Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement, MA

Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement, MA

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.

What You'll Study

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)

Compulsory Courses

Optional Courses

Select TWO from the following:

  • Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France 1 (FR1021)
  • Modern German Culture 1 (GH1052)
  • Latin America: A Cultural History (SP1536)
  • English Structure and Use (LN1003)
  • Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France in Context (FR1527)
  • Modern German Culture 2 (GM1556)
  • Encountering the Other in Iberia and the Americas (SP1038)
  • English Past and Present (LN1502)

Select ONE Beginner OR 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)
  • Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 1 (MN1001) AND Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 2 (MN1501)
  • Spanish Language (SP1028) AND Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)
  • Spanish Language 1 (SP1027) AND Spanish Language 2 (SP1528)

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

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.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

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

View the Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Entry Requirements

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

Qualifications

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


General Entry Requirements

SQA Highers

Standard: BBBB

Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBC

Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees. 

Adjusted: BB

Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.

We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher. 

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

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBC

Minimum: BCC

Adjusted: CCC

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

Entry from College

Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.

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 detailed entry requirements section.


English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Fees and Funding

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

Fee information
Fee category Cost
RUK £9,535
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
EU / International students £20,800
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme - See full terms and conditions
Home Students £1,820
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year

Financial support for your study year abroad

We provide funding to students starting in 2021/22 on degrees with a compulsory period abroad at the same level as the Turing funding. This financial support can be used towards rent in your new city overseas, general living costs, or travelling to see more of your new home country. Students going abroad will continue to pay their normal rate of tuition fees with no increased charges or need to change tuition fee arrangements to the host university. For a full overview of how the tuition fees work, you can check this helpful funding table on our website.

Additional Fees

  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.

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 University of Aberdeen 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 University of Aberdeen 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. 

Our Experts

Information About 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.

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Get in Touch

Contact Details

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