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.
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)
-
This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
-
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Introduction to Translation and Interpreting (TL1001)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will introduce students to the key concepts of translation and interpreting and to the metalanguage of both disciplines.
- Working with Texts (TL1501)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will explore and examine the different ways in which we, as translators and interpreters, work with texts in our professional lives. It will consider what is meant by a “text”, and deal with the many different varieties of text and their individual challenges for the translator, as well as allow students to develop strategies for dealing with these challenges when they face them.
Optional Courses
Select TWO from the following:
- Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France 1 (FR1021)
- Modern German Culture 1 (GH1052)
- 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 Beginner OR 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 Beginner OR 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)
- Spanish Language 2 (SP1028)
-
15 Credit Points
This is a fast-paced language course for students with some previous knowledge of Spanish who have been allocated onto this course by our diagnostic test. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.
- German Language 2 (GM1550)
-
15 Credit Points
This module is designed for students with an SCE H in German or equivalent. The course develops receptive and productive oral and written German language skills. Students who are considering applying for entry to German Honours must take this course. The course builds on GM1050.
- Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)
-
15 Credit Points
This course follows Spanish Language 2 or can be taken by students who have the required level of Spanish as determined by the diagnostic test (see below).
- Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028)
-
15 Credit Points
This intensive language course is designed for students who have little or no previous knowledge of French.
- Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528)
-
15 Credit Points
This course builds on the work done in FR1028, providing students with an adequate command of French language to allow them the possibility of continuing their studies into level 2 and Honours.
- Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is intended for students who have studied French to Higher or equivalent level. It will enable them to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken.
- Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is intended for students who have studied French to the equivalent of Scottish Higher or beyond. Building on the work done in the first semester, it seeks to enable students to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken.
- German for Beginners 1 (GM1054)
-
15 Credit Points
This language course provides students with a sound foundation in German (grammar and vocabulary). It enables students to understand the gist of authentic written and spoken German and to speak and write about familiar topics with a degree of accuracy and fluency.
No previous knowledge of German is required, but this course is also for students which took German at school before, on any level lower than Higher or A-level.
With 3 Language Classes and 1 Language Practical per week this course encourages and supports students to develop their personal self-study strategies.
- German for Beginners 2 (GM1554)
-
15 Credit Points
This language course provides students with a sound foundation in German (grammar and vocabulary). It enables students to understand the gist of authentic written and spoken German and to speak and write about familiar topics with a degree of accuracy and fluency.
No previous knowledge of German is required, but this course is also for students which took German at school before, on any level lower than Higher or A-level.
With 3 Language Classes and 1 Language Practical per week this course encourages and supports students to develop their personal self-study strategies.
- German Language 1 (GM1050)
-
15 Credit Points
This module is designed for students with an SCE H in German or equivalent. The course develops receptive and productive oral and written German language skills. Students who are considering applying for entry to German Honours must take this course.
- Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 1 (MN1001)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to familiarize students with the basics of spoken and written forms of Mandarin Chinese. Emphasis will be placed first on speaking and listening, particularly pronunciation and tones. The written form will be presented first through the medium of pinyin and gradually students will be introduced to a small number of the highest frequency characters. The emphasis will be on dialogue and role play. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters.
- Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 2 (MN1501)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will continue to familiarize students with the basics of spoken and written forms of Mandarin Chinese. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, particularly pronunciation and tones, and on aural comprehension. Students will continue to learn through the medium of pinyin and will be introduced to more of the highest frequency characters. Grammatical exercises, drills and simple reading, translation and writing exercises will be introduced. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters.
- Spanish Language 1 (SP1027)
-
15 Credit Points
This is a fast-paced and intensive language course for students with very little or no previous knowledge of Spanish who have been allocated onto this course by our diagnostic test. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.
- Spanish Language 2 (SP1528)
-
15 Credit Points
This is a fast-paced language course for students with some previous knowledge of Spanish who have been allocated onto this course by our diagnostic test. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.
- Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France 1 (FR1021)
-
15 Credit Points
This course offers students who are registered for the Beginners' course in French language an introduction to twentieth and twenty-first century French culture and society through the study of films, short prose texts and poetry. The course is organised around the broad themes of childhood and adolescence, gender, sexuality and love and marginalisation in contemporary France. The texts will be studied in translation or with subtitles.
- Modern German Culture 1 (GM1052)
-
15 Credit Points
Learn more about German 20th-century literature, dealing with the events that shaped German and European history. As in all good literature, we will discuss universal themes and topics covering all of the most important aspects of modern life.
- Encountering the Other in Iberia and the Americas (SP1038)
-
15 Credit Points
The course introduces students to colonial encounters ranging from Muslim Iberia to the pre-conquest Americas and continuing into the period of the Spanish Empire. From the nineteenth century, conquest and colonial encounters continued as newly-independent Spanish American states seized indigenous territories, while colonial mentalities re-surfaced in contexts as diverse as the Spanish Civil War and Southern Cone dirty wars. These examples show how colonial encounters helped shape contemporary Spain and Spanish America.
