Language and Translation Studies, Bachelor's Programme, specialisation French, 180 ECTS

Translation Studies

Do you want to become an interpreter or a translator? Then sign up for a course or a programme in Translation Studies (which comprises interpreting as well as translation) at the Institute for Interpreting and Translation Studies/Tolk- och översättarinstitutet (TÖI). What is the difference between an interpreter and a translator? Interpreters work with oral communication and there are different kinds of interpreters: conference interpreters often work in the EU or the UN, public service interpreters help people communicate with the authorities, and sign language interpreters mediate spoken Swedish and Swedish sign language in various contexts. Working as an interpreter is varied and stimulating, but it can also be taxing and calls for good general knowledge, good language skills, speed, flexibility and a very high ability to concentrate. At the undergraduate level, you can take freestanding courses up to the Bachelor level. TÖI also offers a Bachelor Programme in Sign Language and Interpreting in collaboration with the Department of Linguistics, and TÖI offers a Master’s Programme in Interpreting as well. Translators, on the other hand, work with written communication. Technical or specialised translators translate texts in the areas of engineering, IT, law, economics, medicine and advertising among others. Audiovisual translators work with texts for the cinema or television. Literary translators mediate literary texts. To become a good translator, you need broad general knowledge, good language skills and a very high ability to express yourself in writing, and you also need to be conscientious. At the undergraduate level, you can take freestanding courses in translation up to the Bachelor level. TÖI also offers a Bachelor Programme in Language and Translation in collaboration with various language departments, and TÖI offers a Master’s Programme in Translation as well. Since 2013, there is also a Doctoral Programme in Translation Studies at TÖI.

Careers

Many conference interpreters, public service interpreters and translators work as freelancers. Sign language interpreters are often employed by interpreter centres at county councils. Technical or specialised translators are engaged by public authorities as well as private companies. Literary translators are engaged by publishers and audiovisual translators are mainly engaged by various media companies.

Degrees

You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation Studies by taking freestanding courses amounting to at least 90 credits, combined with 90 credits in other subjects, including at least 60 credits in one language. You can also enrol in a programme:

• Bachelor’s Programme in Sign Language and Interpreting, 180 credits • Bachelor’s Programme in Language and Translation, 180 credits • Master’s Programme in Interpreting, 120 credits • Master’s Programme in Translation, 120 credits

Please note that the courses and programmes at TÖI require well-documented high proficiency in Swedish.

French is the native language or one of the first languages of nearly 120 million people, making it the ninth largest language in the world. French is the official language or the language of instruction in about thirty countries of Europe, North and Central America, Africa and Asia. French and English are the only languages in the world to be used as first languages on all the continents. It is is one of the two working languages of the United Nations, the second largest working language of the European Union, and the principal language of the African Union. Finally, French is clearly one of Europe’s most important cultural languages. France set the tone in diplomacy, literature and philosophy in the 17th century, while no less than 15 French-speaking authors have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Knowledge of French is an important asset on the labour market, and Swedish industry and commerce have much to gain from having more Swedish people with a command of French. French is a practically essential tool for acquiring a deeper insight into European philosophy, culture, art and literary history.

At the University of Stockholm, successful and internationally recognised research is carried out in the sphere of French language and literature, such as language acquisition, medieval French, French in the media, grammar, translation theory, Francophone literature from North Africa, comparative literature and 19th century prose. Teaching and research are closely related in the department.

We offer instruction in French from the elementary to doctoral level. During the first semesters you improve your oral and writing skills while broadening your linguistic knowledge as well as your understanding of French literature as well as history, social life and culture in the French-speaking world. Already after the second semester you may choose to specialise in either literature or linguistic studies.