Translating and interpreting Trade and travel between countries has increased dramatically in recent years with the introduction of the internet and high-speed transport links. Communications between nations is vital and has led to a burgeoning demand for translating and interpreting services. This is reflected in the increasing number of courses in translation and interpreting – including new degree courses – available in the United Kingdom (UK). Checklist: why study translating and interpreting in the United Kingdom?
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The UK has responded to growing demand for these skills with new first degree and postgraduate courses.
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Your mastery of English will improve dramatically as you live and study in the country in which it is spoken.
Your UK degree will be recognised all over the world. You can study at many levels, both through academic courses and through the UK professional body, the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
UK institutions have a long tradition of welcoming international students and many have dedicated international departments to help you academically and socially.
1 What can I study? Before you choose a course, you need to understand the difference between interpreting (spoken language) and translating (written language). Interpreting is a highly specialised skill that will not suit all linguists, however proficient. It is usual for interpreters to specialise in either simultaneous interpreting (where you interpret what someone is saying at the same time as they are speaking) or consecutive interpreting (where you wait for the speaker to finish a few sentences and then interpret what has been said). Interpreters can also specialise in many different fields or interpreting settings such as business interpreting, telephone interpreting or public service interpreting. Translators need a meticulous mind to search for the correct word or phrase and to make sure that they are clear about ambiguous or complicated wording. Furthermore, a translator must be able to recreate in their translation the effects the author of the original text intended (in another language). However, both require a high degree of linguistic skill and understanding of the culture of both the source language and that of the linguist’s home country. Many courses combine translating and interpreting, but others specialise in just one. If you opt for a course that combines both, you will have the flexibility to focus on whichever proves to be your stronger area. Universities can provide advice prior to enrolment. There are degree courses in both modern languages and translation and modern languages and interpreting. There are also first and postgraduate qualifications that offer options in specialist areas, including:
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Audio-visual translation (e.g. subtitles, video games and theatre) literary translation computer-assisted translation and quality assurance translation from English ab initio languages (languages from the beginning)
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legal translation localisation (i.e. adapting a publication or document specifically for a particular country, region or area) linguistics.
Type of study
Description
Examples
Professional qualifications
The examinations are qualifications of practical and vocational linguistic skills, currently available in nearly 50 languages at centres throughout the UK and overseas.
IoLET Diploma in Translation (Dip. Trans)
The Chartered Institute of Linguists (IoL) is the UK’s largest membership organisation for professional translators, interpreters, language educationists and those using languages in business, government and the professions (industry and commerce).
Through its associated charity IoL Educational Trust (IoLET), the Chartered Institute provides a range of public examinations from upperintermediate to professional translator or public service interpreter level. They can be taken at the IoLET’s London Centre or at other accredited centres.
The IoL group also offers language assessments and its associated charity is an accredited awarding body.
You can study for them part-time or full-time. You can see all the IoLET qualifications on the website www.iol.org.uk (see ‘Examinations and Assessments’).
First degrees
Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) or undergraduate Master of Arts (MA) degrees taken at universities. A BA/BSc can take three or four years and an undergraduate MA four years. Some courses include an additional year spent abroad in a country where the language you are studying is spoken – these are known as sandwich courses. A complete list of courses may be viewed at www.educationuk.org. Some IoLET qualifications are also equivalent in language level to a degree (such as the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting) – all IoLET qualifications are listed on its website www.iol.org.uk.
IoLET Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) (available in health, local government, English law, Scottish law) IoLET International Diploma in Bilingual Communication (IDBC) IoLET Certificate in Bilingual Skills (CBS)
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Postgraduate diplomas and degrees
You can do either a diploma or a Master’s degree in interpreting and translating. These are usually combined, but may be one discipline only. Some universities prepare linguists for professional careers, covering documentary translation, liaison interpreting, consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting. You can find information about any undergraduate courses currently on offer across the UK by visiting the UCAS website www.ucas.com. The IoLET Diploma in Translation has one general paper and two semi-specialised
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Interpreting and translating with double honours languages (four year full-time BA, University of East Anglia). Languages (interpreting and translating), German/Spanish (four year full-time MA, HeriotWatt University, Edinburgh). Modern languages and Arabic translation and interpretation (four year full-time BA, University of Salford). Aston University in Birmingham offers three fouryear BSc sandwich degrees in modern languages with translation studies (with French and German combined or as single languages). Swansea University offers a four- year BA in Translation involving two foreign languages with a special focus on the use of computers in translation. The University of Leeds offers a 12-month MA in interpreting and translating studies with options in film translation, machine translation, translation from English, ab initio languages and linguistics. The University of Bath offers a 12-month postgraduate diploma for professional interpreters and translators. Roehampton University offers a MA/PGDip in audio-visual translation with the possibility
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papers in technology, business, literature, and science, social science and law. Candidates choose one option from each paper.
of specialising in dubbing and voice-over, video games and audio description for the blind among other fields.