- English Structure and use (LN1003)
-
15 Credit Points
This course opens up new ways for students to think about language by introducing them to the fundamentals of English linguistics. Students will learn how to identify and analyse the major "building blocks" of language in phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Examples for illustration and discussion will be drawn from varieties of English spoken in the British Isles and worldwide, with lectures and tutorials geared to providing students with an active vocabulary with which to discuss language, and essential tools with which to analyse its structure and function.
- Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France In Context (FR1527)
-
15 Credit Points
This course offers students who are registered for the beginners' course in French language an advanced introduction to twentieth and twenty-first century French and Francophone culture and society, focusing on the occupation of France during World War II and the experience of colonialism and post-colonialism. Written texts will be studied in translation or with vocabulary help and films will be studied with subtitles.
- Modern German Culture 2 (GM1556)
-
15 Credit Points
Learn more about modern German history, culture and literature while also extending your skills in reading German texts.
- Latin America: A Cultural History (SP1536)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will introduce students to Latin American history, culture and society from the pre-Hispanic period to the present through a selection of archaeology, historical and contemporary writings, visual culture and music. All texts studied will be available in English translation.
- English Past and Present (LN1502)
-
15 Credit Points
How do we get from Chaucer to Twitter? From Beowulf to Beyoncé? This course will look at the development of English over the last millennium and beyond, examining language changes in sound, structure and meaning. Students will also be introduced to present-day sociolinguistic study, and how it can contribute to our understanding of language in the modern world and in the past.
- 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)
-
15 Credit Points
This course enables students to gain an insight into the theoretical framework of translation and of interpreting.
- Introduction to Bilateral Interpreting (TL2501)
-
15 Credit Points
This course introduces the skills of liaison interpreting, develops confidence in conversation management and performance evaluation as well as students´ research and documentation skills.
It also provides opportunities for students to practice intercultural mediation through liaison interpreting in a structured and supported manner.
Optional Courses
Select ONE from the following options:
- Language in Society (LN2008)
- Varieties of English (LN2510)
OR select ONE 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 Beginner OR 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 Beginner OR 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)
- Advanced French Language 1 with Translation (TL2002)
-
15 Credit Points
This second-year French language course, which runs in the first half-session, is only open to students who have passed FR1529 and are on the MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies programme. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, as well as provide additional translation practice.
- German Language 3 with Translation (TL2004)
-
15 Credit Points
This level two language course will build on and extend students' fluency and written skills in German. It will also provide additional translation instruction for students on the MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies programme.
- Spanish Language 4 with Translation (TL2005)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to prepare intending Honours students of Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
The course will develop further Spanish language skills, both receptive and productive. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills, and students will complete a structured self-learning programme of audio-visual study and grammatical reinforcement study. In addition, students will also be provided with additional translation practice to further progress their translation skills.
- Advanced French Language 2 with Translation (TL2502)
-
15 Credit Points
This second-year French language course which runs in the second half-session is only open to students who have followed Advanced French Language 1 with Translation. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and provide for further development of student’s translation skills.
- German Language 4 with Translation (TL2504)
-
15 Credit Points
Building on work done in German Language 3 with Translation, the course will develop further language skills.
- Spanish Language 5 with Translation (TL2505)
-
15 Credit Points
This course follows Spanish Language 4 with Translation and aims to prepare non beginners intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
The course will develop further Spanish language skills, expanding on the vocabulary and introducing formal documents and letters. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of vocabulary and grammatical reinforcement study.
- Spanish Language 4 (SP2026)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to prepare intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
The course will develop further Spanish language skills, both receptive and productive. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of audio-visual study and grammatical reinforcement study.
- Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002)
-
15 Credit Points
This second year French language course which runs in the first half-session is only open to students who have passed FR1529. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language courses required to be allowed into the French honours Programme.
- German Language 3 (GM2042)
-
15 Credit Points
This level two language course will build on and extend students' fluency and written skills in German.
- Mandarin for Beginners 3 (MN2001)
-
15 Credit Points
Building on work done in MN 1501 this intensive language course, which forms part of the Sustained Study Programme, will further develop all four basic language skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of these skills. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters (hà nzì).
- Advanced Introductory French Language 1 (FR2012)
-
15 Credit Points
This second year French language course which runs in the first half-session is only open to students who have passed FR1528. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language courses (along with FR2512) that has to have passed to be allowed into the French honours Programme.
- German Language (Advanced Introductory) 1 (GM2040)
-
15 Credit Points
The course consists of language classes leading to advanced communicative competence in German and it will include the analysis of contemporary texts drawn from a variety of contexts. This course may be taken only by students who have completed the German for Beginners courses.
