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Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement (MA)

In this section

Undergraduate Virtual Open Day

Register to attend our Undergraduate Virtual Open Day on Thursday 19 November.

Introduction

This applied degree is designed to meet the needs of future translators and interpreters. You'll develop a high level of proficiency in two languages and gain practical experience to further your understanding and fluency in a period of residence abroad.

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MA
Duration
48 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
September
Location of Study
Aberdeen
UCAS Code
RQ51

You will gain a high degree of proficiency and communicative competence in two foreign languages as well as the translation and interpreting skills needed to carve out a career in the expanding market. The innovative combination of academic and vocational elements will open doors for students and provide valuable transferable skills. Gain fluency in your chosen languages and develop knowledge and practical skills in translation and interpreting.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The ºÚÁÏÍø is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

Year 1

COMPULSORY
Introduction to Translation and Interpreting Studies (15 credits) 1HS
Working with Texts (15 credits) 2HS

OPTIONAL - you will need to study one in 1HS and one in 2HS
Introduction to Literature and Culture of one of the languages chosen (1HS)
English structure and use (1HS)
Communication and Language in Contemporary Societies (2HS)

Year 1: Compulsory Courses

Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)

This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.

Getting Started at the ºÚÁÏÍø (PD1002)

This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.

Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Introduction to Translation and Interpreting (TL1001)

15 Credit Points

This course will introduce students to the key concepts of translation and interpreting and to the metalanguage of both disciplines.

Working with Texts (TL1501)

15 Credit Points

This course will explore and examine the different ways in which we, as translators and interpreters, work with texts in our professional lives. It will consider what is meant by a “text”, and deal with the many different varieties of text and their individual challenges for the translator, as well as allow students to develop strategies for dealing with these challenges when they face them.

Year 1: Optional Courses

Select TWO from the following:

  • FR 1031 French Culture and Society: From Occupation to Decolonisation
  • LA 1501 The Global City in Text and Film
  • GM 1049 Background to German Beginners 1
  • GM 1052 Modern German Culture 1
  • LN 1008 English Past and Present
  • SP 1039 Spain and Spanish America: History, Culture, Politics

Select ONE Higher/Advanced Language course listed below:

  • Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029) AND Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)
  • German Language 1 (GM1050) AND German Language 2 (GM1550)
  • Spanish Language 2 (SP1028) AND Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)

Select ONE Beginner OR Higher/Advanced Language courses listed below:

  • Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028) AND Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528)
  • Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029) AND Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)
  • German for Beginners 1 (GM1054) AND German for Beginners 2 (GM1554)
  • German Language 1 (GM1050) AND German Language 2 (GM1550)
  • Spanish Language (SP1028) AND Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)
  • Spanish Language 1 (SP1027) AND Spanish Language 2 (SP1528)
French Culture and Society: from Occupation to Decolonisation (FR1031)

15 Credit Points

This course introduces students to twentieth and early twenty first century French and Francophone culture and society, focusing on the occupation of France during World War II, gender issues, and the impact and aftermath of colonialism and decolonisation. Students will explore the socio-historical and socio-political context by engaging with literature, film, writing from the period and visual materials. Texts will be available in translation for those with limited or no knowledge of French.

The Global City in Text and Film (LA1501)

15 Credit Points

Focusing on major cities in Europe and the Americas, this course unit uses a range of texts, including films, poetry and fiction, to investigate urban spaces as sites of promise, power and loss. Representations of global cities, and experiences of urban dwellers, highlight themes such as empire, identity, leisure, labour and love. Set amid glittering facades and gritty back streets, the texts studied in this course explore the many meanings of the urban experience across place and time. These urban encounters also provide a way of understanding key social, political and cultural moments in the past and present.

English Past and Present (LN1008)

15 Credit Points

How do we get from Beowulf to ‘bae’? From Chaucer to ‘sashay away’? This course will look at the development of English over the last millennium and beyond, examining language changes in sound, structure and meaning. You will also be introduced to present-day study of English, its spread as a truly global language, and how all of this can add to our understanding of language in the modern world and in the past.

Spain and Spanish America: History, Culture, Politics (SP1039)

15 Credit Points

The course introduces students to colonial encounters ranging from Muslim Iberia to the pre-conquest Americas and continuing into the period of the Spanish Empire. From the nineteenth century, conquest and colonial encounters continued as newly-independent Spanish American states seized indigenous territories, while colonial mentalities re-surfaced in contexts as diverse as the Spanish Civil War and Southern Cone dirty wars. These examples show how colonial encounters helped shape contemporary Spain and Spanish America.

Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029)

15 Credit Points

This course is intended for students who have studied French to Higher (Grade B or above) or equivalent level or above.

This course will enable students to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken, working towards a level equivalent to CERF intermediate B1 by the end of the follow-on course in the second semester. The course is open to all students with the relevant experience. For students registered for a degree with French, this will be a significant step in their training and preparation for the required residence abroad in a French-speaking country after level 2.

Individual cases will be considered, however, it is recommended that:• Students who have no or limited experience of French register for FR1028: Beginners French Language 1• Students who have studied French up to a Higher at grade B (or equivalent) register for FR1028: Beginners French Language 1• Students who have studied French to a Higher at grade A (or equivalent) or above, register for FR1029: Qualified French Language 1• Students who wish to discuss their individual situation should e-mail: llmvc.enquiries@abdn.ac.uk or speak directly to relevant staff members as soon as possible and ahead of the deadline for changing courses (Friday of teaching week 2)

German Language 1 (GM1050)

15 Credit Points

This interactive, skill-based course is designed for students with prior knowledge of German. It builds on previously acquired German communication skills to further develop students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in German. Additionally, the course provides a deeper understanding of various cultural aspects of German-speaking countries.

Students who are considering applying for entry to German Honours must take this course.

Upon registration for this course, you are asked to complete a short online language placement to ensure that you are registered for the most appropriate course for your language ability.

• Students who have no experience of German register for GM1054: German for Beginners 1• Students who have studied German to National 5/GCSE level (or equivalent) typically register for GM1054: German for Beginners 1• Students who have studied German to Higher (or equivalent) register for GM1050 German Language 1

Spanish Language 2 (SP1028)

15 Credit Points

This is a fast-paced language course for students with some previous knowledge of Spanish. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.

This course involves intensive language study. Upon successful registration to this course, you are expected to complete a short online entry test on MyAberdeen to ensure that you are registered for the most appropriate course for your language ability. You will not be able to access the course site until you have completed this short test.

It is strongly recommended that you complete this test at the earliest opportunity as your timetable/course selections may be subject to change if your language ability would be better suited to an alternative course. You will be informed of this as soon as you complete the test.

The short entry test does not count toward your overall grade for this course.

It is recommended (subject to individual entry test results) that:

  • Students who have no experience of Spanish register for SP1027: Spanish Language 1
  • Students who have studied Spanish to National 5 level (or equivalent) register for SP1027: Spanish Language 1
  • Students who have studied Spanish to Higher level (or equivalent) register for SP1027: Spanish Language 1
  • Students who have studied Spanish to Advanced Higher level or A Level (or equivalent) register for SP1028: Spanish Language 2
German Language 2 (GM1550)

15 Credit Points

The course is designed for students who successfully completed GM1050 (semester 1)The course builds on previously acquired German communication skills to further develop students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in German. Additionally, the course provides a deeper understanding of various cultural aspects of German-speaking countries.

Students who are considering applying for entry to German Honours must take this course

Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Spanish Language 2 or can be taken by students who have the required level of Spanish.

Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)

15 Credit Points

This course is intended for students who have successfully completed and passed FR1029 - Qualified French Language 1.

This course will enable students to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken, to achieve a level equivalent to CERF intermediate B1 by the end of the course. The course is open to all students with the relevant experience. For students registered for a degree with French, this will be a significant step in the students’ training and preparation for their required residence abroad in a French-speaking country after level 2.

Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028)

15 Credit Points

This intensive language course is designed for students with limited or no previous knowledge of French, whether or not they intend to complete a degree in French.

The aim of the course is to introduce the fundamentals of French grammar and a basic working vocabulary and to give extensive practice in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. If they choose to do so, students who take this course and the follow-on Term 2 course, FR1528, will have sufficient knowledge of French to proceed to study at Level 2 and beyond.

Individual cases will be considered, however, it is recommended that:

  • Students who have no or limited experience of French register for FR1028: Beginners French Language 1
  • Students who have studied French up to a Higher at grade B (or equivalent) register for FR1028: Beginners French Language 1
  • Students who have studied French to a Higher at grade A (or equivalent) or above, register for FR1029: Qualified French Language 1
  • Students who wish to discuss their individual situation should e-mail: llmvc.enquiries@abdn.ac.uk or speak directly to relevant staff members as soon as possible and ahead of the deadline for changing courses (Friday of teaching week 2)
Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528)

15 Credit Points

This course is intended for students who have successfully completed and passed FR1028 – Beginners French Language 1.

