Technical Translation

The Technical Translation Bachelor's programme at Riga Technical University offers students a comprehensive education in the specialized field of translating technical and scientific texts across various industries. Designed to meet the demands of the globalized market, this programme equips students with essential language skills, technical knowledge, and translation techniques necessary for effective communication in multidisciplinary environments. Throughout the course, students develop proficiency in at least two foreign languages, with a strong emphasis on English, as well as technical languages relevant to engineering, information technology, and other technical sectors. The curriculum covers core areas such as terminology management, translation theory, localization, computer-assisted translation tools, and quality assurance processes, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional translation roles in technical fields.

The programme focuses on enabling students to accurately interpret complex technical documents, user manuals, patents, scientific articles, and digital content. Practical training is integrated into the learning process, providing opportunities for internships and collaboration with industry partners, which helps students gain real-world experience and build professional networks. Additionally, students learn about the cultural and contextual aspects of translation, ensuring their work is not only linguistically precise but also contextually appropriate. The faculty consists of experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to maintaining high standards of education and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in translation technology and practices.

Graduates of the Technical Translation programme are prepared to work as technical translators, localisation specialists, language consultants, or technical writers in various sectors including engineering, IT, manufacturing, and science communication. They are capable of functioning effectively in multinational organizations, translation agencies, and freelance environments. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, attention to detail, and continuous learning to adapt to the rapidly evolving translation landscape. Committed to fostering multilingual competence and technical literacy, Riga Technical University’s Technical Translation Bachelor’s programme is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a dynamic and globally relevant career in technical communication and translation.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 1400 Year (EEA)
• EUR 2020 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The study programme is full-time, thus, the main methods are contact classes under the supervision of a teacher and independent work outside lecture time. Three forms of classes are offered within the framework of the study course, namely, lectures, seminars and practical classes. When planning translation classes, great emphasis is placed on involving all students in interactive work. To ensure a still greater efficiency some classes are held in computer rooms where students have access to modern
translation software and the Internet. The lecturers help the students develop skills of independent work with dictionaries, encyclopaedias, machine translation software. The themes of projects and reports are formulated in such a way as to raise the theoretical competence of the students and develop their analytical skills. With respect to the content, some of the compulsory and specialized subjects of the curriculum are as follows*:
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS
o Practical Grammar
o Lexicology and Stylistics
o Reading and Interpretation of
Professional Literature
o Functional Communication
o Academic Writing
o Introduction to Linguistics
o Translation of Specialized Texts
LIMITED CHOICE
Specialized subjects
o Translation of Texts in Law
o Business Communication
o Presentations
o Basics of Computer Translation
*For complete curriculum, check the RTU website.

The technical translation program at Riga Technical University requires applicants to have completed secondary education with a strong foundation in language studies, particularly in at least two languages, including Latvian and English. Prospective students should demonstrate proficiency in these languages, often through standardized language tests or prior academic achievements. A background in technical subjects, such as engineering, information technology, or natural sciences, is highly advantageous, as the program emphasizes translating complex technical documentation accurately and effectively. The admission process may also consider other qualifications or relevant work experience related to technical fields. Once admitted, students are expected to complete a curriculum that combines language skills development with specialized training in technical terminology, electronic tools, and translation technologies. Courses typically include technical writing, terminology management, translation theory, and practical translation exercises involving technical manuals, user guides, scientific articles, and patent documentation. The program aims to prepare graduates to undertake translation tasks in various industries such as engineering, IT, manufacturing, and telecommunications. Students are encouraged to gain practical experience through internships, project work, and collaboration with industry partners. To graduate, students must complete a set of coursework, pass examinations, and produce a final translation project or thesis demonstrating their ability to manage complex technical translation tasks. The program emphasizes accuracy, clarity, and cultural appropriateness of translations, preparing students for professional careers as technical translators, localization specialists, or language consultants in multinational companies or translation agencies.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Riga Technical University.

The Technical Translation program at Riga Technical University is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become proficient technical translators. The curriculum focuses on developing advanced language competencies in at least two foreign languages, alongside a comprehensive understanding of technical terminology and specialized translation techniques. Students are trained to translate complex technical documents, manuals, and technical reports across various engineering and technical disciplines, ensuring clear and accurate communication in multilingual settings.

Throughout the program, students gain practical experience in translating technical texts from fields such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, information technology, and many others. Emphasis is placed on the use of translation tools and software to improve efficiency and precision, as well as on understanding the cultural and contextual nuances essential for effective technical translation. The curriculum includes courses on terminology management, localization, and document formatting, preparing graduates for the demands of the international technical communication industry.

The program also fosters interdisciplinary knowledge, enabling students to understand the technical content they translate, which enhances the quality and reliability of their work. Students have opportunities to collaborate on real-world projects, internships, and exchange programs, which help to build professional networks and enhance employability after graduation. The faculty consists of experienced professionals in translation, linguistics, and technical fields, ensuring students receive high-quality education grounded in current industry practices.

Graduates of the Technical Translation program are prepared for careers in multinational corporations, translation agencies, technical documentation companies, and within the public sector. They can work as technical translators, localization specialists, technical writers, or project managers, contributing significantly to international communication in engineering and technology sectors. The program emphasizes both language proficiency and technical understanding, making graduates versatile and capable of working in diverse technical environments. Overall, the program aims to create highly skilled technical translators capable of bridging language barriers and facilitating international technical cooperation.