Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement

Program Overview

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Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement, MA

Introduction

This applied degree is designed to meet the needs of future translators and interpreters. You'll develop a high level of proficiency in two languages and gain practical experience to further your understanding and fluency in a period of residence abroad.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen
• UCAS Code: RQ51

You will gain a high degree of proficiency and communicative competence in two foreign languages as well as the translation and interpreting skills needed to carve out a career in the expanding market. The innovative combination of academic and vocational elements will open doors for students and provide valuable transferable skills. Gain fluency in your chosen languages and develop knowledge and practical skills in translation and interpreting.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

Year 1

• COMPULSORY
  • Introduction to Translation and Interpreting Studies (15 credits) 1HS
  • Working with Texts (15 credits) 2HS
• OPTIONAL - you will need to study one in 1HS and one in 2HS
  • Introduction to Literature and Culture of one of the languages chosen (1HS)
  • English structure and use (1HS)
  • Communication and Language in Contemporary Societies (2HS)

Compulsory Courses

• Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
• Introduction to Translation and Interpreting (TL1001)
• Working with Texts (TL1501)

Optional Courses

Select TWO from the following:

• Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France 1 (FR1021)
• Modern German Culture 1 (GM1052)
• Latin America: A Cultural History (SP1536)
• English Structure and use (LN1003)
• Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France In Context (FR1527)
• Modern German Culture 2 (GM1556)
• Encountering the Other in Iberia and the Americas (SP1038)
• English Past and Present (LN1502)

Select ONE BeginnerOR Higher/Advanced Language course listed below:

• Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029) AND Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)
• German Language 1 (GM1050) AND German Language 2 (GM1550)
• Spanish Language 2 (SP1028) AND Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)

Select ONE BeginnerOR Higher/Advanced Language courses listed below:

• Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028) AND Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528)
• Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029) AND Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)
• German for Beginners 1 (GM1054) AND German for Beginners 2 (GM1554)
• German Language 1 (GM1050) AND German Language 2 (GM1550)
• Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 1 (MN1001) AND Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 2 (MN1501)
• Spanish Language (SP1028) AND Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)
• Spanish Language 1 (SP1027) AND Spanish Language 2 (SP1528)

Year 2

• COMPULSORY
  • Theory of Translation and Interpreting (15 credits) 1HS
  • Introduction to Bilateral Interpreting 2HS
• OPTIONAL - you will need to study one in 1HS and one in 2HS
  • Translation Practice L1 (1HS)
  • Research Methods (2HS)
  • Translation Practice L2 (1HS)
  • Varieties of English (2HS)

Compulsory Courses

• Theory of Translation and Interpreting (TL2001)
• Introduction to Bilateral Interpreting (TL2501)

Optional Courses

Select ONE from the following options:

• Language in Society (LN2008)
• Varieties of English (LN2510) ****OR** selectONE of the following:
• French Culture, Politics and Society I (FR2015) AND French Culture, Politics and Society II (FR2515)
• Modern German Culture (GM2043) AND Modern German Culture 4 (GM2543)
• Latin America: Texts and Contexts (SP2036) AND Rebels, Outsiders and Conformists (SP2540)

Also, choose ONE BeginnerOR Higher/Advanced language course:

• Advanced French Language 1 with Translation (TL2002) AND Advanced French Language 2 with Translation (TL2502)
• German Language 3 with Translation (TL2004) AND German Language 4 with Translation (TL2504)
• Spanish Language 4 with Translation (TL2005) AND Spanish Language 5 with Translation (TL2505)

Plus, select ONE BeginnerOR Higher/Advanced language course:

• Spanish Language 4 (SP2026)AND Spanish Language 5 (SP2531)
• Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002) AND Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)
• German Language 3 (GM2042) AND German Language 4 (GM2542)
• Mandarin for Beginners 3 (MN2001)AND Mandarin for Beginners 4 (MN2501)
• Advanced Introductory French Language 1 (FR2012) AND Advanced Introductory French Language 2 (FR2512)
• German Language (Advanced Introductory) 1 (GM2040) AND German Language (Advanced Introductory) 2 (GM2540)
• Spanish Language 3 (SP2025) AND Spanish Language 4 (SP2526)