The course builds on the work done in FR1028, extending students’ knowledge of the fundamentals of French grammar and continuing to build their vocabulary and communication skills. This will enable students to consolidate and further develop the core language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, working towards a level equivalent to CERF Intermediate A2/B1. The course is open to all students with the relevant experience, whether or not they intend to complete a degree in French. If they choose to do so, students who complete and pass this course will have an adequate command of French to proceed to study at Level 2 and beyond.

German for Beginners 1 (GM1054)

15 Credit Points

This interactive language course provides students with a foundation in German. It enables students to understand the gist of authentic spoken and written German and to speak and write about everyday topics with a degree of accuracy and fluency.

No previous knowledge of German is required, but this course can also be taken by students who took German at school before, on any level lower than Higher or A-level.

With 3 Language Classes and 1 Language Practical per week this course provides students with ample opportunities to develop their language skills in class, as well as supporting them to refine their personal self-study strategies.

After completion of German for Beginners 1, students can continue with German for Beginners 2 in the second term of each year.

Upon registration for this course, you are asked to complete a short online language placement to ensure that you are registered for the most appropriate course for your language ability.

It is recommended (subject to individual placement results) that:• Students who have no experience of German register for GM1054: German for Beginners 1• Students who have studied German to National 5/ GCSE level (or equivalent) typically register for GM1054: German for Beginners 1• Students who have studied German to Higher level (or equivalent) register for GM1050 German Language 1

German for Beginners 2 (GM1554)

15 Credit Points

This interactive language course provides students with a sound foundation in German. It is designed for students who completed GM1054 (German for Beginners 1) during term 1.

The course enables students to understand the gist of authentic written and spoken German and to speak and write about everyday topics with a degree of accuracy and fluency.

No previous knowledge of German is required, but this course can also be taken by students who took German at school before, on any level lower than Higher or A-level. With 3 Language Classes and 1 Language Practical per week this course provides students with ample opportunities to develop their language skills in class, as well as supporting them to refine their personal self-study strategies.

Spanish Language 1 (SP1027)

15 Credit Points

This is a fast-paced and intensive language course for students with very little or no previous knowledge of Spanish. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.

This course involves intensive language study. Upon successful registration to this course, you are expected to complete a short online entry test on MyAberdeen to ensure that you are registered for the most appropriate course for your language ability. You will not be able to access the course site until you have completed this short test.

It is strongly recommended that you complete this test at the earliest opportunity as your timetable/course selections may be subject to change if your language ability would be better suited to an alternative course. You will be informed of this as soon as you complete the test.

The short entry test does not count toward your overall grade for this course.

It is recommended (subject to individual entry test results) that:

  • Students who have no experience of Spanish register for SP1027: Spanish Language 1
  • Students who have studied Spanish to National 5 level (or equivalent) register for SP1027: Spanish Language 1
  • Students who have studied Spanish to Higher level (or equivalent) register for SP1027: Spanish Language 1
  • Students who have studied Spanish to Advanced Higher level or A Level (or equivalent) register for SP1028: Spanish Language 2
Spanish Language 2 (SP1528)

15 Credit Points

This is a fast-paced language course for students with some previous knowledge of Spanish. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.

This course involves intensive language study. Upon successful registration to this course, you are expected to complete a short online entry test on MyAberdeen to ensure that you are registered for the most appropriate course for your language ability. You will not be able to access the course site until you have completed this short test.

It is strongly recommended that you complete this test at the earliest opportunity as your timetable/course selections may be subject to change if your language ability would be better suited to an alternative course. You will be informed of this as soon as you complete the test.

The short entry test does not count toward your overall grade for this course.

It is recommended (subject to individual entry test results) that:

  • Students who have no experience of Spanish register for SP1027: Spanish Language 1
  • Students who have studied Spanish to National 5 level (or equivalent) register for SP1027: Spanish Language 1
  • Students who have studied Spanish to Higher level (or equivalent) register for SP1027: Spanish Language 1
  • Students who have studied Spanish to Advanced Higher level or A Level (or equivalent) register for SP1028: Spanish Language 2
Year 2

COMPULSORY
Theory of Translation and Interpreting (15 credits) 1HS
Introduction to Bilateral Interpreting 2HS

OPTIONAL - you will need to study one in 1HS and one in 2HS
Translation Practice L1 (1HS)
Research Methods (2HS)
Translation Practice L2 (1HS)
Varieties of English (2HS)

Year 2: Compulsory Courses

Theory of Translation and Interpreting (TL2001)

15 Credit Points

This course enables students to gain an insight into the theoretical framework of translation and of interpreting.

