Language and Translation Studies, Bachelor's Programme, specialisation German, 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.

German is one of the most important languages of Europe, and it is the first language of about 100 million people. It is an official language in three states: Germany, Austria and Switzerland. For historical reasons, German has an important role as an intermediary language in Europe. A reason for this is, among others, the great economic and cultural position of Germany in our part of the world. For centuries Germany and Austria have exerted great influence on Swedish culture in areas such as music, art and literature. Germany is the largest and most important trading partner of Sweden, and for that reason, good skills in German are in high demand on the labour market. This is why the German division at the Department of Baltic languages, Finnish and German offers courses in German at all levels, from beginners’ courses to courses at the postgraduate level. Most of these courses have been divided in a number of subcourses. Some courses emphasize language skills and capabilities to communicate in German in both speech and writing, while others impart knowledge about the literature, history and sociology of the German-speaking countries, as well as about the structure of the language. You may study German as a complementary part of another program (as a Minor) or as a complete program which may lead up to a Ph.D. degree. Also, you may study German within the Joint Programme for Master of Arts and Master of Education that leads to a Degree of Master of Art and Master of Education. Please note that, with most day time courses, a certain amount of teaching will take place in the evening.