Translation and Interpreting with Japanese and French (Double Degree)

The University of East Anglia offers a unique Double Degree programme in Translation and Interpreting with Japanese and French, designed to prepare students for careers in multilingual communication, international relations, and professional translation services. This innovative course combines rigorous language training, cultural studies, and practical translation and interpreting skills, providing a comprehensive education that equips graduates to operate confidently in complex, multilingual environments. Throughout the programme, students will develop a high level of proficiency in both Japanese and French, including advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. They will also gain in-depth understanding of the cultural contexts that underpin effective translation and interpreting practices, ensuring their ability to facilitate accurate communication across diverse cultural backgrounds.

The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through hands-on training in translation and interpreting, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and experienced academic staff. Students will undertake modules covering translation theory, cross-cultural communication, technical and specialised translation, consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, and digital tools for translators. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for real-world experience through internships, collaborative projects, and exchange programmes with partner universities in Japan and France. This international exposure enhances intercultural competence and provides students with invaluable insights into different professional environments.

Graduates of this Double Degree programme will be well-equipped to pursue careers as professional translators, interpreters, language consultants, orwork in international organizations, government agencies, and multinational corporations. They will also be prepared for further academic study or research in translation and interpreting fields. The programme is ideal for students passionate about languages and cross-cultural communication who aspire to work professionally in global contexts. With its blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and cultural immersion, the Double Degree in Translation and Interpreting with Japanese and French at UEA offers a distinctive pathway to success in the competitive world of language services.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14430 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU £9,000; International £12,300

Course Content

Year One

In Year One, as subsequently, language modules make up the compulsory component of the programme. You then have scope to choose from a range of options which normally include: Media Culture, Media Power, Analysing Film and Television, Introduction to Cultural Studies, Big Brother? The Politics and Sociology of Media and Culture, and Discourse and Power. Single honours students can choose from our wide range of subsidiary languages and thus develop their expertise in a previously studied non-A level language, or increase the range of languages they possess by starting a new one; many students develop a subsidiary languages over more than one year of their degree. Our range of subsidiary languages is currently as follows: British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. Many of these can be studied for a second year (to intermediate level, i.e. A level equivalent); there are also one-year and two-year post-A level subsidiary courses in some languages.

Year Two

Core honours language study makes up at least one third of your study for the remaining two years spent at UEA. In Year Two, you also have the compulsory module Translation Issues in the Media. For your remaining study, you choose two modules from a wide range of options which normally include a translation strand – Translation and Adaptation, Subtitling and Dubbing, and Translation Work Experience, for example; a cultural strand – France through the Eye of the Lens, French Language in Action (level 2) and Introduction to the European Union; and a media strand – The Construction of News, European Media and The EU: News and Documentary, Cultural Theory and Analysis, Publishing, The Economics of Film and TV. There is also one module of free choice. It is also possible to continue the study of a Subsidiary language in Year Two.

The Year Abroad

Year Three is spent in a country where your Honours language is spoken. For further information, please click on the Study Abroad tab above.

Final Year

In your Final Year, alongside your core Honours language study, you take a further Translation module and choose two from a large range including Interpreting, Translation Theory and Practice, Subtitling and Dubbing, Translation Work Experience, Language and Society, Political Communication and others.
Your choice of options is made in consultation with your Adviser, who will ensure that it not only reflects your interests, but that it is also academically coherent.

Honours Language Work

In each year, you have on average 4 contact-hours per week in your Honours language. The Honours language teaching is closely related to the study of contemporary society in the country (or countries) where your Honours language is spoken and your experience of learning language at UEA will include a combination of lectures, seminars and conversation classes. It will cover grammar, translation from and into French, reading and listening comprehension, précis and paraphrase work, the study of different styles and registers, lexical exercises and oral work. You will also spend a significant proportion of time working independently using subject-oriented teaching dossiers, radio, TV, films, transcripts, newspapers and online resources while keeping abreast of current affairs and cultural life at home and abroad. Our Language Centre has a digital language laboratory, a viewing and editing room, an interpreting suite for advanced language training, live satellite television broadcasts in French and Spanish, a large, multi-media self-access resources room with a wide range of French and Spanish DVDs and reference books, up-to-date computers linked to the internet, and translation software.
You will acquire specific expertise in the traditional language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as transferable skills such as time management, self-discipline and self-motivation, intercultural awareness, flexibility and resourcefulness, mediation skills, IT literacy and teamwork.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 88

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A Level: ABB
• International Baccalaureate: 32
• Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB
• Access Course: Please contact the University for further information.
• HND: Please contact the University for further information.
• European Baccalaureate: 75%

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 18 in the Listening and Writing components; 19 in the Reading component; and 21 in the Speaking component)
• PTE: 62 overall with minimum 55 in all components

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The School does not currently interview all applicants for undergraduate entry as standard, however we do offer the opportunity to meet with an academic individually on a Visit Day in order to gain a deeper insight into the course(s) you have applied for.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.

Deferred Entry

We also welcome applications for deferred entry, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

It is generally expected that you should have at least a Grade B at A Level, or its equivalent, in the language or languages that you intend to take at honours level.

In the case of Spanish or Japanese studied from Beginners' or Spanish, French or Japanese from post-GCSE level, we require evidence of foreign language learning ability, such as a good grade in a foreign language at GCSE.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact the University directly for further information.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English at Grade C or above at GCSE level.

Assessment

For the majority of candidates the most important factors in assessing the application will be past and future achievement in examinations, academic interest in the subject being applied for, personal interest and extra-curricular activities and the confidential reference. We consider applicants as individuals and accept students from a very wide range of educational backgrounds and spend time considering your application in order to reach an informed decision relating your application. Typical offers are indicated above. Please note, there may be additional subject entry requirements specific to individual degree courses.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

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

The Translation and Interpreting with Japanese and French (Double Degree) programme at the University of East Anglia is a comprehensive and rigorous course designed for students who are passionate about languages, intercultural communication, and international careers. This programme provides students with the opportunity to develop advanced skills in translation and interpreting, with a special focus on Japanese and French languages. Students benefit from a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge of translation studies, intercultural communication, and language proficiency with practical training in translation and interpreting techniques. The double degree structure allows students to earn qualifications from both their home institution and a partner university, enhancing their employability and academic profile.

Throughout the programme, students engage in extensive language practice, including written translation, simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, and localization tasks. They also learn about cultural nuances and contextual considerations crucial for accurate and effective translation in diplomatic, business, legal, and technological contexts. The programme emphasizes professional development through workshops, industry placements, and internships, preparing graduates to meet the demands of the global translation market.

The curriculum incorporates current technology tools such as CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) software, terminology management systems, and machine translation. Students learn to adapt to evolving industry standards and digital platforms, ensuring their skills remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment. The programme also promotes critical thinking, research skills, and ethical considerations important in translation and interpreting careers.

Students typically have access to experienced faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners in translation and intercultural studies. The university's facilities include dedicated translation labs, language resource centers, and access to an extensive collection of bilingual and monolingual dictionaries, databases, and online resources. Collaborative projects and groupwork foster teamwork and intercultural competence.

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in diplomatic services, international organizations, multinational corporations, translation agencies, and media outlets. They are also prepared for postgraduate studies in translation, linguistics, or related fields. The programme’s dual-language focus, coupled with cultural immersion opportunities, ensures students gain a deep understanding of both Japanese and French cultures, linguistics, and professional translation practices. This unique educational experience positions graduates for successful international careers, emphasizing both linguistic proficiency and intercultural competence in a globalized economy.