BA (Hons) Translation Bachelor's degree at London Metropolitan University
BA (Hons) Translation at LMU spans core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
BA (Hons) Translation is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at LMU, based in North. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Modern Languages, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 7 modules
- Cultural Awarenesscore15 credits
Module details
This module explores various aspects of intercultural communication, focusing on key theories and concepts such as cultural hybridity, communication styles, and intercultural competence. You will investigate the impact of cultural differences in international professional contexts and will gain a solid understanding of key issues surrounding cultural diversity and sensitivity.
- Describing Languagecore15 credits
Module details
This module introduces students to the study of language, its various components and their description. The module aims at providing a solid foundation in the understanding of human communication and linguistic diversity.
- Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or English)core15 credits
Module details
Please check the Open Language Centre for confirmation of language level.
- Practical Resources for Translatorscore15 credits
Module details
This module equips you with essential consultation and documentation skills for translation, as well as the advanced use of computer technologies. Emphasis is placed on understanding translation as a multi-step process, involving research, terminology management, and quality control.
- Proofreading Skillscore15 credits
Module details
The focus of the module is on translation as a product. Students are expected to use the research skills developed in Practical Resources for Translators to check the accuracy of the final product.
- The Translator and Culturecore15 credits
Module details
This practical module explores the relationship of the translator to culture. The module focuses on cultural concepts and culture bound language: specific aspects of culture are addressed, analysed and discussed as to what problems they might pose during the translation process into different languages.
- The Translator and Languagecore15 credits
Module details
This practical module explores the relationship of the translator to language. In this module, students are introduced to language as grammar and, specifically, to various grammar concepts such as gender and number, pronouns and others as well as their grammatical equivalence in the target language system.
Year 2 7 modules
- Electronic Tools for Translationcore15 credits
Module details
This module develops your understanding of the broad range of translation technologies available today. It familiarises you with the principles and methods behind automatic, computer-assisted, and human-assisted translation systems and enables you to compare and evaluate these technologies based on their relevance to contemporary translation practice.
- Managing Translationcore15 credits
Module details
This module is designed to cultivate the mindset, competencies, and adaptability required for a successful career in today's fast-evolving language services industry, in dialogue with the professional development module.
- Practical Translation Skillscore15 credits
Module details
This module builds on previous knowledge acquired in TR5052 and explores what translation procedures can be used to solve issues of non equivalence occurring at various levels in a text.
- Translating Text and Culture 1core15 credits
Module details
This module focuses on developing the analytical and interpretive reading and writing skills which are a necessary and integral part of the translation process. As translation trainees, you are expected to acquire advanced reading competence.
- Translating Text and Culture 2core
- Translation Process and Procedurescore
- Gender Responsive Practices for Translatorscore
Year 3 8 modules
- Researching the Translator's Professional Environmentcore
- The Translator and Specialisationcore
- Theoretical Aspects of Translationcore
- Translation Project Workcore
- Placementcore
- Interpreting Skillscore
- Translation Dissertationcore
- Close Cultural Awarenesscore
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course combines intensive language study with translation and interpreting practice. You'll usually begin with core language skills, grammar, speaking and writing, alongside foundational linguistics and studies of the cultures and societies where your languages are spoken. In year two, you'll progress to advanced language production and specialist cultural study, then typically take a year abroad to immerse yourself in the language through study or work placement. In your final year, you'll develop near-native proficiency and pursue specialist options such as translation, interpreting, cultural studies, linguistics or specific two-language combinations, culminating in a dissertation conducted in or about your target language.
Who it's for
This course suits working professionals and mature students seeking flexible study. Part-time delivery allows you to balance translation work or other commitments with academic development. It's designed for those with genuine interest in translation practice and language theory, whether you're already working in the field or transitioning into it.
University & format
London Metropolitan University is a public university in the North of England. This BA (Hons) Translation is studied part-time and taught in English. The course is recognised as a nationally recognised UK degree-awarding body and holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code Q910). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at LMU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Modern Languages graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in modern languages · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Modern Languages nationally
National figures for Modern Languages graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Job market & outlook
How Modern Languages graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Modern Languages graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Translation agencies
- International businesses
- Government (FCDO)
- Tourism & education
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Modern Languages graduates.
Head of Modern Languages, Inspire, Lead & Develop MFLSuffolk County Council11 To 18 (Secondary) QTS Programme - Modern Languages (French, Spanish or German)Diversity DashboardHead of Modern Languages - Inspire & Lead GCSE FrenchCoast and Vale Learning TrustHead Of Department of Modern LanguagesSheringham High SchoolHead of MFL: Lead & Grow our Modern Languages DepartmentWayman Learning TrustModern Foreign Languages Assistant (French) 18 hrs p/w (temporary position)The Cherwell SchoolWho studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
London Metropolitan University
Language and area studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around North
5,613 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Modern Languages right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to LMU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by LMU; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check LMU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with LMU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at LMU
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
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