BA Translation

The BA Translation is a 3-year degree programme. Throughout the degree, you’ll acquire high-level language and translation competencies, as well as the skills to become an independent and critical thinker, equipped for professional employment.

In each year of the programme, you’ll study 120 credits from a selection of 30-credit modules.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/2026 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.

Year One

You’ll combine translation with one or 2 modern languages, allowing you to pursue 2 complementary fields of study.

You’ll study 2 bespoke translation modules and complement these subjects by studying one or 2 languages.

The first year of this program provides a thorough foundation in the grammar of the language for those students on the Elementary pathway and develops the linguistic skills for post-A-level students on the Upper Elementary pathway.

If you focus on one language in your degree, you’ll also study a corresponding module which introduces you to the histories, cultures and societies of the countries and regions where your chosen language is spoken.

Core Modules for Year One

• Introduction to Translation Methods

• Introduction to Translation Theory

Optional Modules for Year One

• Spanish Upper Elementary

• Spanish Elementary

• Portuguese Language for Heritage Learners

• Portuguese Upper Elementary

• Portuguese Elementary

• French Upper Elementary

• French Elementary

• German Upper Elementary

• German Elementary

• Italian Upper Elementary

• Italian Elementary

• Introduction to Hispanic Studies

• Introduction to the Portuguese-Speaking World

• Introduction to French and Francophone Studies

• Introduction to German Studies

• Introduction to Italian Studies

Year Two

In the second year, you’ll continue with 2 dedicated translation modules, as well as advancing further your skills in one or 2 languages.

You’ll expand your knowledge of translation methods and professional practices from year 1, examining specialised texts and terminology in such fields as, for example, law, medicine or literature. You’ll delve deeper into discussions about translation, in academia and beyond.

You’ll also continue your language journey, studying one or 2 language modules.

If you started with 2 languages in year 1 but decide to continue with only one of them in your second year, our programme offers you the flexibility to concentrate on one language only from year 2.

If you choose the single language pathway, you’ll study a corresponding module that explores the world and language of business, or a module that sheds light on the histories, cultures and societies of the regions where the language is spoken. Looking at these countries in a global context, you’ll develop a more advanced and critical awareness of how these linguistic and geographic regions have shaped and been shaped by other cultures, global developments and events.

Outside of your formal studies, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in our Student Mentoring Scheme, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government. The scheme allows our specially trained undergraduate students to go into secondary schools to mentor pupils in small groups over a period of five weeks.

You may also choose to take part in the Student Language Ambassador (SLA) scheme, acting as an advocate for language learning. Following specific training, as a language ambassador, you may get the opportunity to speak publicly at events, sharing your personal experience of language and translation learning. You may take part in a range of activities, such as language and translation taster sessions, supporting school language days and events, or promoting modern languages and translation at career fairs or open days.

Core Modules for Year Two

• Principles of Translation Theory

• Introduction to Specialised Translation

Optional Modules for Year Two

• Spanish Intermediate

• Spanish Upper-Intermediate

• Portuguese Intermediate

• Portuguese Upper-Intermediate

• 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)

• Introduction to Catalan Language & Culture

• The Portuguese-Speaking World in a Global Context

• The World and Language of Business (Portuguese)

• 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

In your third and final year, you’ll study one core translation module, further hone your language skills and follow your interests by studying another module of your choice.

You’ll reflect on translation research and resources, gain training in translation technology and get valuable advice on handling the real-life challenges of the translation industry, such as managing translation projects, ensuring ethical and professional conduct, developing and maintaining networks, and marketing oneself as a translator. You’ll also continue to perfect your language skills, studying one or 2 Advanced language modules.

In addition, you’ll choose one or 2 optional modules depending on how many language modules you study. One possibility is to write a Dissertation or an Annotated Translation Project, which allows you to conduct in-depth research or complete an extended translation with an analytical commentary. Past topics by our students range from translating medical texts, children’s tales or African literature, to subtitling TED talks, scrutinising news translation and analysing LGBTQ+ themes in translated manga.

You’ll also have the chance to expand your skill base and horizons through optional cultural-historical modules and through a wealth of extra-curricular options. Final year themes and topics may include literature, film and visual culture, history, colonialism and gender studies. The range will vary depending on whether you are studying one language or 2.