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Qualifications for professionals other than linguists
Community Interpreting – Essential Skills and Knowledge course, accredited by Open College Network London Region. The course offers accreditation at levels 2 and 3. Community Translation – Principles and Practice course, accredited by the same body and also offering levels 2 and 3.
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Exeter University offers a 12month MA in literary translation. The Mary Ward Centre, London – ten-week part-time certificate in community interpreting, immigration and police services.
You would need a good grasp of English (www.iol.org.uk or www.educationuk.org).
Checklist: choosing the right course •
Do some research in the countries in which you want to work to see if a degree would carry more prestige than a professional qualification.
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Make sure you are clear on the differences between interpreting (spoken language) and translating (written language), as some courses concentrate on one or the other of these.
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Always get the prospectuses of individual institutions.
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If you are interested in the Chartered Institute of Linguists’ professional qualifications, download the handbooks for the examinations from the IoL website: www.iol.org.uk/qualifications/examsmain.asp.
2 Entrance For degree courses, you will be asked for A-levels/Scottish Highers or the equivalent – the grades will vary according to the institution.
Your skill in English Academic courses in the UK presume that you will be translating/interpreting into and out of English, so you will require a very good standard of English. Some universities insist on TOEFL 570–590 or IELTS 6.5–7, but may still make a conditional offer provided a pre-sessional English language training course is taken before the degree programme starts.
3 How can I register as a professional? There is no requirement for translators or interpreters to be registered in the UK, but you should check in the countries in which you want to work. The internationally recognised professional association for foreign language practitioners is the Chartered Institute of Linguists (IoL). The IoL has four categories of membership:
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Fellow FCIL Member MCIL Associate ACIL Registered student.
Fellow (FCIL) is the highest class of membership and is a mark of advanced professional standing, distinction as a linguist, or distinguished services to languages. Member (MCIL) is the main professional grade of Institute membership and is intended for those whose professional skill as a linguist is a primary requirement for the work in which they are engaged. To become a member you must Translating and interpreting
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have either (a) a recognised degree-level qualification and at least three years’ professional experience, or (b) a recognised postgraduate qualification and at least one year’s professional experience. Associate (ACIL) is the grade for those whose foreign language skill is a valuable professional tool but not necessarily a primary qualification for their job; or those whose employment demands high-level foreign language skills, but who do not yet have the requisite length of relevant experience, or appropriate qualification for admission as members. Under the terms of its Charter, the Chartered Institute of Linguists has the right to grant individual chartered status to individuals, and believes that to do so is in the interests of the public and all those who make use of language services. A Chartered Linguist is a practising linguist who: • • •
exhibits the highest levels of competence, skill and professionalism is willing to demonstrate his or her commitment to maintain and develop these skills agrees to periodic review by his or her professional peers.
The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) is an independent professional association of practising translators and interpreters in the United Kingdom. The ITI offers different levels of membership to suit translators and interpreters with varying amounts of experience, from newcomers to the industry to experienced professionals: • • • •
Member (MITI) Associate Corporate (education, business, government, translation company) PCI.
Qualified Member (MITI) is the main category of membership. Associate membership requires evidence of a professional interest in translation or interpreting. Corporate Members form part of the ITI community if they supply translations or interpreting services. These can be: • • •
institutions of higher education providing courses relevant to professional translation or interpreting any public or not-for-profit authority or body (whether international or other), which shows evidence of interest in translation or interpreting as a profession any company that uses translation or interpreting services, or supplies goods or services relevant to professional work as a translator or interpreter.
You can also register as an interpreter on the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI), maintained by the IoL. The National Register of Public Service Interpreters is for the use of public service organisations and agencies that they work through to obtain professional, qualified and quality-assured interpreters in the areas of law (English and Scottish), health and local government. There are currently 1,906 interpreters registered in 97 languages. The Association of Police and Court Interpreters (APCI), founded in 1974, is a professional association of independent, freelance interpreters working within the criminal justice system. The aims of the Association are to raise standards in the profession and foster good relations between its members and the users of their services. It also provides a forum for mutual support and advice to its members on matters relating to their profession. Another UK professional organisation is the Association of Welsh Translators (www.welshtranslators.org.uk).
