Translation (BA)

We employ a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, language classes, and workshops. Lecture content provides an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you with the skills to carry out independent research for the seminars and to develop and try out your own ideas. These materials may be delivered to you in face-to-face format or provided in a digital format so that you can study them at your own pace and convenience. 

Seminars are interactive classes that consist of a small group of students a member of the module teaching team. They may take various formats, including plenary group discussion, small group work and student-led presentations. Seminars provide a dynamic environment in which you can explore and critically engage with the ideas and debates outlined in lectures. For example, you might apply specific translation methods to your language pair, benefit from hands-on practice in using translation technology or debate some thought-provoking ideas from translation history.

Our language teaching focuses on active learning and meaningful student participation. Ample opportunities are provided to regularly practise and develop the key language competencies and skills. Classes are designed to expand your linguistic proficiency and enhance your confidence and communication skills in a friendly and supportive environment.

Class preparation and independent study form a key part of your learning. Between classes, you’ll prepare material, evidence and arguments, and complete language tasks individually or in groups. To support your independent language learning the School of Modern Languages has developed a bank of recommended language learning resources and activities, which you are encouraged to engage with as part of your independent learning portfolio. 

How will I be supported?

You’ll be guided through your studies by a Personal Tutor, who is able to advise you on academic issues. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies, your personal tutor should always be your first point of contact. You will meet with your personal tutor twice during each academic year, but you are encouraged to get in touch with them at any time if you need help or advice. All academic staff have designated hours where they are available to meet with students. 

During your year of study abroad, you will be assigned a Year Abroad Coordinator, who will keep in touch with you and monitor your progress. 

Each module has its own dedicated space on the Cardiff University Virtual Learning Environment where you’ll be guided through the weekly activities and tasks you need to complete. You’ll have access to shared learning materials and resources such as lecture recordings, language tasks and resources, and links to digital resources including the library materials available in electronic format. 

Professional Services staff in our Undergraduate Student Hub are available to answer your questions. We also have a dedicated Student Support Officer within the school, who can provide you with the necessary advice and guidance in a supportive, caring and confidential environment.

Student Life Services, located in the Centre for Student Life, offer a range of services. These support services encompass: Advice and Money, Student Futures, Counselling, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service, Academic Study Skills and Student Mentoring and excellent libraries and resource centres.

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 dissertation) 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 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 o 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, independent and team working. 

KS 7 Communicate and mediate across languages and cultures.