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BA Modern Languages Translation, Interpreting and Cultural Mediation

University of Essex

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Course options

  • Qualification

    BA - Bachelor of Arts

  • Location

    University of Essex

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    02-OCT-25

  • Duration

    4 Years

Course summary

We live in an increasingly globalised world, defined by its transnational connections. More than ever there is a need to communicate effectively and translate and interpret appropriately. Through studying BA Modern Languages Translation, Interpreting and Cultural Mediation, you will become not only a language expert, ambassador and mediator but also a confident translator.

You will study two languages throughout your course, choosing between French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Your major language will be studied to Mastery level, your second language to Proficiency level. If you are a heritage speaker – for example, you were raised in an Italian-speaking household but immersed in an English-speaking community and/or education – this course gives you the chance to nurture your language skills and raise your level of competency in your heritage language.

The differentiator for this course opposed to other Modern Language degrees is the emphasis on not only the language and culture of the languages you study, but on the specialised skills in translation and interpreting, subtitling and cultural mediation. You will be learning the principles and practice of translation and interpreting, developing skills in:

Cultural awareness - You will be able to understand and respect the cultural differences of the individuals or groups you are working with understanding different cultural norms, values and beliefs.

Conflict resolution - Intercultural mediation often involves resolving conflicts between individuals or groups from different cultures. You will learn skills in conflict resolution techniques, to help the parties involved find common ground and reach mutually acceptable solutions.

You will have the opportunity to practise and refine your skills by translating a variety of written texts and speech types, including audiovisual, generic and specialised ones. Generic texts tend to use lay-language, whereas specialised texts are more specific to a particular field or profession. Examples include:

Medical texts: patient information leaflets, medial reports etc.

Legal texts: legal codes, case law, contracts and legal opinions

Business texts: business plans, annual reports, financial statements and marketing materials

Technical texts: manuals, technical reports, engineering documents, scientific papers etc.

Alongside the study of your chosen languages and the specialised modules in translation, interpreting and subtitling, you will also study broader linguistic topics such as multilingualism, sociolinguistics and how the English language is used in the media.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 20,475per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Essex

  • University League Table

    30th

  • Campus address

    University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom

The careers team offer dedicated international careers advice and support throughout studies and after graduation.
Central London is easily accessible from all of the university's campuses.
Gain access to the curriculum from nine European universities through the YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe) virtual campus.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    22nd out of 29

  • Entry standards

    / Max 204
    125 61%

    20th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    66.0 66%

    16th

    4
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.11 78%

    14th

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