Bachelor's Programme in Translation and Intercultural Communication - English

Study programme code BACOIK-E

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

The target group for the programme is students who have an interest in working with language and communication from an international perspective. Students should have an interest in foreign languages as well as Norwegian, and also in acquiring knowledge about society and institutions in Norway and English speaking countries.

Recommended previous knowledge Good basic proficiency of English and Norwegian from upper secondary school equal to level 3 in the Programme for General Studies in upper secondary school. Knowledge of the foreign language above upper secondary school level will be advantageous.

General description and profile of the programme

The Bachelor's Programme in Translation and Intercultural Communication is a programme of professional study and gives intercultural competence oriented towards students who want to work with language and communication in an international perspective. The course is interdisciplinary and unique in the sense that it enhances proficiency in both Norwegian and English.

In addition to language proficiency the programme provides knowledge of social conditions in Norway and in England. An introduction to Intercultural Communication gives basic knowledge in theory of culture and problems tied to the transmission of messages from persons in one language area to persons in another language area. In addition the course gives theoretical and practical knowledge preparing students for solving problems within translation as well as planning and preparing various forms of information- and communication material relevant for positions in the field, including proofreading. During the programme students will be trained in producing texts, both general language texts, special language texts, text of a more free production such as corporate newsletters, reports and press notices.

As background knowledge the programme also gives an introduction to economics and information technology, among others tools for translation, presentation and communication, theory of translation and linguistics.

To ensure good competence in English language and culture students spend one year abroad at one of our partner institutions. The year abroad ensures improved proficiency both through study and participation in everyday life, and first hand knowledge of culture and mentality in the country where the student stays. It is also possible with a practice period in a foreign company. This offer will however vary from year to year.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes

After having completed the course the students

-will have acquired insight into intercultural communication with a focus on cultural theory and transference of messages from one meaning community to another. Furthermore, they will have acquired basic knowledge of linguistics as well as translating and scientific theory as a theoretical foundation for conducting practical work involved with the creation of translations and other types of documents. Over the course of the first academic year, develop good linguistic knowledge in both Norwegian and English through completing the courses Norwegian Language and Text and Foreign Language and Text. Simultaneously, their perspective on societal and cultural knowledge will be expanded through completing the courses Norway and the World and Foreign Language and Cultural Understanding to the extent that students will in general be well equipped for studies in their relevant foreign language field and practical language work during their third academic year.

- will have strengthened their linguistic abilities while becoming acquainted with societal conditions, geography, culture, etc., in the country in which they have stayed.

- will have received training in the production of text materials in various forms, among them translating to and from a foreign language as well as development of material for internal and external communication in both domestic and foreign-based companies and organisations. They will be able to implement and carry on theories and knowledge from their first and second academic years in their practical linguistic work. Furthermore, they will be able to use electronic translation, presentation and communication tools, as well as technology for distributed collaboration. By receiving an introduction in economics, students will have developed knowledge about financial management as it pertains to their ensuing work situation and obtain an understanding of financial relationships in companies and organisations.

-Through working on a Bachelor´s thesis during the course Translating Norwegian-Foreign Language, students have received an introduction to research work. The thesis is among other things based on the knowledge acquired by students within linguistics, translation and scientific theory during the first academic year.

Teaching methods Forms of teaching vary between seminars, lectures, group work and language lab work. Students will work with practical translation and other text production, a.o. through case work.
The degree programme is made up of courses of 5,10 and 20 ECTS credits.

Assessment methods Forms of assessment are written school examinations and written home examinations and oral examinations.

Student exchange Students´ second academic year is spent studying and/or working abroad. The University of Agder has cooperative agreements regarding academic places at colleges and universities in several countries. Further information regarding relevant foreign institutions will be given at the start of the academic year. There may be the possibility for obtaining practice places in foreign-based translating companies in order that (upon approved application) students may spend one semester of practice in a translating company and one semester of studies at a partner institution. Students are chosen after a comprehensive assessment of their applications, including grades received during their first semester and trial translations. For further information regarding the foreign exchange programme, please contact the Department of Modern Languages and Translation.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme The students must have completed at least 40 ECTS credits before they can start on the study-abroad year or the third year of study. To be allowed to continue with the third year a student must normally have completed the study-abroad year. Still, it is possible to apply for exemption with up to 15 credits from the requirement of 60 ECTS credits from the study-abroad year. In such a case relevant courses can instead be taken in Norway to replace the missing credits from the study-abroad period. The students´ choice of courses at the institution abroad must be approved by the University of Agder to ensure that the courses are relevant and meet the requirements of the programme.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

The study programme gives the necessary qualifications for language work in the private and public sectors. It qualifies for planning and producing different types of documentation, information and presentation material, and performing translations. The study provides basic knowledge and skills for positions such as public relations officer, translator, proof reader, or executive officer; additionally, the course OF-312-1 International Marketing Communication qualifies for positions such as that of international public relations officer.
The programme qualifies for admission to master´s programmes in translation and communication, a.o. at the University of Surrey, Vasa University om Finland (Intercultural communication and Public administration) and the master´s programme in English at the University of Agder (If supplemented by English literature).

Contact person Allan Folkestad (38141712, allan.r.folkestad@uia.no)