Translation

This postgraduate certificate enables you to start developing your professional skills as a translator. You’ll engage in authentic translation tasks to develop useful employability skills, explore different approaches to translation and develop an understanding of the links between theory and practice. With a focus on recent research, you’ll develop an awareness of the wider cultural, ethical and professional contexts of translation. The languages offered on this qualification are French, German, Italian, Spanish, Modern Standard Arabic, or Mandarin Chinese, in combination with English.

Modules

To gain this qualification, you need 60 credits as follows:



60 credits from:



Module

• Introduction to translation theory and practice (L801) 60 Credits



You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 20 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.



For module details please see "Course Web Page".

A UK honours degree (preferably a 2:1 or above) or other recognised equivalent qualification1



Proficiency in your first language at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level C2



Proficiency in your second language at CEFR level C12



1If you don’t have an honours degree, talk to an advisor.



2If your first language is English, and you’ve passed an OU level 3 module in your second language, your language proficiency should be suitable, as the exit level of our OU level 3 language courses is CEFR C1.

8 months part-time study



How long it takes

Most students study the Postgraduate Certificate in Translation part-time, completing 60 credits over eight months. Typically, this means 20 study hours each week.

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance

There is an increasing global demand for translators and language professionals, and this postgraduate certificate will introduce the knowledge and skills that are needed for a career in this exciting field. This is an immensely rewarding profession for those with an interest in languages and communication and encompasses a wide and growing range of areas, including audio-visual translation, advertising or website localisation, as well as semi-specialised and specialised translation.



If you wish to pursue a career as a translator, be it as an in-house or freelance translator, this qualification will introduce you to the professional skills needed and provide you with a basic understanding of the professional tools you will need in this fast-moving field. You will also acquire a raft of highly valued transferable communication and collaborative skills, such as teamwork, which are useful in a range of occupations in the communications sector.



If you already have a career in the translation field and are seeking a further qualification to develop your career or update your skills, you might also want to consider the Postgraduate Diploma or the MA in Translation.



Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.



CIOL UK Registered Provider



The Open University is recognised as a Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) UK HE registered provider. By studying for this qualification you will be entitled to free membership of CIOL as a Student Affiliate. Being a Student Affiliate is the first step on your career ladder to becoming a Chartered Linguist.



Membership of the Institute of Translation & Interpreting



The Open University is a Corporate Member of the Institute of Translation & Interpretation (ITI). As such, we have signed the ITI Code of Professional Conduct and are committed to providing quality training for the translation and interpreting industry. By studying for this qualification you will be eligible for student membership of the ITI.



Membership of the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies of the UK and Ireland (APTIS)



The Open University is an Institutional Member of APTIS. Membership of this innovative network allows us to share expertise with our partners as regards the teaching of translation and interpreting studies at UK and Irish HE institutions. We aim to advance education for the public benefit in the UK and Ireland so as to improve the quality of learning and teaching as well as research on translation and interpreting programmes at Higher Education institutions.