Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per 20-credit module
Course summary
Our Languages and Translation BA Honours will give you the skills, knowledge and competencies to build a career as a professional translator.
On this course, you can choose from one of two main languages - French or Spanish. Depending on your entry point, you can combine the main language with another language (Arabic, Chinese, French or Spanish) or the International Communication route.
You'll develop in-depth knowledge of language structure, register, textuality and discourse, by applying linguistic concepts to practical translation tasks. Our activities and assessments reflect real-world tasks, so you’ll experience professionally orientated training in both generic and language-specific skills and knowledge, preparing you for a career as a professional translator, while also gaining the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development.
Alongside core modules in translation, the course offers a wide range of option modules, covering topics including international communications, world cultures, current affairs, politics and gender issues.
One of the highlights of studying languages at Westminster is the opportunity to embark on a transformative international experience. This can be tailored to your personal circumstances, and flexible opportunities could include short fully funded field trips or summer schools, a semester spent studying abroad in the second year, and/or a year-long international experience after your second year of study.
You'll benefit from studying in the heart of a multilingual city, where over 300 languages are spoken, offering unique opportunities for linguistic exploration.
As well as careers in professional translation, our graduates have found employment as interpreters, teachers (both in foreign languages and English as a foreign language), and in various other sectors including law, marketing, journalism, and the Civil Service.
We accept intermediate (post-A level) and proficient speakers in French or Spanish. This is a linguistically challenging course and we may need to assess you in order to determine your entry point and suitability.
Top reasons to study with us
- Develop the skills you need - we offer practical and authentic translation experience, including audio-visual translation and transcreation
- Boost your career potential – get a head start in your career with regular translation projects, career management and computer-assisted translation training
- Choose your path – proficient speakers of French or Spanish can choose between adding another language or taking International Communication modules
- Learn in an efficient way - our small group learning and personalised tutorial support ensure you'll be fully supported throughout your studies
- Gain international experience - take part in a year abroad studying, working or volunteering
Course structure
Teaching and learning take place through a combination of formal lectures, seminars, practical workshops, guided self-study, and exposure to professionally relevant simulations and real-work environments.
Assessment methods include in-class coursework, essays and projects, presentations, and oral and unseen written exams.
You can find examples of how marks have been calculated and study time distributed in the past in the Teaching and Assessment section at the bottom of this page.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication OR The Arab/Chinese/French/Spanish World and the Word
- Introduction to the Study of Language and Culture
- Introduction to Translation
- Objects and Meaning: The Social Life of Material Culture
- World Varieties of English OR The Arab/Chinese/French/Spanish World and the Word
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Building Translation Competence
- Difference and the Visual: Representation, Meaning and Identity OR Expressions of Arabic/Chinese/French/Spanish Culture
- Language in the Public Space OR Expressions of Arabic/Chinese/French/Spanish Culture
- Multilingual e-Collaboration: Transposing Current Affairs
- Understanding Culture: Arabic/Chinese/Francophone/Hispanic Studies in Focus
Credit Level 5
Professional experience or study abroad year
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Translation (Spanish) with Professional Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Translation (Spanish) with International Experience.
Subjects of study include:
- Computer-assisted Translation, Machine Translation, and Post-editing
- Final Year Project
- Identities on the Move: Arabic/Chinese/Francophone/Hispanic Studies in Focus
- Mediation in International Contexts OR Themes in Contemporary Arabic/Chinese/French and Francophone/Hispanic Studies
- Multilingualism in Society: Theory and Practice
- Professionalising International Communication OR Themes in Contemporary Arabic/Chinese/French and Francophone/Hispanic Studies
- Sex Strike: Gender and Protest
- Towards Professional Translation
- Work Placement for Humanities
Credit Level 6
Professional recognition
The University of Westminster is a Higher Education Language partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists and a member of the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies APTIS.
Hear from our students
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
Boost your employability
Spanish and French were the second and third most desired language by employers, according to a report by CBI/Pearson.
Source: CBI/Pearson 2019.
Future-proof your career
French and Spanish are two of the three most requested languages from top language services recruiters.
International Experience
Gain international experience and develop your language skills by taking part in an academic year studying or working abroad.
Career Development
The teaching on this course will expose you to professionally relevant simulations and real-work environments, enabling you to gain a better understanding of careers in translation.
As well as careers in professional translation, our graduates have also found employment as interpreters, teachers (both in foreign languages and English as a foreign language), and in various other sectors including law, marketing, journalism, and the Civil Service.
Additionally, you'll have the option to take part in a year studying, working or volunteering, depending on your language level, in a French- or Spanish-speaking country.
Job roles
The course prepares you for roles and sectors including:
- Editor
- Interpreter
- Teacher
- Transcreator
- Translator
- Quality Assurance
- Brand management and advertising
- Civil Service
- Community Services
- Communications careers in business and marketing
- Digital content production
- Diplomacy
- Medical, Healthcare & Pharmacy
Graduate employers
Previous languages students have found roles in companies including:
- Artlife Translations
- Creative Translation Ltd
- Dojo
- Farm Diversity
- GlobaLexicon
- Pertemba Global
- QuantumBlack
- Transperfect
- Verbatim Interpreters Ltd
- White Label Productions
- Wordbank London
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Elsa Huertas Barros
Senior Lecturer
Elsa Huertas Barros is a Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies and Course Leader for the Specialised Translation MA and Translation and Interpreting MA. Elsa completed a Translation degree, an MA in Advanced Studies in Translation and Interpreting and a PhD in Translation at the University of Granada.
Elsa mainly teaches practical translation modules and translation theory both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Elsa’s research interests lie in the fields of translator training, particularly translator competence, interpersonal competence, collaborative learning, student-centered methodologies and assessment practices. Elsa’s most recent worked has focused on the development of competence descriptors for a common European framework of reference for Translation (EFFORT project) and the development of evaluation procedures for different levels in the acquisition of translation competence (EACT project).
Studying Translation helps you understand the nuances and secrets of language transfer between different cultures
Course Team
- Dr Elsa Huertas Barros - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Saskia Huc-Hepher - Assistant Head of School
- Zoe Diderich - Lecturer
- Alexa Alfer - Assistant Head of School
- Olga Nunez Pineiro - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Federica Mazzara - Reader in Cultural Studies
- Dr Liz Harvey-Kattou - Senior Lecturer
- Professor Cangbai Wang - Professor
Why study this course?
Outstanding facilities
Our computer-assisted translation training gives you the knowledge and skills you need for a successful translation-related career.
Authentic learning
You'll learn practical and authentic translation, including audio-visual translation and transcreation.
International experience
Gain international experience with a year working, studying or volunteering in a Spanish-speaking country.
Studying languages with us
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points), with a C in French or Spanish or be a proficient level speaker in French or Spanish
- T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points, with evidence of successful modern foreign language learning in French or Spanish
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS tariff points from the IB including a minimum of 4 in French or Spanish at HL
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM with evidence of successful modern foreign language learning in French or Spanish
- BTEC Diploma – D*D with evidence of successful modern foreign language learning in French or Spanish
- Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course with evidence of successful modern foreign language learning in French or Spanish
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4 and evidence of successful modern foreign language learning in French or Spanish
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We may need to test you to ascertain your language level if you are not doing an A Level in French or Spanish.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,540 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
You should budget up to £50 for additional materials in each year of the course.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £2,830 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
You should budget up to £50 for additional materials in each year of the course.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
Your Westminster
Book an open day. Order a prospectus. Sign up for newsletters.