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We will update this page when we make significant changes to course information. This does not necessarily include minor corrections or formatting.
If you ever want to ask us about a change, you can contact us at webeditor at warwick dot ac dot uk.
21 October 2024
Updated content
Course overview
Old:
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, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.
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, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.
New:
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.
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.
Core modules
Old:On Route Two, you will choose three languages. Language 1 must be post A Level (or equivalent) French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 2 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.
New:
On Route Two, you will choose three languages. Language 1 and Language 2 must 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.
26 September 2024
Updated entry requirements:
A level contextual offer
Old:
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB including A in a modern foreign language or Latin/Ancient Greek, with at least B in language chosen as Language 1 (French, German, Spanish or Italian). See if you’re eligible.
At what level can I learn each language?
- One of your languages must be post A level in French, German, Italian or Spanish.
- Your other language can be at any level (dependent on prior qualifications/experience). If you wish to begin two languages at beginner level, you are encouraged to discuss this with us before applying.
Mandarin Chinese can be taken at beginner, intermediate or post A level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window 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, 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.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability
New:
A level contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is BBB including at least B in the language chosen as Language 1 (French, German, Spanish or Italian). See if you’re eligible.
At what level can I learn each language?
- One of your languages must be post A level in French, German, Italian or Spanish.
- Your other language can be at any level (dependent on prior qualifications/experience). If you wish to begin two languages at beginner level, you are encouraged to discuss this with us before applying.
Mandarin Chinese can be taken at beginner, intermediate or post A level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window 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.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability
IB typical offer
Old:
34 to include 6 in a Higher Level language. You must be taking Language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish) at Higher Level.
IB contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 32 including 6 in a Higher Level modern foreign language or Latin/Ancient Greek, with at least 5 in Higher Level language chosen as Language 1 (French, German, Spanish or Italian). See if you’re eligible.
At what level can I learn each language?
- One of your languages must be post A level (or equivalent) in French, German, Italian or Spanish.
- Your other language can be at any level (dependent on prior qualifications/experience). If you wish to begin two languages at beginner level, you are encouraged to discuss this with us before applying.
- Mandarin Chinese can be taken at beginner, intermediate or post A level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window 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, 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.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability.
New:
IB typical offe
32 to include 6 in a Higher Level language. You must be taking the language chosen as Language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish) at Higher Level.
IB contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 30 including at least 5 in the language chosen as Language 1 (French, German, Spanish or Italian) at Higher Level. See if you’re eligible.
At what level can I learn each language?
- One of your languages must be post A level (or equivalent) in French, German, Italian or Spanish.
- Your other language can be at any level (dependent on prior qualifications/experience). If you wish to begin two languages at beginner level, you are encouraged to discuss this with us before applying.
- Mandarin Chinese can be taken at beginner, intermediate or post A level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window 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.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability.
Other UK qualifications
Old:
At what level can I learn each language?
- One of your languages must be post A level (or equivalent) in French, German, Italian or Spanish.
- Your other language can be at any level (dependent on prior qualifications/experience). If you wish to begin two languages at beginner level, you are encouraged to discuss this with us before applying.
- Mandarin Chinese can be taken at beginner, intermediate or post A level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window 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, 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.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability.
New:
At what level can I learn each language?
- One of your languages must be post A level (or equivalent) in French, German, Italian or Spanish.
- Your other language can be at any level (dependent on prior qualifications/experience). If you wish to begin two languages at beginner level, you are encouraged to discuss this with us before applying.
- Mandarin Chinese can be taken at beginner, intermediate or post A level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A level (or equivalent), please contact ugadmissions@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window 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.ukLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window before applying to check your suitability.
Scotland Advanced Highers
Old:
AA in two Advanced Highers including a language, where you have achieved ABB/BBB in three further Highers subjects.
AB in two Advanced Highers including A in a language, where you have achieved AAB in three further Highers subjects. You must possess an Advanced Higher in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).
New:
AA in two Advanced Highers including a language, where you have achieved ABB/BBB in three further Highers subjects.
AB in two Advanced Highers including A in a language, where you have achieved BBB in three further Highers subjects. You must possess an Advanced Higher in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).
Welsh Baccalaureate
Old:
ABB in three subjects at A level including grade A in a language, plus grade C in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. You must possess an A level in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).
New:
BBB in three subjects at A level including at least B in the language chosen as Language 1 (French, German, Spanish or Italian), plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
24 September 2024
Updated content
Old:
Modern Languages is the study of specific languages in combination with an understanding of the contexts in which they are spoken. A Modern Languages degree 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.
In our globalised world, we rely daily on translation between languages and cultures. A degree featuring 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.
New:
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?
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 Francophone cultures. The specialist communication, research, critical and evaluative skills you will gain are all highly sought after by employers.
Core modules
Old:
In your first year you will take:
- Two languages: two language modules, one culture module relating to your Language 1, and the core Translation Studies module
- Three languages: three language modules and the core Translation Studies module
In your intermediate and final years you will also take either two or three core language modules, depending on your programme route. On the pathway with two languages, you will be able to take a cultural module each year alongside your core language and Translation Studies modules. On the pathway with three languages, 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.
Year One
- Language 1 (French, German, Italian or Spanish)
- Language 2 (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish)
- Language 3 or a cultural module related to Language 1 or 2 or a Translation Studies module
A note on the languages
Mandarin Chinese can be taken at beginner, intermediate or post A level (or equivalent) level maximum. If you have Chinese at A level (or equivalent), please contact 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, 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, cultural modules are available in all years of the course. These either relate specifically to French, German, Italian or Spanish, or are of a cross-cultural nature.
