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Translation at Cardiff University - UCAS

Cardiff University

Degree level: Undergraduate
Awarded by: Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)

Translation

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Course summary

Translation is a major actor on the world stage. It is also one of the most fundamental of human activities, allowing us to interact with one another within and across cultures. On our 3-year BA Translation programme, you’ll develop the ability to translate and mediate between languages, cultures and communities. You’ll gain high-level language and communication skills, excellent intercultural and critical-thinking competences, as well as an in-depth understanding of the professional contexts of translation. You can choose to study translation with one or two of the following languages:

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
We run two programme pathways: one for those with an A-level or equivalent competence in a modern language (Upper Elementary) and one for those with limited or no knowledge of a modern language (Elementary). You’ll develop your writing, oral and listening skills through a range of learning activities and audio-visual materials. In addition, you’ll hone your linguistic and critical thinking skills by studying our bespoke translation modules, which have been developed by a team of experienced translation and language specialists with rich research expertise and a passion for languages. On completion of this programme, you’ll have excellent practical translation skills and will be a confident and independent user of one or two modern foreign languages. You’ll be able to write fluently and accurately, and read, understand and analyse complex texts in those language(s) and in English with confidence. You’ll acquire a wealth of transferable skills and knowledge beneficial to the world of employment, making you competitive and attractive in an increasingly global workforce and opening the doors to a variety of other career paths. This is a 3-year degree without a compulsory Year Abroad. However, you have the option to transfer to our 4-year BA Modern Languages and Translation programme if the Year Abroad becomes more attractive to you as you study. If you choose to study the two language pathway, you cannot select two Elementary language modules. To study the 2 language pathway, you must be able to study a minimum of one of your language choices at Upper Elementary level (A Level of equivalent). Distinctive Features of the Programme
  • Vocational focus: focus on translation as professional practice combined with rigorous academic training on the cultural, social and political significance of translation.
  • Flexibility: transfer to a 4-year programme which includes a year abroad if it fits your goals and aspirations.
  • A dynamic experience: learn from native and near-native speakers, with blended learning and digital technologies embedded in teaching and learning activities.
  • Extra-curricular activities: A vibrant programme supports your language learning and immersion into the culture (e.g. conversation classes with exchange students, language cafes and student language societies).
  • Your future in mind: A structured skills programme which embeds academic, transferable and employability skills into learning from the very beginning.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
Q910
Institution code:
C15
Campus name:
Main Site - Cardiff
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Further information for International applicants can be found at www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects. We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.

English language requirements

All applicants are expected to have demonstrable English language skills. Most courses ask for GCSE English grade C/4 or equivalent, but some courses ask for GCSE English grade B/6 or equivalent.

To find out more, please go to:

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/undergraduate

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
70%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
85%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
EU £23700 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
International £23700 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students from the UK and Islands: Fees stated are for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase. Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme. Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete to the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel. Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland: If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, unless you qualify for UK fee status, tuition fees for 2025/26 will be in line with the fees charged for international students. You can check whether you are eligible for UK (Home) fee status on the UKCISA website: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Fees-and-Money/Wales-fee-status#layer-6099 Students from the rest of the world (international): Fees stated are for 2025/26 entry and are fixed for the duration of the programme, excluding Medicine and Dentistry programmes. Please note that during the pre-clinical element of Medicine and Dentistry programmes the fee rate will be fixed, after which the clinical fee rate will be charged. Further details are available on the university website at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/funding-and-fees Fees for entry in subsequent years are subject to increase and will be confirmed by the end of October in the year preceding your start date of your programme. Tuition fees cover all reasonable costs required for you to complete the degree programme stated. Please note that you may choose to participate in study trips, associated placements or purchase equipment while studying on your degree programme which will be at your own cost. Tuition fees do not include living costs such as accommodation, subsistence or travel.

Sponsorship information

Cardiff University has many scholarships on offer to our prospective students. Please see our website at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/funding/scholarships for further information.

Translation at Cardiff University - UCAS