- Spanish Language 3 (SP2025)
-
15 Credit Points
This course follows Spanish Language 2 or can be taken by students who have the required level of Spanish as determined by the diagnostic test (see below).
- Spanish Language 5 (SP2531)
-
15 Credit Points
This course follows Spanish Language 4 and aims to prepare non beginners intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
The course will develop further Spanish language skills, expanding on the vocabulary and introducing formal documents and letters. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of vocabulary and grammatical reinforcement study.
- Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)
-
15 Credit Points
This second year French language course which runs in the second half-session is only open to students who have followed FR2002. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language pre-requisite courses to be allowed into the French honours Programme.
- German Language 4 (GM2542)
-
15 Credit Points
Building on work done in GM 2042, the course will develop further language skills.
- Mandarin for Beginners 4 (MN2501)
-
15 Credit Points
Building on work done in MN 2001, this course will further develop all four basic language skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of these skills. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters (hà nzì).
- Advanced Introductory French Language 2 (FR2512)
-
15 Credit Points
This second year French language course which runs in the second half-session is only open to students who have followed FR2012. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language pre-requisite courses (along with FR2012) that one must have passed to be allowed into the French honours Programme.
- German Language (Advanced Introductory) 2 (GM2540)
-
15 Credit Points
The intention of the course is to extend and reinforce further students' command of German grammar, vocabulary and syntactic structures, and to introduce various styles of written and spoken German. The course builds on the work done in GM2040 and is intended only for continuing beginners.
- Spanish Language 4 (SP2526)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to prepare intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
The course will develop further Spanish language skills, both receptive and productive. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of audio-visual study and grammatical reinforcement study.
- Language in Society (LN2008)
-
30 Credit Points
Language is central to our humanity. Language and society are inextricably linked. Language unites; language divides. This course will develop your understanding of the social nature of language, providing insight into, among other things, the relationship between gender and language, language death and the issue of language policy and planning.
- French Culture, Politics and Society i (FR2015)
-
15 Credit Points
The course introduces students to the history, culture and identity of contemporary France by examining key moments and themes in the development of France as a political and cultural entity from the Early Modern period to the present.
- Modern German Culture 3 (GM2043)
-
15 Credit Points
Learn more about modern German history and culture while also extending your skills in reading German texts.
- Latin America: Texts and Contexts (SP2036)
-
15 Credit Points
This course uses texts, which can include plays, films, novels, music, letters and an etiquette guide, to understand issues, concerns and themes in Latin American history. The course is organised chronologically and each week classes focus on texts from a particular country as a means to discuss bigger questions, such as how to make a new nation after three hundred years of colonial rule and a decade of warfare, how to demonstrate your honourability in an anonymous city and what cultural models are the best source of inspiration. The course also focuses on 'context' shared throughout Latin America.
- Elements of English (LN2515)
-
30 Credit Points
We perceive language as an integrated whole, but in fact it exists on many levels. This course investigates these layers of structure through examination of speech sounds, word formation, and sentence construction. We will consider the theory behind these areas of phonology, morphology, and syntax, looking at how they function independently and interact. Students will gain skills to undertake analysis of language structure and think critically about structural elements fundamental to English.
- Modern German Culture 4 (GM2543)
-
15 Credit Points
This course consists of the study of selected aspects of German culture and involves the close analysis of German texts.
- French Culture, Politics and Society II (FR2515)
-
15 Credit Points
The course introduces students to the history, culture and identity of contemporary France by examining key moments and themes in the development of France as a political and cultural entity from the Early Modern period to the present.
- Rebels, Outsiders and Conformists (SP2540)
-
15 Credit Points
The course will introduce students to several key texts from Spain. It will also introduce a key question in contemporary literary and film analysis: how texts may reinforce or challenge the social structures that underlie local and national communities. To this end we will study plays, novels and films that have had a broad impact in the Spanish-speaking world and beyond, investigating how they work to cement the cultural values that bring communities together or, on the contrary, lead readers to question and rebel against prevailing social norms.
- 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)
- Residence Abroad Correspondence Course 1 (TL30RA)
-
15 Credit Points
The course aims to encourage students to examine critically issues relating to the cultural, political, economic and social environment in which they are living during their period of residence abroad. This course will extend students’ cultural and linguistic awareness and provide them with an opportunity to conduct their own research.
- Residence Abroad Correspondence Course 2 (TL35RA)
-
15 Credit Points
The course aims to encourage students to examine critically issues relating to the cultural, political, economic and social environment in which they are living during their period of residence abroad. This course will extend students’ cultural and linguistic awareness and provide them with an opportunity to conduct their own research.
