Newcastle University

Modern Languages, Translation and Interpreting BA Honours
UCAS Code: 1R19 (4 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

This new degree gives you the opportunity to study two modern foreign languages whilst also specialising in translation and interpreting.

You will spend a year abroad, developing near-native fluency and experience life in another culture.

The opportunity to develop fluency in one or two languages, along with developing in-demand employment skills in translating and interpreting, make this a very attractive degree.  

Graduates will be advantageously placed for careers as freelance translators/interpreters for agencies and commercial clients, in-house translators/interpreters in the private or public sector, and for work in international organisations. 

Languages / pathways available

Students who enter this programme will have A level at A grade (or equivalent) at least one of French, German and Spanish. There are two routes through the programme, depending on your current level of language knowledge.

All students will study 80 credits (two thirds) of their degree pursuing general study of their two chosen languages and their related cultures.

General language study lays the foundations on which the study of translation and interpreting can be consolidated, while cultural modules (such as film, history, linguistics or literature) offer students crucial background knowledge that enhances skills in translation and interpreting.:

Students with A level (or equivalent) in two languages (French, German or Spanish)

You follow pathways in translation and interpreting that will prepare you in both languages.

Students with A level or equivalent in one language (French, German or Spanish)

You follow a translation and interpreting pathway in just one language taken at A level (out of French, German and Spanish) and study another language from beginners’ level.

You may choose a beginner’s language from Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese or Spanish. This second language enables students to be qualified for postgraduate study of translation and interpreting or for use in other careers.

Teaching and assessment

The School of Modern Languages produces high-level original research in the cultures of the contemporary societies with which it engages. This research feeds directly into our teaching, giving you the chance to really get to know the modern societies connected to your chosen languages before experiencing them first hand in the countries where they are spoken. We have particular research expertise in:

• Film Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Linguistics
• Medieval Studies

The majority of practical language modules are taught through classes led by native speakers, as well as through work in language laboratories and self-study in our Language Resource Centre. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

Assessment involves oral and language laboratory work and written examinations at the end of each Stage, as well as course work submitted during the year. During your year abroad in Stage 3 you are required to complete a personal learning record (a diary exercise consisting of three short pieces of work) and either write a project in the relevant language or submit marks from modules taken at the exchange university. 

Year Abroad

All students will spend their third year abroad. They may study at a university corresponding to the languages of study, work as a teaching assistant, or take up a work placement.

Students have in past years secured work placements with translation companies abroad, and details of these companies are advertised to students every year.

University study abroad includes the option of studying with overseas institutions specialising in translation and interpretation. 

Support for year abroad

We offer lots of help to prepare you for your year abroad including:

• organising briefings covering practicalities like insurance, visas, student safety
• social events for second-year students to meet with finalists returning from their year abroad, and with incoming Erasmus students from our partner universities
• a Tandem Learning Scheme to partner you with a native speaker in your chosen language for regular conversation
• free access to the Language Resource Centre for independent study
• training course for language assistants

Our team of year abroad officers will keep in touch with you while you are abroad, and you will communicate regularly with your personal tutor via the e-portfolio.  

School of Modern Languages

We have been teaching languages at Newcastle for over 100 years. This mark of quality and heritage is reflected in the reputation that the School holds.

Our outstanding facilities ensure that you have everything you need to support your language learning, from state-of-the-art language laboratories to an award-winning Language Resource Centre.

There are lots of opportunities within the School for you to meet new people and get involved with different activities including joining our student-run societies:

• the Anglo-Chinese Society
• the Anglo-Japanese Society
• the Modern Languages Society

Find out more about Newcastle University's School of Modern Languages on the School website.