Translation and Interpreting
Translators and Interpreters are in high demand due to an increase in migration globally.
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.
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.
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)
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.
View detailed information about this courseThis 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’.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This course will introduce students to the key concepts of tranlation and interpreting and to the metalanguage of both disciplines.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This is an introductory course which looks at different ways of understanding and analysing texts. The course will equip students with tools to analyse their own academic writing as well as apply these skills to different types of texts
View detailed information about this courseSelect 30 credit points from the following courses:
Plus 60 credits from the Beginners Language courses OR the Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language courses listed below:
Beginner Language courses:
Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language Courses:
15 Credit Points
By learning Arabic you will have the opportunity to travel, work and gain experience in around 22 Arab countries. Arabic is one of the 6 official UN languages. Some Arab countries have been residing on top of the list of top employers in the World.
Learning Arabic would give you higher chances of obtaining Middle East related jobs such as in media, diplomacy or business. It will also increase chances of obtaining jobs in your own field of expertise in one of the Arab countries.
All students with any previous knowledge of Arabic will need to take a diagnostic test before the first week of teaching. For more information, please contact course coordinator.
This course is not available to native Arabic speakers.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
Building on Arabic for Beginners I (AR1002), students will continue their introduction to Arabic speaking, listening, reading and writing. There will be continued emphasis on pronunciation, speaking and listening and students will learn to understand and express themselves in basic role play and dialogue. Students will also improve their facility with written Arabic and brief reading comprehension passages and translation exercises will be introduced with a focus on intercultural competence.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This intensive language course is designed for students who have little or no previous knowledge of French.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This course builds on the work done in FR1023, providing students with an adequate command of French language to allow them the possibility of continuing their studies into level 2 and Honours.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This is an 11-week course in the modern Scottish Gaelic language for students who have little or no prior experience of the language, or for students with no formal qualifications in Gaelic.
You will learn Gaelic through a mixture of interactive language classes, a class which focuses on conversational skills, and a programme of homework exercises, together with self-directed learning.
By the end of the course, you will be able to speak, read, write and understand Gaelic at a basic level and you will have mastered a large working vocabulary.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This is an 11-week course in the modern Scottish Gaelic language for students who have completed GH1007 Gaelic for Beginners 1A.
You will attend three interactive language classes and one conversation class each week, as well as undertaking self-directed learning.
By the end of the course you will be expected to have mastered a large working vocabulary and to be competent in understanding and using most of the major structures of the language.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
Sweden is the largest Scandinavian country and is known for e.g. technology (from dynamite to Skype), culture (from Vikings to Abba and Stieg Larsson), tourism (from snowy mountains to red cottages) and politics and society (from UN to corporate social responsibility).
By learning Swedish you acquire a new language, but maybe also a new way of thinking, and an interesting twist to your CV.
Teaching in this course is interactive and you will learn to communicate in a friendly environment by practising to listen, speak, read and write (and why not sing?) and also get some cultural insight.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
Building on Swedish I, you will continue to learn to speak, listen, read and write in Swedish. We will now use a more complex language - for instance we will use more adjectives to describe things, and start using subclauses. By extending your vocabulary as well as working with grammar, by the end of the course you should be able to communicate on European language level A2.
As before, teaching is interactive with a lot of speaking practice in class and in the end of the course you are invited to actively take part of our midsummer cultural tutorial.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This is a Gaelic language course for students who are relatively fluent in the language already and have studied it to at least Higher in school (Higher Gaelic or Gàidhlig) or have studied it to a similar level elsewhere.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This is the second-half of the first year Gaelic language course for students who are relatively fluent in the language already and have studied it to at least Higher in school (Higher Gaelic or Gàidhlig) or have studied it to a similar level elsewhere.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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 placement test (see below).