Translation: Methods and Practice
What is translation, and how does it help us to explore relationships between languages and cultures? This module introduces you to key theoretical approaches to translation and enables you to develop your own translation skills, working between English and either French, German, Spanish or Italian. You will learn how to analyse translations produced by others as well as your own work, and you will gain experience of translating for different purposes. The module gives you the opportunity to discuss topics both in language-specific tutorial groups and in larger, multilingual seminars.
Read more about Translation: Methods and Practice, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Intermediate Year
- Continuation of Language 1
- Continuation of Language 2
- Continuation of Language 3 or a cultural module related to Language 1 or 2, including cross-cultural options
Translation in the Digital Age
What role does technology play in translation? How can digital tools help translators, and how can we make the most of these technologies in our translation work? This module will introduce you to different forms of translation that are mediated and enhanced by technology. It will introduce computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools (such as translation memories, machine translation and corpus resources) and equip you with the skills to critically assess and use these tools. You will be introduced to current practices in the language industry (web translation, post-editing, subtitling) and will gain an overview of the translation profession (translation competences, project workflows). In the second half of the module, students will work in teams to complete a collaborative project to translate a website into multiple languages.
Read more about the Translation in the Digital Age module, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Translation and Translators in the Contemporary World
Who are translators, and how do they translate? What are the ideas and agendas that shape the work of translators in the contemporary world? This module situates translation within the context of relevant theories developed in the field of Translation Studies, developing core theories you have learned about in the first year and introducing a focus on the role of translation and translators in contemporary society. By looking at the role of translators, as well as publishers and editors, you will be able to approach translation as a social, cultural process involving multiple agents. The module will equip you to reflect in depth on your reading of translations and on your own translation practice in relation to cultural and sociological issues.
Read more about the Translation and Translators in the Contemporary World module, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Final Year
- Continuation of Language 1
- Continuation of Language 2
- Continuation of Language 3, or a cultural module related to Language 1 or 2, including cross-cultural options
Undergraduate Translation Project
This module offers you an opportunity to develop your own translation project, with the support of a language-specific supervisor. You will complete two translations and write a reflective commentary on each of them, supported by ideas from translation theory. The module enables you to:
- develop awareness of the challenges associated with translating different text types;
- critically reflect on translation practice;
- critically engage with theoretical literature to support arguments;
- develop a capacity for independent study and self-directed inquiry and research;
- develop further key transferable skills including effective communication, self-motivation, self-reliance, problem-solving, and time and information management.
Read more about the Undergraduate Translation Project module, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
New:
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 must be post A Level (or equivalent) French, German, Italian or Spanish. Language 2 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.
Year One
- Language 1
- Language 2
- Language 3, or a culture module related to Language 1 or 2
- Core Translation Studies module, Translation: Methods and Practice (see below)
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.
Translation: Methods and Practice
What is translation, and how does it help us to explore relationships between languages and cultures? This module introduces you to key theoretical approaches to translation and enables you to develop your own translation skills, working between English and either French, German, Spanish or Italian. You will learn how to analyse translations produced by others as well as your own work, and you will gain experience of translating for different purposes. The module gives you the opportunity to discuss topics both in language-specific tutorial groups and in larger, multilingual seminars.
Read more about Translation: Methods and Practice, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Intermediate Year
- Continuation of Language 1
- Continuation of Language 2
- Continuation of Language 3, or a culture module related to Language 1 or 2, including cross-cultural options
- Core Translation Studies modules, Translation in the Digital Age and Translation and Translators in the Contemporary World (see below)
Translation in the Digital Age
What role does technology play in translation? How can digital tools help translators, and how can we make the most of these technologies in our translation work? This module will introduce you to different forms of translation that are mediated and enhanced by technology. It will introduce computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools (such as translation memories, machine translation and corpus resources) and equip you with the skills to critically assess and use these tools. You will be introduced to current practices in the language industry (web translation, post-editing, subtitling) and will gain an overview of the translation profession (translation competences, project workflows). In the second half of the module, students will work in teams to complete a collaborative project to translate a website into multiple languages.
Read more about the Translation in the Digital Age module, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Translation and Translators in the Contemporary World
Who are translators, and how do they translate? What are the ideas and agendas that shape the work of translators in the contemporary world? This module situates translation within the context of relevant theories developed in the field of Translation Studies, developing core theories you have learned about in the first year and introducing a focus on the role of translation and translators in contemporary society. By looking at the role of translators, as well as publishers and editors, you will be able to approach translation as a social, cultural process involving multiple agents. The module will equip you to reflect in depth on your reading of translations and on your own translation practice in relation to cultural and sociological issues.
Read more about the Translation and Translators in the Contemporary World module, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Final Year
- Continuation of Language 1
- Continuation of Language 2
- Continuation of Language 3, or a culture module related to Language 1 or 2, including cross-cultural options
- Undergraduate Translation Project (see below)
Undergraduate Translation Project
This module offers you an opportunity to develop your own translation project, with the support of a language-specific supervisor. You will complete two translations and write a reflective commentary on each of them, supported by ideas from translation theory. The module enables you to:
- develop awareness of the challenges associated with translating different text types;
- critically reflect on translation practice;
- critically engage with theoretical literature to support arguments;
- develop a capacity for independent study and self-directed inquiry and research;
- develop further key transferable skills including effective communication, self-motivation, self-reliance, problem-solving, and time and information management.
Read more about the Undergraduate Translation Project module, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
20 September 2024
Updated A Level entry requirement
Old:
AAB to include A in a language. You must possess an A level in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).
New:
AAB to include A in a language. You must possess an A level in your first language choice (French, German, Italian or Spanish).