Introduction to Bilateral Interpreting (TL2501)

15 Credit Points

This course introduces the skills of liaison interpreting, develops confidence in conversation management and performance evaluation as well as students´ research and documentation skills.

It also provides opportunities for students to practice intercultural mediation through liaison interpreting in a structured and supported manner.

Residence Abroad Preparation for Mlti Students (LA10RP)

This course is restricted to MLTI (Modern Languages / Translation and Interpreting) students.

This course is for students preparing their residence abroad, as part of their degree requirements on Modern Languages (Mode A and Mode B) or Translation and Interpreting programmes. This course carries no credits in itself, but provides essential support and guidance as MLTI students organise their residence abroad to meet their degree requirements.

Year 2: Optional Courses

30 credit points from the following Higher/Advanced Language courses:
LA 10RP Residence Abroad Preparation for MLTI Students 0


TL 2002 Advanced French Language 1 with Translation AND TL 2502 Advanced French Language 2 with Translation

TL 2004 German Language 3 with Translation AND TL 2504 German Language 4 with Translation

TL 2005 Spanish Language 4 with Translation AND TL 2505 Spanish Language 5 with Translation


AND
30 credit points from the following Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language courses:


FR 2002 Advanced French Language 15 AND FR 2502 Advanced French Language 2

GM 2042 German Language 3 AND GM 2542 German Language 4


GM 2040 German Language (Advanced Introductory) 1 AND GM 2540 German Language (Advanced
Introductory) 2


SP 2025 Spanish Language 3 AND SP 2526 Spanish Language 4


SP 2026 Spanish Language 4 AND SP 2531 Spanish Language 5


Plus 30 credit points from the following courses:


LN 2008 Language in Society

OR

LN 2515 Elements of English

OR EITHER

FR 2017 (De)centering France: Social Movements and Cultural Transformation OR

GM 2016 German Culture: Texts And Impacts OR

SP 2041 Spain and Spanish America in Text and Film OR


AND


LA 2501 World Changing Protests 15

Advanced French Language 1 with Translation (TL2002)

15 Credit Points

This second-year French language course, which runs in the first half-session, is only open to students who have passed FR1529 and are on the MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies programme. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, as well as provide additional translation practice.

Advanced French Language 2 with Translation (TL2502)

15 Credit Points

This second-year French language course which runs in the second half-session is only open to students who have followed Advanced French Language 1 with Translation. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and provide for further development of student’s translation skills.

German Language 3 with Translation (TL2004)

15 Credit Points

This level two language course will build on and extend students' fluency and written skills in German. It will also provide additional translation instruction for students on the MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies programme.

Spanish Language 5 with Translation (TL2505)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Spanish Language 4 with Translation and aims to prepare non beginners intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.

The course will develop further Spanish language skills, expanding on the vocabulary and introducing formal documents and letters. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of vocabulary and grammatical reinforcement study.

Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002)

15 Credit Points

This course is open to students who have successfully completed and passed FR1528 OR FR1529. Building on the work done in FR1528 and FR1529, it will consolidate and extend students’ knowledge of French language. Grammatical and linguistic analysis will develop further language skills, both receptive (listening, reading comprehension and translation into English) and productive (translation into French; oral language). Students will work towards a level equivalent to CERF Advanced B2 by the end of the follow-on course, FR2502 in Term 2.

FR2002 and FR2502 are both the required French language courses for students to enter the French Honours programme and will prepare them to complete the required period of residence abroad in a French-speaking country. These courses are also open to students with the relevant experience who do not intend to complete a degree in French.

German Language 3 (GM2042)

15 Credit Points

This level two language course will build on and extend students' fluency and written skills in German.

German Language (Advanced Introductory) 1 (GM2040)

15 Credit Points

The course consists of language classes leading to advanced communicative competence in German and it will include the analysis of contemporary texts drawn from a variety of contexts. This course may be taken only by students who have completed the German for Beginners courses.

Spanish Language 3 (SP2025)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Spanish Language 2 or can be taken by students who have the required level of Spanish.

Spanish Language 4 (SP2026)

15 Credit Points

This course aims to prepare intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.

The course will develop further Spanish language skills, both receptive and productive. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of audio-visual study and grammatical reinforcement study.

Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)

15 Credit Points

This course is open to students who have successfully completed and passed FR2002. It will further consolidate and extend students’ knowledge of French language. Continued grammatical and linguistic analysis will enhance language skills, both receptive (listening, reading comprehension and translation into English) and productive (translation into French; oral language). Students will work towards a level equivalent to CERF Advanced B2 by the end of the term.

FR2002 and FR2502 are both the required French language courses for students to enter the French Honours programme and will prepare them to complete the required period of residence abroad in a French-speaking country. These courses are also open to students with the relevant experience who do not intend to complete a degree in French.

German Language 4 (GM2542)

15 Credit Points

Building on work done in GM 2042, the course will develop further language skills.

German Language (Advanced Introductory) 2 (GM2540)

15 Credit Points

The intention of the course is to extend and reinforce further students' command of German grammar, vocabulary and syntactic structures, and to introduce various styles of written and spoken German. The course builds on the work done in GM2040 and is intended only for continuing beginners.

Spanish Language 4 (SP2526)

15 Credit Points

This course aims to prepare intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.

The course will develop further Spanish language skills, both receptive and productive. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of audio-visual study and grammatical reinforcement study.

Spanish Language 5 (SP2531)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Spanish Language 4 and aims to prepare non beginners intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.

The course will develop further Spanish language skills, expanding on the vocabulary and introducing formal documents and letters. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of vocabulary and grammatical reinforcement study.

Language in Society (LN2008)

30 Credit Points

Language is central to our humanity. Language and society are inextricably linked. Language unites; language divides. This course will develop your understanding of the social nature of language, providing insight into, among other things, the relationship between gender and language, language death and the issue of language policy and planning.

(De)centering France: Social Movements and Cultural Transformation (FR2017)

15 Credit Points

The course introduces students to the history, culture and identity of contemporary France by examining key moments and themes in the development of France as a political and cultural entity from the Early Modern period to the present.

FR2017 explores the history, culture and identity of modern France and its place in the Francophone world through topics such as:

  • The French Revolution (1789-1799)
  • The Dreyfus Affair (1894 to 1906)
  • Feminisms in Modern and Contemporary France (1970s to present day)
  • The legacies of colonialism (post-World War II to present-day)
  • The role of the French language in the contemporary world
German Culture: Texts and Impacts (GM2016)

15 Credit Points

Learn more about modern German history and culture while also extending your skills in reading German texts.

Spain and Spanish America in Text and Film (SP2041)

15 Credit Points

The course will introduce students to several key texts from Spain and Spanish America. It will also introduce a key question in contemporary literary and film analysis: how texts may reinforce or challenge the social structures that underlie local and national communities. To this end we will study plays, novels and films that have had a broad impact in the Spanish-speaking world and beyond, investigating how they work to cement the cultural values that bring communities together or, on the contrary, lead readers to question and rebel against prevailing social norms.

Elements of English (LN2515)

30 Credit Points

We perceive language as an integrated whole, but in fact it exists on many levels. This course investigates these layers of structure through examination of speech sounds, word formation, and sentence construction. We will consider the theory behind these areas of phonology, morphology, and syntax, looking at how they function independently and interact. Students will gain skills to undertake analysis of language structure and think critically about structural elements fundamental to English.

World - Changing Protests: History, Culture, Politics (LA2501)

15 Credit Points

The course will span a century of protests across Europe, the Americas and North Africa, with causes including peace, democracy, human rights, anti-racism, labour rights, equality for women and LGBTI+ communities, climate change and decolonisation. Students will learn about the history, culture and politics of the countries where protests erupt, including of the social movements that lead protests. Approaches will include history, literary, film and media analysis, material and visual culture, music and social science methods.

Year 3

You spend one year abroad (6 months in each country)

Year 3: Compulsory Courses

The academic year spent working or studying abroad.

The first half session:

  • Residence Abroad Work Placement 1 (TL30P1) OR Residence Abroad Work Placement 1 (TL30P2) (45 credit points)

The second half session:

  • Residence Abroad Study Placement 2 (TL35P1) OR Residence Abroad Work Placement 2 (TL35P2) (45 credit points)
Residence Abroad Correspondence Course 1 (TL30RA)

15 Credit Points

The course aims to encourage students to examine critically issues relating to the cultural, political, economic and social environment in which they are living during their period of residence abroad. This course will extend students’ cultural and linguistic awareness and provide them with an opportunity to conduct their own research.