- Year 4
-
COMPULSORY
Advanced Translation Skills L1 (15 credits) 1HS
Advanced Interpreting Skills L1 (15 credits) 2HSOPTIONAL - 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 - 1HSCompulsory Courses
Advanced Translation Skills (TL4003)
Advanced Interpreting Skills (TL4501)
- Dissertation / Extended Translation (TL4002)
-
30 Credit Points
The Dissertation will enable students to research, plan, structure and coherently present a sustained piece of writing; It will also enable students to acquire the scholarly and academic skills needed to present their findings in the appropriate forms.
The Extended Translation will give students the opportunity to translate a lengthy, (semi-)specialised text. Students will also have to write a commentary, in which the analyse translation problems and present the solutions they have found to them. In addition, students compile a translator’s glossary and present a bibliography of sources consulted. Students may choose to translate from French/ German/ Spanish into English or vice versa.
- Advanced Interpreting Skills (TL4501)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will build up on the skills practised in Year 2.
- Note-taking
- Memory/analytical skills – active listening
- Protocol
- Clarification/explanation/Repetition
- Triadic position
- Terminology
- Linguistic skills
Optional Courses
Select ONE of the following:
- Chinese Translation: Theory and Practice (TL4004)
- Advanced Translation Skills (SP45FC)
- Advanced French Translation B (FR451B)
Select TWO of the following:
- Senior Honours French Language (FR4089)
- Gaelic Language B (GH4022)
- German Language Study 6 (GM4050)
- Spanish Language 7 (SP40A5)
- Mandarin 7 (TL4005)
- Chinese Translation: Theory and Practice (TL4004)
-
15 Credit Points
This is a course for developing practical translation skills from Chinese to English and English to Chinese. It also considers theoretical concepts associated with Translation Studies and China’s translation history.
- Advanced Translation Skills (SP45FC)
-
15 Credit Points
This course extends and refines students' practical translation skills from English into Spanish. It will also enable students to think critically about linguistic and cultural issues associated with translation from English into Spanish at an advanced level. Students will translate texts on a variety of topics using a variety of discourses; evaluate published translations; discuss, analyse and apply different translation strategies; produce critically-annotated translations and an evaluation of a published translation.
- Advanced French Translation B (FR451B)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to introduce students to the main concepts in translation theory, which will be applied to translation exercises from and into French, covering a range of texts and contexts.
- Senior Honours French Language (FR4089)
-
30 Credit Points
This Senior Honours French language course, whose pre-requisite is the Junior Honours French Language course, is run over the full session and is only open to Single and Joint Senior Honours degree in French students.
Building on the skills gained in their third year of study of French, this course will help the students' French language gain very high skills in all four areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, whilst increasing their grammatical and lexical knowledge, as well as their sensitivity to linguistic variety.
- Gaelic Language B (GH4022)
-
30 Credit Points
A level four Gaelic language course for students taking honours Gaelic. The course runs over both semesters and is topic based, enabling students to develop their ability to deal with a large range of subjects in Gaelic. The course also develops students' generic writing and oral skills.
- German Language Study 6 (GM4050)
-
30 Credit Points
This level 4 course is specifically aimed at students who want to improve their German Language skills, but who are not taking German as part of a single or joint Honours programme in German Studies. It consists of a German language class, a composition class and an oral class.
- Spanish Language 7 (SP40A5)
-
30 Credit Points
This is the final Spanish language course within the degree that will provide students with advanced comprehension and writing skills in general and specialised registers.
- Mandarin 7 (TL4005)
-
30 Credit Points
This course engages students in developing Mandarin Chinese language skills at an advanced level through the study of authentic materials on a wide range of topics including politics, economy, science, technology and cultural and social issues. Taking an integrative approach to language skills development, this 30-credit full-year course consists of four weekly classes, two with a focus on written language skills and two with a focus on spoken language skills.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
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?
- The University of Aberdeen was named Scottish University of the Year, (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019)
- Study within the top linguistics school in Scotland, also rated fifth in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2021)
- Ranked within the top 30 UK Universities, the University of Aberdeen offers state-of-the-art teaching facilities and the linguistics department is led by experts in the field. (The Complete University Guide 2021)
Entry Requirements
NOTE: Applicants must have at least one Higher / A level (or equivalent qualification) in either French, German or Spanish for entry.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2023 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB
Minimum: BBC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
- 2024 Entry
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SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who achieve BB over S4 and S5 and who meet one of the widening access criteria are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB
Minimum: BBC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £20,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year |
Scholarships and Funding
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Financial support for your study year abroad
We provide funding to students starting in 2021/22 on degrees with a compulsory period abroad at the same level as the Turing funding. This financial support can be used towards rent in your new city overseas, general living costs, or travelling to see more of your new home country. Students going abroad will continue to pay their normal rate of tuition fees with no increased charges or need to change tuition fee arrangements to the host university. For a full overview of how the tuition fees work, you can check this helpful funding table on our website.
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Discover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX