Translation BA

general higher education entrance qualification, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification

• Linguistic focus on English: Knowledge of English at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• Linguistic focus on French: Knowledge of French at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• Linguistic focus on Spanish: Knowledge of Spanish at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

This degree programme requires applicants to pass an aptitude test. More information is available on the institute website.

Students will begin their studies by acquiring knowledge of the academic and theoretical principles of translatology. Building on this, they will subsequently gain a broad range of knowledge and skills relevant to the practice of translation. Some examples of this include the expansion of existing language skills to ensure students can work confidently in all working languages and the acquisition of linguistic skills, including those related to specialist texts, to provide students with the proficiencies required for text analysis and resolving the typical practice-relevant translation problems found in the various text categories. In addition, when selecting elective subjects or elective areas, students are free to pursue non-philological modules that meet with their interests and provide further key qualifications.

Additionally, courses are offered that provide basic knowledge in the areas of politics, business and literature from the linguistic and cultural community of the language(s) being studied, allowing students to acquire key foundations of intercultural communication. Proficiency in the use of digital tools is a fundamental requirement for professional translators and interpreters; therefore, in the area of language technology, students will be provided with insight into current trends. They will acquire basic skills in the use of cutting-edge translation and terminology software, allowing them to establish a solid foundation for their future careers or the pursuit of a Master’s degree. Students will also acquire the skills and knowledge required to enable them to conduct independent work on a specific subject-related or career-associated academic or practical issue.

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Translation entails a student workload of 180 credits. It comprises compulsory courses and compulsory electives, along with a freely chosen elective area or elective subject, and a required Bachelor’s thesis with a focus on a core subject (90 credits) . The elective area or elective subject provides students with 60 credits. In addition, 30 credits will be earned in courses that focus on key skills. These courses may be selected from among those specific to the subject, specific to the faculty or courses open to all Leipzig University students.

Core subject

One of the following languages must be selected as your initial foreign language (B language):  

• English
• French
• Spanish  

Coursework in the initial foreign language comprises several compulsory modules and one compulsory elective module. It is preferred that the compulsory elective module be completed as part of a study-abroad programme. The Bachelor’s thesis is typically completed during the third year of studies, alongside coursework.

Elective area

Elective areas may be individually designed. It is recommended that an additional translation subject be selected, i. e. one of the other languages listed above with a translation profile, but at least three modules with related content must be selected. The following are options for individualising the elective area:

• a ‘large’ translation elective area (60 credits):  an additional B language selected from English, French, Spanish, Galician or Catalan
• a translation elective area (30 credits in another B language, see above) and a non-translation elective area (30 credit points), or
• a freely chosen non-translation elective area (60 credits), e.g. in another linguistic subject, and/or
• a non-linguistic subject, or
• a freely selected combination of modules.

Key skills

The Key Skills area provides students with the opportunity to complete additional philological modules that serve to improve language skills in another foreign language as well as to complete a translation-related internship. At least one non-philological module must also be completed.

• Basics of translation and interpreting for English, French and Spanish in combination with German as the primary language (A language)
• Basque, Galician and Catalan as an additional foreign language
• Opportunity for one or two study-abroad semesters at one of more than 50 universities worldwide
• For students pursuing the specialisation ‘Translation in the German-Cuban Context’, binational dual degree with the University of Havana 

The Bachelor’s degree in Translation provides an excellent basis for pursuing a subsequent Master’s degree or a professional career in intercultural and international communication. Graduates may find work as (freelance) translators for generalist texts or in regional divisions of companies or organisations, where their job profile may involve translation or serving as interpreter in negotiation processes in addition to general communication in their working languages. The Bachelor’s degree programme also prepares students for a career in other linguistic areas, such as documentation, technical editing, or teaching.

In particular, the dual degree conferred for the binational specialisation ‘Translation in the German-Cuban Context’, with its focus on the Caribbean linguistic and cultural region, is optimal for preparing students to work in international organisations. Graduates with German as a native language can often find exciting opportunities for working abroad.

To prepare for embarking on their future career paths, it is recommended that students connect with potential employers and gain initial work experience by participating in an internship while still enrolled. The university’s Career Services department will gladly provide information and assistance with this.

Most translators work on specialist translations. This requires additional qualifications students can obtain in the Master’s degree programme in Translatology at the Institute of Applied Linguistics and Translatology. The Bachelor’s degree in Translation also provides an excellent basis for pursuing the Master’s degree programme in Conference Interpreting

• It is recommended that students complete a translation-related internship.
• During your studies, you have the opportunity to complete a semester abroad, preferably during the fifth semester, or a year abroad that takes place as part of the Erasmus+ programme during the third and fourth or the fifth and sixth semesters. You can complete the stay abroad at one of Leipzig University’s partner universities. There, you take courses that provide a sensible continuation of your studies in terms of the topics. After you have successfully completed the stay abroad, this work is recognised in the Translation programme according to the Study and Examination Regulations. The academic programme advisors and coordinators for your degree programme are happy to advise you on selecting modules.

• Study regulations (SO) and examination regulations (PO), curricula and module descriptions (in German)

Course start: Winter semester
Admission restriction (NCU): no
Application period: 2 May–15 September
Application portal: AlmaWeb

Please ensure that you read and take note of the further information provided on the pages “Online application”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

Options in the winter semester: 3rd semester and 5th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester, 4th semester and 6th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Special enrolment requirements: Credits form (Anrechnungsbescheid)

You can find more information on our page for “Applying for higher semesters of study”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

An aptitude test is required for the first semester of this degree programme. Please go to the institute’s webpage to find information about the registration process for the aptitude test and the deadlines that apply! The application for the degree programme must be submitted separately to the registration for the aptitude test.