BA Modern Languages and Translation

A career in translation or interpreting can be exciting and rewarding, and our Modern Languages and Translation BA will help you gain the skills you need while studying a foreign language in depth. As an advanced language learner you will immediately start translating and interpreting into your target language.

Leicester is one of the top ten places in the UK to study Modern Languages (The Guardian University Guide 2021) and we rank high for student satisfaction in the annual National Student Survey.

You will study one language at Advanced level (choose from French, Italian, or Spanish). Throughout the course you will divide your time equally between studying translation and interpreting in theory and in practice, and developing your language proficiency, whilst learning about the social, political, and cultural forces that have shaped that country.

At the end of your first year, you attend one of our fully-funded summer schools. This immersive experience includes language tuition, cultural and social activities and accommodation with a local family.

Developing your foreign language skills gives you a powerful advantage in business and opens up a wide and exciting range of careers. You will enjoy a rich culture of learning-led experience in a supportive and tailored learning environment, and you will be supported by our team of personal tutors to help you make the best of your time here.

You will also spend a year abroad where you can live as a student or work as a teaching assistant, with tutors on hand to help throughout the year. We have links with several universities in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and Latin America. Alternatively, you can take up an approved work placement.

Here in Modern Languages at Leicester we offer a rich and diverse learning experience, with great facilities, knowledgeable staff who are experts in their fields, and a unique chance to study abroad and build your international communication skills.

If you are a native Chinese speaker (or have an A-level in Chinese) but do not have the necessary qualification in a European language, you can take beginners-level modules in French, Italian or Spanish and apply your translation studies to English-Chinese.

If you are a native Arabic speaker (or have an A-level in Arabic) but do not have the necessary qualification in a European language, you can take beginners-level modules in French, Italian or Spanish and apply your translation studies to English-Arabic.