Furthermore, you may also take part in our very popular teaching module, during which you’ll undertake a teaching placement at one of our partner schools in the area.

Core Modules for Year Three

• Translation as a Profession

Optional Modules for Year Three

• Spanish Advanced

• Portuguese Advanced

• French Advanced

• German Advanced

• Italian Advanced

• Catalan Language & Society

• The Falklands War in Argentine Culture

• Revolutionaries & Nationalists in Spain

• 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

• The French Avant-Garde: From Art to Revolution

• United but Divided? Exploring German Unification

• Italian Women's Writing

How Will I Be Assessed?

Our assessments are designed to support you in developing your ideas, skills and competencies.

You’ll encounter a range of assessment formats. Our translation coursework assesses your ability to produce effective and appropriate English renditions of the original texts and to reflect on the process. Group projects and presentations will boost your interpersonal skills.

You’ll also study the building blocks of the language, including grammatical and lexical patterns and structures. These skills will be regularly assessed over the course of your language modules, which reflects the progressive and accumulative nature of language learning.

We use traditional assessment formats (such as essays, quizzes, class tests, oral exams and dissertations) as well as more innovative forms of assessment (such as translation portfolios, roleplay-style projects, vlogs, interviews and poster presentations).

Individual feedback is provided on all assessed work to help you improve performance for future assessments, and you’ll have opportunities to discuss this feedback with your tutors. In addition, you’ll do various practice exercises such as quizzes, presentations and essay or project plans. You’ll receive formative feedback from tutors in order to improve your learning and understanding before you complete your summative assessments.

What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding

• KU 1 Write and understand one or 2 modern foreign languages to a degree standard
• KU 2 Understand the structures, registers and varieties of the languages you are learning and use them as appropriate
• KU3 Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of translation methods and translation as a profession, as well as applying the knowledge in practical translation tasks and professional contexts
• KU 4 Use in-depth knowledge and first-hand experience of other cultures, and a nuanced understanding of the cultural, social and political importance of translation to navigate and translate between cultures

Intellectual Skills

• IS 1 Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively to diverse audiences, in writing and speech, in English and one modern foreign languages
• IS 2 Analyse a variety of general and specialised texts, solve complex translation problems and reflect on the appropriate translation methods when undertaking translation tasks and projects
• IS 3 Apply enhanced linguistic skills and cultural expertise to research information and interpret meanings in a wide range of contexts
• IS 4 Critically evaluate ideas and translation approaches through well-constructed arguments, presented in appropriate academic and professional formats – essays, presentations, translation commentaries – with relevant evidence and referencing

Professional Practical Skills

• PS 1 Use IT programmes, including translation technology, and digital media, where appropriate
• PS 2 Apply advanced translation skills and practices in a professional setting
• PS 3 Work as part of a team, developing a collaborative approach to problem-solving
• PS 4 Effectively translate and edit a range of general and specialised texts, following professional standards and exercising creativity

Transferable/Key Skills

• KS 1 Reason, evaluate evidence and problem-solve, relating theory to practice
• KS 2 Research information and interpret relevant data
• KS 3 Generate original ideas and apply creative, imaginative and innovative thinking in response to identified needs and problems
• KS 4 Learn from constructive feedback and incorporate its insights
• KS 5 Be resourceful and take responsibility for your own learning and professional development
• KS 6 Utilise a range of employability and enterprise skills, such as creativity, initiative, organisation, time management, independence and teamwork
• KS 7 Communicate and mediate across languages and cultures

We’re committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions, and providing you with the skills, curiosity and confidence to make your mark in a competitive job market. Whether you have a clear idea of what you’d like to do after university or no idea at all, we have the tools and support to guide you.

Work experience and placements are great opportunities to enhance your employability and career prospects and can help you make decisions about your future career plans.

Each term we advertise On-Campus Internships which are summer vacation opportunities for students to work under supervision on education innovation, professional services, and staff-defined research projects.

Our graduates flourish in the job market. Their translation and language degrees lead them into a diverse and exciting range of careers which have included in-house translation, interpreting, the media, travel, finance, human resources, international sport liaison roles, business consultancy, education, health, politics, diplomacy, the Civil Service, law and teaching.

Many pursue postgraduate studies such as our MA in Translation.

Graduate Careers

• Translator
• Teaching
• Journalism/media
• Civil Service