Would a United Kingdom qualification be recognised in other countries? Your qualifications in this field should be recognised all over the world. The Chartered Institute of Linguists' qualifications are recognised in education, industry and professional life as a measure of competence in language skills both in the UK and internationally NARIC UK (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) is the national agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on vocational, academic and professional skills and qualifications from over 180 countries worldwide. Managed on behalf of the UK government, it provides the only official source of information on international qualifications and provides quick and easy access to the advice you need. Translating and interpreting www.educationuk.org
4 Next steps Checklist: your next steps •
Look carefully through individual course details and through the examination structure of the Chartered Institute of Linguists to see which best suits your needs.
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After your preliminary searches, always obtain the prospectuses of institutions that interest you.
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Make sure your English language skills are good enough for the course you want to take – this is especially important as many students believe their English does not have to be good.
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For an objective view of the standard of the university department, look up the Teaching Quality Assessment (www.qaa.ac.uk/revreps/reviewreports.htm) to see how the department has scored (see Quality issues in this series for further information.
5 What else do I need to know? The regulations for entry into the UK are constantly changing and it is vital that you check the Home Office Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) website(www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk) on a regular basis and check locally with your British Mission so you are aware of how UK immigration procedures will affect you. With the introduction of the new Australian-style points-based system you will need to keep even more up to date with the new immigration system changes when applying for a visa or work permit. For information on the points-based system go to: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/managingborders/pbsdocs. For advice on working in the UK: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk. For advice about visas: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk. For practical advice on living in the UK download Studying and living in the UK from: www.educationuk.org/bc_img/body/articles/pdfs/stud_live_uk.pdf.
6 Where can I find more information? The British Council has produced the Education UK portfolio to provide international students with a wide range of information and guidance that will help them find out more about studying a UK course and other important issues, such as applying to study, entry clearance and living in the UK. The portfolio includes: • • • • •
The Education UK website and a number of country websites containing locally relevant information – www.educationuk.org The essential guides to education in the UK: Undergraduate and pre-university; Postgraduate and MBA* Universities, Colleges and Schools Handbook* Club UK magazine,* also available online at www.educationuk.org/clubuk Postgraduate UK magazine.*
* The publications are available at a selected number of British Council offices for students to use. The Education UK websites are a valuable source of information, with a database of over 450,000 courses and profiles of institutions which contain details of entry requirements, course fees and some offer a virtual tour of their campus.
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Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) www.ucas.com
CILT – The National Centre for Languages www.cilt.org.uk
Chartered Institute of Linguists (IoL) Saxon House 48 Southwark Street London SE1 1UN
Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) Fortuna House South Fifth Street Milton Keynes, MK9 2EU
Telephone +44 (0)20 7940 3100 Fax +44 (0)20 7940 3101 E-mail info@iol.org.uk www.iol.org.uk
Telephone +44 (0)19 0832 5250 Fax +44 (0)19 0832 5259 E-mail info@iti.org.uk www.iti.org.uk
NRPSI Ltd Saxon House 48 Southwark Street London SE1 1UN
Association of Police and Court Interpreters (APCI) The Octagon, Exchange Tower 2 Harbour Exchange Square London E14 9GE
Telephone +44 (0)20 7940 3163 Fax +44 (0)20 7940 3123 E-mail nrpsi@iol.org.uk www.nrpsi.org.uk
E-mail memsec@apciinterpreters.org.uk
UK NARIC Oriel House Oriel Road Cheltenham Glos, GL50 1XP
Individual Enquiries: Telephone +44 (0)87 1330 7033 Fax: +44 (0)87 1330 7005 E-mail info@naric.org.uk
www.apciinterpreters.org.uk
Organisation Enquiries Telephone: +44 (0)87 1330 7303 Fax +44 (0)87 1330 7005 E-mail customer.services@naric.org.uk
Other useful resources British Qualifications 38th ed., Kogan Page, 2007, ISBN 9780749450755 – lists every recognised qualification on offer in the UK, by schools, colleges, universities, business schools, learned societies, trade and professional bodies and associations. Careers Using Languages, Ostarhild E, Kogan, ISBN 0 7494 3731 6 – comprehensive descriptions of the structure of the industry and the jobs available. Includes lists of places to study, useful addresses and further reading. www.languageswork.org.uk is an online information portal supporting a wide range of products designed to show the true value of languages in the workplace and beyond. Whether thinking about your GCSE or A-level options, wondering which college or university course to take, or trying to work out what career to go for using languages, Languages Work is full of advice. Note: please note these books may not be available at your local British Council office. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information given here is correct and up to date, the British Council accepts no legal liability for its accuracy, currency or completeness.
April 2008 © British Council 2008 The United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).
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