Introduction to the Program

The BA Translation with a Placement Year Abroad is a 4-year degree program that combines the study of translation with one or two modern languages. The program is designed to provide students with high-level language competencies, skills to become resourceful and independent thinkers, and an in-depth understanding of the professional contexts of translation.

Program Structure

The program is structured to acquire successive years of high-level language competencies and skills. In each year, students study 120 credits from a selection of 30-credit modules. The third year is spent studying or working in a modern language country.

Year One

In the first year, students combine translation with one or two modern languages, allowing them to pursue two complementary fields of study. Students study two bespoke translation modules and complement these subjects by studying one or two languages. The first year provides a thorough foundation in the grammar of the language for those students on the Elementary pathway and develops linguistic skills for post-A-level students on the Upper Elementary pathway.

• Core modules for year one:
  • Introduction to Translation Methods
  • Introduction to Translation Theory
• Optional modules for year one:
  • Spanish Upper Elementary
  • Spanish Elementary
  • Mandarin Chinese Upper Elementary
  • Mandarin Chinese Elementary
  • Portuguese Language for Heritage Learners
  • Portuguese Upper Elementary
  • Portuguese Elementary
  • Japanese 1
  • French Upper Elementary
  • French Elementary
  • German Upper Elementary
  • German Elementary
  • Italian Upper Elementary
  • Italian Elementary
  • Introduction to Hispanic Studies
  • Introduction to Chinese Studies
  • Introduction to the Portuguese-Speaking World
  • Introduction to Japanese Studies
  • Introduction to French and Francophone Studies
  • Introduction to German Studies
  • Introduction to Italian Studies

Year Two

In the second year, students continue with two dedicated translation modules and advance further in their skills in one or two languages. Students expand their knowledge of translation methods and professional practices from year one by examining specialized texts and terminology in fields such as law, medicine, or literature.

• Core modules for year two:
  • Principles of Translation Theory
  • Introduction to Specialised Translation
• Optional modules for year two:
  • Spanish Intermediate
  • Spanish Upper Intermediate
  • Mandarin Chinese Upper Intermediate
  • Mandarin Chinese Intermediate
  • Portuguese Intermediate
  • Portuguese Upper Intermediate
  • Japanese 2
  • French Intermediate
  • French Upper Intermediate
  • German Intermediate
  • German Upper Intermediate
  • Italian Intermediate
  • Italian Upper Intermediate
  • Hispanidad in the World
  • The World and Language of Business (Spanish Intermediate)
  • The World and Language of Business (Spanish Upper Intermediate)
  • The World and Language of Business (Chinese)
  • China in the World
  • The Portuguese Speaking World in a Global Context
  • The World and Language of Business (Portuguese)
  • Japan in the World
  • The World and Language of Business (Japanese)
  • Global France: French and Francophone Cultures
  • The World and Language of Business (French Intermediate)
  • The World and Language of Business (French Upper Intermediate)
  • Germany in the World
  • The World and Language of Business (German Intermediate)
  • The World and Language of Business (German Upper Intermediate)
  • Italy in the World
  • The World and Language of Business (Italian)

Year Three: Sandwich Year

The third year is spent in a foreign language-speaking country, enabling students to develop their language and translation skills, deepen their understanding of the culture, and develop independence, resourcefulness, and resilience. There are three options for the year abroad: studying at a partner university, a teaching placement, or a work placement.

• Optional modules for year three:
  • Translation Study Placement Abroad - Autumn
  • Translation Study Placement Abroad - Spring
  • Translation Work Placement Abroad - Autumn
  • Translation Work Placement Abroad - Spring
  • Sandwich Year Project (Autumn Semester)
  • Sandwich Year Project (Spring Semester)

Year Four

In the final year, students study one core translation module, further hone their language skills, and follow their interests by studying another module of their choice. Students reflect on translation research and resources, gain training in translation technology, and receive valuable advice on handling real-life challenges of the translation industry.

• Core modules for year four:
  • Translation as a Profession
• Optional modules for year four:
  • Spanish Advanced
  • Mandarin Chinese Advanced
  • Portuguese Advanced
  • Japanese 3
  • French Advanced
  • German Advanced
  • Italian Advanced
  • Revolutionaries & Nationalists in Spain
  • Specialised Chinese
  • Sinophone Cultures: Hong Kong, Taiwan & Chinese Diasporas
  • Final Year Dissertation - Translation (in English/Welsh)
  • Culture, Political Protest & Dissent in the 1960s
  • European Cinema: Thinking the Real of Fiction
  • Student Teaching Module
  • Global Narratives of Colonialism, Slavery & Their Legacies
  • Memory & Symbols in Japan
  • The French Avant-Garde: From Art to Revolution
  • The Germans and Colonialism
  • Italian Women's Writing

Learning and Assessment

The program employs a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, language classes, and workshops. Assessments are designed to support students in developing their ideas, skills, and competencies. Students encounter a range of assessment formats, including traditional formats like essays, quizzes, class tests, oral exams, and dissertation, as well as more innovative forms of assessment like translation portfolios, role-play style projects, vlogs, interviews, and poster presentations.

Careers

The program includes placement learning as an integral element, providing students with opportunities to enhance their employability and career prospects. Graduates flourish in the job market, with their translation and language degrees leading them into diverse and exciting careers, including in-house translation, interpreting, media, travel, finance, human resources, international sport liaison roles, business consultancy, education, health, politics, diplomacy, the Civil Service, law, and teaching.

Admission Criteria

The program accepts a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications, subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:

• A level: ABB-BBC
• International Baccalaureate: 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects
• Baccalaureate Wales: From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3)
• GCSE and other essential requirements: English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent
• English language requirements:
  • GCSE: Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language
  • IELTS (academic): At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill
  • TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking
  • PTE Academic: At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills
  • Trinity ISE II/III: II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits, III: at least a Pass in all components

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for 2026 entry are as follows:

• Fees for home status:
  • Year one: ｣9,535
  • Year two: ｣9,535
  • Year three (sandwich year): ｣1,430
  • Year four: ｣9,535
• Fees for overseas status:
  • Year one: ｣24,700
  • Year two: ｣24,700
  • Year three (sandwich year): ｣3,705
  • Year four: ｣24,700

Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information, visit the funding section.

Cardiff University

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Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

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Services Offered:

Study:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.

Research:

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.

Work with us:

Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Community:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.

Global:

Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Living in Cardiff:

Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.

Welsh Language and Culture:

Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.

Campus Facilities:

The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Campus Facilities:

Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.

Excellent Career Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant Student Life:

Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.

Research Excellence:

Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community Engagement:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Postgraduate:

The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.

International:

Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.

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Other:

Rankings:

Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.

Quality Marks:

The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.

Russell Group:

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.