Translation Studies - English, Bachelor Programme

Undergraduate study - 180 credits - 3 years - Kristiansand (no enrolment in 2006-2007)

Aim and objective
The translation studies programme is different from a language study in that students, in addition to studying Norwegian and a foreign language, will acquire a professional understanding of the translation process through the study of theory and methods of translation. Students will acquire sufficient competence in language for specific purposes and translation to make them capable of working as translators in a number of specific fields. They also learn to use electronic work tools and are introduced to selected fields of social science, thus acquiring factual knowledge in fields with which they will be confronted in their work as translators. Further, the course gives an introduction to selected social sciences and thus provides knowledge in fields they will encounter in their work as translators.

Professional goal and access to further studies
The study qualifies for positions as translators in the private and public sectors. It is also suited as a first degree aimed at other professions such as professional translator or language consultant, public relations officer, executive officer or journalist.

Admission requirements
The programme is designed for students with great curiosity, who wish to work with languages and who value accuracy, since translation is a discipline that requires precision, sound knowledge of the mother tongue, and a very good knowledge of the foreign language. Norwegian is a key discipline. Students are expected to be interested in acquiring knowledge about social conditions and institutions in Norway and the target language country or countries. Being interested in acquiring knowledge in new areas is crucial if a translator is to provide good solutions to assignments in various special fields.
The minimum requirements are:Higher Education Entrance Qualification plus English as special subject in upper secondary school, i.e. 5+5 weekly hours.

Recommended previous knowledge
Recommended prior knowledge
Norwegian from upper secondary school, 14 weekly hours in the general area of study. Knowledge of the foreign language above upper secondary school level.

Organisation, Education and forms of Evaluation
The degree programme is made up of courses of 10 or 15 credits. A study abroad period is also required at one of the University College's partner universities. The study abroad period is mandatory. Information on study possibilities abroad will be given when the programme starts.

Forms of teaching vary between seminars, lectures, group work and language lab work.
Forms of assessment are portfolio assessment, written school examinations and written home examinations.

Requirements for continuing in the study program
Students must have successfully completed all language courses in the first year of study before proceeding to year two. Before the study abroad period commences, the course instructor and the programme director must have agreed to the students'choice of courses to take abroad, thus ensuring that the choice of modules meets the requirements of the BA translation curriculum. A form is to be filled in and signed by the student and the programme coordinator. If changes are made in the choice of modules during the study abroad period, the course instructor and programme director are to be notified for acceptance. The study-abroad part of the programme lasts a full academic year. To be allowed to continue with the third year of study a student must normally have completed the study-abroad year. Still, it is possible to apply for exemption with up to 15 credits from the requirement of 55 ECTS credits from the study-abroad year. In such a case relevant courses can instead be taken in Norway to replace the missing credits from the study-abroad period.

Published : 31 August 2006 by SP