Course structure
The BA Translation and Modern Foreign Language is a four-year degree programme. It is structured in such a way that you acquire over successive years high-level language competencies and the skills to become an independent and critical thinker, equipped for professional employment.
In each year of the programme you will study 120 credits. The third year is a year spent studying or working abroad in your chosen language country.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.
Year one
This programme allows you to experience more than one field of study by giving you the opportunity to study translation alongside one or two modern languages.
In year one we run two pathways for students; an advanced pathway for students with an A-level or equivalent competence in the language studied and a beginner’s pathway for students with limited or no knowledge of the language studied.
The first year of this programme provides a thorough foundation in the grammar of the language for those students on the beginner’s pathway, and develops the linguistic skills for post A-level students on the advanced pathway.
Students studying one language will also take a non-language module which introduces you to the development of the country of study as a nation, exploring what it has symbolised for different groups at different moments in history. It also explores its exchanges with the world, enabling you to consider its role beyond the national borders. The module will allow you to develop intercultural awareness, and the highly-prized ability to mediate between cultures.
You will also study two translation modules, Introduction to Translation Theory and Introduction to Translation Methods.
Year two
The language elements of year two build on the work undertaken in year one, and prepare you for your year abroad.
In addition to language modules, students studying one language will study 30 credits looking at the culture of the language that you are learning in a transnational context. This will introduce you to key approaches, methodologies and critical tools which you can apply to an in-depth study, looking at a range of topics such as culture, history and politics. (Students who choose to study two languages cannot take this cultural module.)
Whether you choose to study one or two languages you will take Principles of Translation Theory and Introduction to Specialised Translation.
Outside of your formal studies, you will have the opportunity to take part in our highly-praised Student Mentoring Scheme, which is supported by Welsh Government. The scheme places undergraduates into local schools to mentor pupils and encourage them to consider modern foreign languages when choosing their GCSE options.
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 an SLA you may get the opportunity to speak publicly at events, sharing your personal experience of language learning. You may take part in a range of activities, such as language taster sessions, presenting and promoting the year abroad, supporting School language days and events, or promoting modern languages at career fairs or open days.
Year three: Sandwich year
Your third year is spent in one or two countries where your chosen language(s) is/are spoken. Your year abroad will enable you to develop your language skills, deepen your understanding of the culture and develop your independence, resourcefulness and resilience.
Your options for this year will include studying at one of our partner universities, working as an English assistant in a school through the British Council Scheme, or working for an organisation or company. No matter what you choose, the year abroad is a great opportunity for you to improve your understanding of the language, immerse yourself in another culture, and gain international study, work experience, or translational and interpreting skills.
If you choose the study option, we have established exchange programmes which provide opportunities to study in institutions in cities that have included Paris ISIT, Université Catholique de Lyon, Geneva, Vigo, Barcelona- Pompeu Fabra, or Trieste, amongst others.
Placements for teaching assistants on a scheme run by the British Council can take you to either a major city or a small, rural town. This option provides first-hand teaching experience and allows you to earn a salary sufficient to live on, although you only work on a part-time basis. Prior to the start of your placement, the British Council provides a training weekend in the destination country. In addition, the school you have been assigned to should also guide you in your role as a teacher and help you to find a place to live.
The third option consists of a work placement with an organisation or company in a country where your chosen language of study is spoken. The necessary arrangements can be made through personal contacts you may have or by approaching organisations directly.
Studying or working abroad is excellent preparation for your final year and gives you a level of self-confidence and maturity that has proven popular with employers.
Year four
When we welcome you back to Cardiff in your final year, you will continue to develop your language skills, studying 30 credits of each language.
You will also study Translation as a Profession, which explore some of the real-life challenges and constraints of the translation profession (time-management, managing resources, the need to develop and maintain networks, institutional pressures and competition).
You will have the opportunity to build on the broad base of knowledge and skills you have developed to study an area of research expertise in the School, through taught modules and/or an independent dissertation or Annotated Translation Project as part of the Translating Cultures module.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in our very popular Student Teaching module, an accredited module where you will build on study and workshops at the University to undertake a teaching placement at one of our partner schools on the area.
The module allows you to go into local secondary schools and teach pupils who are learning foreign languages. You will have the opportunity to observe teaching by professionals, take part in classroom activities and generate new learning materials. This in turn enhances your ICT, presentation, preparatory and organisational skills and, ultimately, your employability. Those students who wish to go onto a career in teaching gain valuable experience which can be used to feed into their PGSE application. These students also have the opportunity to take a dedicated (optional) training session for PGSE applications with an expert in the field.