Residence Abroad Correspondence Course 2 (TL35RA)

15 Credit Points

The course aims to encourage students to examine critically issues relating to the cultural, political, economic and social environment in which they are living during their period of residence abroad. This course will extend students’ cultural and linguistic awareness and provide them with an opportunity to conduct their own research.

Residence Abroad Work Placement 1 (TL30P2)

45 Credit Points

The course gives students an opportunity to take up a work placement in a native speaking country of the foreign language they study. Students’ request of taking up such a placement is subject to approval of the School.

Year 4

COMPULSORY
Advanced Translation Skills L1 (15 credits) 1HS
Advanced Interpreting Skills L1 (15 credits) 2HS

OPTIONAL - you will need to study one in 1HS and one in 2HS
Advanced Translation Skills L1- 2HS
Advanced Interpreting Skills - L1- 1HS
Dissertation - 2HS
Translation Project - 1HS

Year 4: Compulsory Courses

Advanced Translation: Theory and Practice (LA4501)

15 Credit Points

This course will enable students to gain an insight into the theoretical framework of translation and will also enable students to grasp some of the main issues and concepts in translation theory and practice which go beyond linguistic concepts

Year 4: Optional Courses

Select TWO of the following:

  • Level 4 French Language (FR4027)
  • German Language Study 6 (GM4050)
  • Spanish Language 7 (SP40A5)
Level 4 French Language (FR4027)

30 Credit Points

Building on the skills gained in their third year of study of French, this course will help the students' French language gain very high skills in all four areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, whilst increasing their grammatical and lexical knowledge, as well as their sensitivity to linguistic variety.

German Language Study 6 (GM4050)

30 Credit Points

This level 4 course is specifically aimed at students who want to improve their German Language skills, but who are not taking German as part of a single or joint Honours programme in German Studies. It consists of a German language class, a composition class and an oral class.

Spanish Language 7 (SP40A5)

30 Credit Points

This is the final Spanish language course within the degree that will provide students with advanced comprehension and writing skills in general and specialised registers.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Professional Placements
  • Research
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
  • practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
  • written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies?

  • Increase your employability. 
  • Access more opportunities across the world.
  • Expand your options to study abroad.
  • Broaden your understanding of other cultures and societies.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the ºÚÁÏÍø.


General Entry Requirements

2027 Entry

SQA Highers

Standard: BBBB

Applicants that present with BBBB will usually receive an unconditional offer.

Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is recommended.

Widening Access: BBC

Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer.

Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.

Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher. 

National 5 English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C or above.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBC

Widening Access: CCC

GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above.

BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA

DMM in related subjects.

Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.)

GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes.

IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE

Five subjects at Higher at H3.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

30 points including 5, 4, 4 at HL.

SL in English is also required.

Additional Information

NOTE: Applicants must have at least one Higher / A level (or equivalent qualification) in either French, German or Spanish for entry.

The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our .

Fees and Funding

You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

EU / International students
Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year
£20,800
Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
£20,800
Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
£14,800

The above fee includes the £6,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.

Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
£14,800

The above fee includes the £6,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.

Home Students
Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
£1,820
Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year
£1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland
Tuition Fees for 2027/28 Academic Year
£10,050

The UK Government has confirmed that the RUK fee cap will continue to increase each year to reflect inflation. Tuition fees will increase in line with the Government fee cap each year, and this should be taken into account when budgeting.

Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
£9,790

The UK Government has confirmed that the RUK fee cap will continue to increase each year to reflect inflation. Tuition fees will increase in line with the Government fee cap each year, and this should be taken into account when budgeting.

Scholarships and Funding

UK Scholarship

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The ºÚÁÏÍø is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.

Funding Database

View all funding options in our Funding Database.

Careers

There are many opportunities at the ºÚÁÏÍø to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Translation and Interpreting

Translators and Interpreters are in high demand due to an increase in migration globally. 

1st for Overall Satisfaction

We rank 1st in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Linguistics.

Source: National Student Survey 2025.

What our Alumni Say

Jasmine Richardson

Jasmine Richardson

Job Details
MA (Hons) Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies
Graduation Year
2026

During my time at Aberdeen, my love for languages grew immensely, and I owe so much of that to the exceptional teaching within the Languages Department. The communication, organisational and critical thinking skills I developed throughout my degree have led me to where I am today...choosing to study languages at Aberdeen was one of the best decisions I've made. The opportunities, support and skills I've gained have shaped both my academic journey and my future career path.

Our Experts

Information ºÚÁÏÍø Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Discover Uni

Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
ºÚÁÏÍø
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX