MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement
About this course
MA in Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement, an arts degree focusing on linguistic proficiency, professional translation methods, and interpreting techniques across multiple languages. Core topics include Research Methods, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Language & Translation. Students undertake an overseas residence period in year three, incorporating a work placement and correspondence study. The first year establishes foundational proficiencies through compulsory modules like Introduction to Translation and Interpreting, Working with Texts, Academic Writing for Language & Literature, and Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, alongside a broad selection of beginner and intermediate language options in French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. The second year advances theoretical understanding and practical communication through compulsory studies in Theory of Translation and Interpreting and Introduction to Bilateral Interpreting, supported by targeted language courses such as Advanced French Language 1 with Translation, German Language 3 with Translation, and Spanish Language 4 with Translation, as well as cultural options like Language in Society and Latin America: Texts and Contexts. The third year is spent abroad completing the Residence Abroad Correspondence Course 1, Residence Abroad Correspondence Course 2, and Residence Abroad Work Placement 1. The final year centres on advanced professional development through compulsory modules including Dissertation / Extended Translation and Advanced Interpreting Skills, while options allow specialisation in areas such as Chinese Translation: Theory and Practice, Advanced Translation Skills, and Advanced French Translation B.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3.
See the highest paying Languages & English degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 28 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 25%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 15%
- South East: 5%
- Scotland: 65%
- Northern Ireland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Modules
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Introduction to Translation and Interpreting
- Working with Texts
- Spanish Language 2
- German Language 2
- Spanish Language 3
- Beginners French Language 1
- Beginners French Language 2
- Qualified French Language 1
- Qualified French Language 2
- German for Beginners 1
- German for Beginners 2
- German Language 1
- Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 1
- Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 2
- Spanish Language 1
- Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France 1
- Modern German Culture 1
- English Structure and use
- Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France In Context
- Modern German Culture 2
- Theory of Translation and Interpreting
- Introduction to Bilateral Interpreting
- Advanced French Language 1 with Translation
- German Language 3 with Translation
- Spanish Language 4 with Translation
- Advanced French Language 2 with Translation
- German Language 4 with Translation
- Spanish Language 5 with Translation
- Spanish Language 4
- Advanced French Language 1
- German Language 3
- Mandarin for Beginners 3
- Advanced Introductory French Language 1
- German Language (Advanced Introductory) 1
- Spanish Language 3
- Spanish Language 5
- Advanced French Language 2
- German Language 4
- Mandarin for Beginners 4
- Advanced Introductory French Language 2
- German Language (Advanced Introductory) 2
- Language in Society
- French Culture, Politics and Society i
- Modern German Culture 3
- Latin America: Texts and Contexts
- Elements of English
- Modern German Culture 4
- French Culture, Politics and Society II
- Rebels, Outsiders and Conformists
- Residence Abroad Correspondence Course 1 (TL30RA)
- Residence Abroad Correspondence Course 2 (TL35RA)
- Residence Abroad Work Placement 1 (TL30P2)
- Dissertation / Extended Translation
- Advanced Interpreting Skills
- Chinese Translation: Theory and Practice
- Advanced Translation Skills (SP45FC)
- Advanced French Translation B
- Senior Honours French Language
- Gaelic Language B
- German Language Study 6
- Spanish Language 7 (SP40A5)
- Mandarin 7
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £30,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £36,500. The £30,000 median after five years is £3,000 less than the UK median for Language and area studies (other).
What do graduates of MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement at University of Aberdeen do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement at University of Aberdeen?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 158 UCAS points.
Does MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement at University of Aberdeen?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.