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Modern Languages with Translation and Transcultural Studies BA

Undergraduate

Year abroad

Start date

27 September 2027

Study location

University of Warwick

Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

School of Modern Languages & Cultures

Duration

4 years full-time, normally including a year abroad

Course overview

Do you have a passion for language learning, intercultural communication, and the study of cultures and societies? Are you looking to study multiple languages within a flexible degree structure, specialising in translation?

Modern Languages students

The degree in Modern Languages with Translation and Transcultural Studies looks at the very heart of how we relate to one another, focusing on the different nuances and cultural debates that can shape our interactions with other people and societies. You will study two or three languages and the cultural contexts in which they are spoken. The course includes a year studying or working abroad to boost your skills and employability.

In our globalised world, we rely daily on translation between languages and cultures. Studying Translation and Transcultural Studies gives you the opportunity to look critically at the challenges of mediating between languages and in different contexts, exploring how these ideas relate to the specific languages you study.

Your second or third year is normally spent abroad, either as a language assistant, or working or studying at one of our partner universities. This is an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in the linguistic and cultural contexts where your chosen languages are spoken, enhance your language skills and build international connections.

You will have access to outstanding facilities and resources. This includes flexible collaborative and individual learning spaces, as well as a vast selection of print, digital and multimedia learning materials.

You will graduate as a highly qualified linguist, with advanced intercultural skills and a sophisticated understanding of key concepts and debates in Translation Studies. The specialist communication, research, critical and evaluative skills you will gain are all highly sought after by employers.

Translation and Transcultural Studies at Warwick is:

  • a founding member of APTIS, the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies in the UK and Ireland.
  • a corporate member of ITI, the Institute of Translation & Interpreting in the UK, so you will have access to professional advice and support, including events, workshops, journals and career bulletins.
  • Higher Education Language Partners of CIOL, the Chartered Institute of Linguists in the UK.

Our degree in Modern Languages with Translation and Transcultural Studies (BA) allows you to acquire an in-depth knowledge of two or three languages and cultures while exploring translation as a specific form of intercultural communication. You will graduate as a highly qualified linguist, with specialist communication, research, critical and technical skills that are highly valued by employers.

If you are planning to study two languages, choose your Language 1 from French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 2 is selected from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.

For the three-language route, we normally expect you to study two languages at Advanced level: please get in touch with the Director of Admissions if you do not have an A-level in both Language 1 and Language 2. If you are planning to study three languages, choose your Languages 1 and 2 from French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 3 is selected from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.

This course is split 75:25 between modules in your chosen languages and modules in Translation Studies. You will normally spend your second or third year abroad, consolidating and enhancing your learning.

Entry requirements

Modules

In your first year you will take:

  • Route One: two language modules, one culture module relating to your Language 1, and the core Translation Studies module
  • Route Two: three language modules and the core Translation Studies module

On Route One, you will choose two languages. Language 1 must be post A Level (or equivalent) French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 2 can be either French, German, Italian, Spanish or Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Russian. Of these, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin can be taken at Beginner or Advanced level, whereas Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Russian will normally be taken at Beginner or post-GCSE level.

On Route Two, you will choose three languages. Language 1 and Language 2 must normally be post A Level (or equivalent) French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 3 can be French, German, Italian, Spanish or Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Russian. Of these, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin can be taken at Beginner or Advanced, whereas Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Russian will normally be taken at Beginner or post-GCSE level.

In your intermediate and final years you will also take either two or three core language modules, depending on your programme route. On Route One, you will be able to take a culture module each year alongside your core language and Translation Studies modules. On Route Two, you will focus on the three languages you have chosen and the core Translation Studies modules.

Your third year is normally spent abroad, where you may opt to spend a full year in one country or split the year between countries. We encourage students to spend time in a country where their ab initio language is spoken.

A note on the languages

Mandarin Chinese can be taken at Beginner, Intermediate or post A Level (or equivalent) maximum. If you have Chinese at A Level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying to check your suitability. Applicants with Chinese language ability above A Level (or equivalent), including native speakers, would not be able to study this language.

Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese or Russian can usually only be taken at Beginner or Intermediate level. If you have any prior learning or qualifications in the language, please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk before applying to check your suitability.

If studying three languages, two of your languages should be chosen from French, German, Italian or Spanish.

A note on cultural modules

For those studying two languages, culture modules are available in all years of the course. Cultural modules either relate to French, German, Italian or Spanish, or they are of a cross-cultural nature, embracing multilingual perspectives on a topic. Translation modules are available with Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish.

Note that the module catalogue is subject to change for future years of study, as we evolve our courses in response to the latest developments in academia and industry. If optional modules are listed below, these can vary from year to year.

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Teaching and learning

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