Year 3

• You spend one year abroad (6 months in each country)

Compulsory Courses

• The academic year spent working or studying abroad.
• The first half session:
  • Residence Abroad Work Placement 1 (TL30P1) OR Residence Abroad Work Placement 1 (TL30P2) (45 credit points)
• The second half session:
  • Residence Abroad Study Placement 2 (TL35P1) OR Residence Abroad Work Placement 2 (TL35P2) (45 credit points)

Year 4

• COMPULSORY
  • Advanced Translation Skills L1 (15 credits) 1HS
  • Advanced Interpreting Skills L1 (15 credits) 2HS
• OPTIONAL - you will need to study one in 1HS and one in 2HS
  • Advanced Translation Skills L1- 2HS
  • Advanced Interpreting Skills - L1- 1HS
  • Dissertation - 2HS
  • Translation Project - 1HS

Compulsory Courses

• Dissertation / Extended Translation (TL4002)
• Advanced Interpreting Skills (TL4007)

Optional Courses

Select ONE of the following:

• Chinese Translation: Theory and Practice (TL4004)
• Advanced Translation Skills (SP45FC)
• Advanced French Translation B (FR451B)

SelectTWO of the following:

• Senior Honours French Language (FR4089)
• Gaelic Language B (GH4022)
• German Language Study 6 (GM4050)
• Spanish Language 7 (SP40A5)
• Mandarin 7 (TL4005)

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Professional Placements
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
• practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
• written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies?

• Increase your employability.
• Access more opportunities across the world.
• Expand your options to study abroad.
• Broaden your understanding of other cultures and societies.

Entry Requirements

NOTE: Applicants must have at least one Higher / A level (or equivalent qualification) in either French, German or Spanish for entry.

Qualifications

• SQA Highers
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £20,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme.
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

• Translators and Interpreters are in high demand due to an increase in migration globally.

Our Experts

• You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement

is a four-year program designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers as translators and interpreters.

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Objectives:

• Develop a high level of proficiency in two foreign languages.
• Gain practical experience in translation and interpreting through a period of residence abroad.
• Acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the expanding translation and interpreting market.
• Develop valuable transferable skills such as communication, research, and problem-solving.

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Program Description:

The program combines academic and vocational elements to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of language, translation, and interpreting. Students will:

• Develop a deep understanding of the linguistic and cultural nuances of their chosen languages.
• Learn the principles and techniques of translation and interpreting.
• Gain practical experience through coursework, individual projects, and a mandatory year abroad.
• Benefit from a diverse faculty of experienced linguists, translators, and interpreters.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Introduction to Translation and Interpreting Studies
• Working with Texts
• Introduction to Literature and Culture of one of the chosen languages
• Communication and Language in Contemporary Societies
• Beginner or Higher/Advanced Language courses

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Year 2:

• Theory of Translation and Interpreting
• Introduction to Bilateral Interpreting
• Translation Practice L1
• Research Methods
• Translation Practice L2
• Varieties of English
• Optional language courses

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Year 3:

• One year of study or work placement in a native speaking country of the foreign language they study.

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Year 4:

• Dissertation / Extended Translation
• Advanced Interpreting Skills
• Advanced Translation Skills
• Optional courses

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary between courses and subject areas but generally include a combination of:

• Coursework (essays, reports)
• Practical assessments of skills and competencies
• Written examinations
• Project work (final year dissertation)

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a diverse faculty of experienced linguists, translators, and interpreters. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Group projects
• Individual projects
• Language labs
• Online resources

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Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-positioned for a variety of careers in the translation and interpreting field, including:

• Translator
• Interpreter
• Localization specialist
• Terminology manager
• Language teacher
• Linguist
• Researcher
The program also provides graduates with valuable transferable skills that can be applied to a variety of other career paths.

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Other:

• Students have the opportunity to study abroad for a year in a country where their chosen language is spoken.
• The program offers a strong focus on practical skills and experience.
• Graduates have a high rate of employment in their chosen field.

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Fee category

Cost RUK £9,250 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year EU / International students £20,800 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year Home Students £1,820 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year