summarising and note taking.

Year 3
International Placement Year

Year 4
You will undertake demanding, professionally-orientated activities such as liaison and conference interpreting, glossary compilation and specialised, more technical translation. You may also opt to take an additional language.

 

Can I study overseas or get work experience?

It is a requirement of the programme that (unless you are studying EFL) you spend at least two semesters abroad(one in each country whose language you are studying) in an International Placement Year. During your international placement year you can choose to study or work abroad. Whether you choose to take a study, work placement, or both, you will be looked after by our experienced International Placement Year Tutors who support you during your placement.

 

What are my career prospects?

In addition to the general wide-ranging opportunities afforded to graduates of languages degrees, this programme opens the way to postgraduate training and then to specific careers as professional in-house or freelance translators and interpreters, copywriters, lexicographers and terminologists.

Find out more about careers with languages and how a degree from the School of Languages can enhance your career prospects.

 

More information

Find out about the English language requirements for international students.

Find out about scholarships and bursaries.

Want to visit the university? Register for an open day.

 

Programme Structure: BA (Hons) in Translation and Interpreting (Two Languages)

Year One
Semester One	Semester Two
Language Module
Language Module
Introduction to Translation and Interpreting	Structure of English
Year Two
Language Module
Language Module
Approaches to Translation and Interpreting Studies	The Practice of Translation and Interpreting
Year Three
International Placement Year
Year Four
Language Module	Language Module
Language Module	Language Module
Modules to the value of 40 credits from the following:
Advanced Translation	Advanced Interpreting
University-wide Language Programme (UWLP)

N.B. Numbers in brackets represent the credit weighting for each module

Entry requirements

GCSE: English Language with a minimum grade C or equivalent.
Advanced GCE level (A-level): 320 UCAS points, normally from 3 A2s.
General Studies is not accepted as an A-level, but results are noted.
The third A-level may be replaced with two AS/A1 levels.
Irish Leaving Certificate/Scottish Highers: Equivalent of 320 UCAS points.
IB: 30 points.
University of Salford International Foundation Year: Pass at appropriate level in all modules.

Your qualifications must include at least one relevant language to be studied at post A-level (or equivalent) standard at minimum grade B.

Applications are welcomed from candidates with qualifications equivalent to A-level, including those gained abroad, as are applications from mature students and those with unusual language qualifications, for whom a short written and oral test may be appropriate. In the case of applications to study English as one of the languages, candidates must be non-native speakers of English and must satisfy the University English language entry requirements.