View detailed information about this courseCOMPULSORY
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)
LN2005 - Varieties of English (30 credits)
15 Credit Points
This course enables students to gain an insight into the theoretical framework of translation and of interpreting.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this courseSelect one from the following options:
Plus 60 credits from the Beginners Language courses OR the Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language courses listed below:
Beginner Language courses:
Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language Courses:
15 Credit Points
This is an intensive course which consolidates and extends what has been acquired in the first year Arabic for Beginners AR1002 and AR1502. The course will develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening, with special emphasis on speaking and writing. The course also tackles grammatical concepts learnt in the first year and builds on them with a variety of exercises and activities designed to develop communicative linguistic skills. Particular attention is paid to the acquisition of vocabulary through the analysis of reading passages and translation exercises aimed at introducing students to very basic cultural phenomena in the Arab world.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This is an intensive course which consolidates what has been acquired in AR1002, AR1502, and AR2002. It will further develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. The course also tackles grammatical concepts learnt in the first year and builds on them with a variety of exercises and activities designed to develop communicative linguistic skills. Particular attention is paid to the acquisition of vocabulary through the analysis of reading passages and translation exercises aimed at introducing students to very basic cultural phenomena in the Arab world.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This second year French language course which runs in the first half-session is only open to students who have passed FR1523. 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This is the second year Gaelic language course for people who started learning in their first year. It builds on the foundations already set in the first year and continues to develop vocabulary, grammatical structures and idioms in both writing and speech.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This course follows on from GH2009 and is for people who started learning in their first year. It continues to develop a range of linguistic competencies in written and oral language.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
The course will refine and build on the first year of study, but we will start using the language a lot more and you will be exposed to a lot more language. A large part of the course will deal with expanding your vocabulary and increase your confidence and ability to use the language. The course book uses normal everyday language and is structured around a variety of topics which will enhance your ability to express yourself in an increasing number of situations and to understand new words from the context.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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).
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This second year French language course which runs in the first half-session is only open to students who have passed FR1524. 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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 (a minimum CAS mark of 12/20 at the first attempt will be required for FR2502).
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This is the first half of the second year Gaelic language course for students who are relatively fluent in the language already and have studied it to at least Higher in school (Higher Gaelic or Gàidhlig) or similar level. It follows on from GH1513. It continues to develop accuracy in the language and increases usage across a wider variety of domains.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This is the second half of the second year Gaelic language course for students who are relatively fluent in the language already and have studied it to at least Higher in school (Higher Gaelic or Gàidhlig) or similar level. It follows on from GH2013.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This level two language course will build on and extend students' fluency and written skills in German.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
Building on work done in GM 2042, the course will develop further language skills.
View detailed information about this course15 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).
View detailed information about this course15 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).
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this courseYou spend one year abroad (6 months in each country)
TN 30 - Residence Abroad Project (60 credits)
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
Select one of the following dissertation options:
If taking Arabic or Chinese:
If taking one Higher/Advanced Language 30 credit points from the following courses:
Plus 60 credit points from the following Language courses:
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.
View detailed information about this course30 Credit Points
Building on the skills gained during the Junior Honours language course and before, this module expands and refines German language expertise in writing, reading, speaking and listening, to an advanced level, for their final exit written and oral exam in German.
View detailed information about this course30 Credit Points
This year-long course unit combines dissertation research with research methods training. The dissertation is a piece of extended independent research (8,000-10,000 words long), structured as a critical evaluation, analysis or argument, about a topic germane to Spanish and Latin American Studies. The topic is chosen by the student, in conjunction with the dissertation coordinator and an individual Departmental supervisor, both of whom approve the topic. Students are encouraged to design their topic building on their previous studies, especially honours courses. The dissertation offers a chance for students to carry out in-depth independent study in Spanish and Latin American Studies, and to acquire and develop valuable research skills. The course begins, in the first half session, with workshops on diverse research methods and the creation of peer support groups. The second half session includes structured meetings with the dissertation supervisor and meetings with the peer support group, as well as independent research and writing.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
Candidates will write a dissertation of 8,000 words on a subject to be decided in consultation with the Course Co-ordinator, to be researched and written (under supervision by a member of staff) in the second half session of Junior Honours, and submitted at the beginning of Senior Honours.
View detailed information about this courseWe 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.
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
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.
Applicants must have at least one higher, advanced higher or equivalent qualification, in French, German or Spanish for entry.
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
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 OR AAABB, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above).
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.
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.
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.
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.
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
Fee category | Cost |
---|---|
RUK | £9,250 |
Students Admitted in 2021/22 | |
EU / International students | £18,000 |
Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year | |
Home Students | £1,820 |
Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year |
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.
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
The Aberdeen Global Undergraduate Scholarship is open to European Union (EU) students.
This is an £8,000 tuition fee discount available to eligible self-funded Undergraduate students who would have previously been eligible for Home (Scottish/EU) fee status.
View Undergraduate EU ScholarshipThere 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.
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.
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