Course Summary
This postgraduate certificate enables you to start developing your professional skills as a translator.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
A UK honours degree (preferably a 2:1 or above) or other recognised equivalent qualification1
Proficiency in your first language at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level C2
Proficiency in your second language at CEFR level C12
1If you don’t have an honours degree, talk to an advisor.
2If your first language is English, and you’ve passed an OU level 3 module in your second language, your language proficiency should be suitable, as the exit level of our OU level 3 language courses is CEFR C1.
Application Details
See Course Web Page link for next start date.
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
There is an increasing global demand for translators and language professionals, and this postgraduate certificate will introduce the knowledge and skills that are needed for a career in this exciting field. This is an immensely rewarding profession for those with an interest in languages and communication and encompasses a wide and growing range of areas, including audio-visual translation, advertising or website localisation, as well as semi-specialised and specialised translation.
If you wish to pursue a career as a translator, be it as an in-house or freelance translator, this qualification will introduce you to the professional skills needed and provide you with a basic understanding of the professional tools you will need in this fast-moving field. You will also acquire a raft of highly valued transferable communication and collaborative skills, such as teamwork, which are useful in a range of occupations in the communications sector.
If you already have a career in the translation field and are seeking a further qualification to develop your career or update your skills, you might also want to consider the Postgraduate Diploma or the MA in Translation.
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.
CIOL UK Registered Provider
The Open University is recognised as a Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) UK HE registered provider. By studying for this qualification you will be entitled to free membership of CIOL as a Student Affiliate. Being a Student Affiliate is the first step on your career ladder to becoming a Chartered Linguist.
Membership of the Institute of Translation & Interpreting
The Open University is a Corporate Member of the Institute of Translation & Interpretation (ITI). As such, we have signed the ITI Code of Professional Conduct and are committed to providing quality training for the translation and interpreting industry. By studying for this qualification you will be eligible for student membership of the ITI.
Membership of the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies of the UK and Ireland (APTIS)
The Open University is an Institutional Member of APTIS. Membership of this innovative network allows us to share expertise with our partners as regards the teaching of translation and interpreting studies at UK and Irish HE institutions. We aim to advance education for the public benefit in the UK and Ireland so as to improve the quality of learning and teaching as well as research on translation and interpreting programmes at Higher Education institutions.
Duration
How long it takes
Most students study the Postgraduate Certificate in Translation part-time, completing 60 credits over eight months. Typically, this means 20 study hours each week.