Language skills
Programme length
One year - 60 ECTS
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
- Would you like to work in translation?
- Would you like a thorough knowledge and clear understanding of the terminology, methods and theories of translation studies?
- Do you want to learn the primary methods of discourse analysis and how they relate to translation?
This is a 60 ECTS practical graduate programme closely related to translation studies, but with particular focus on technical translation. Full-time students can complete the programme in one year.
Programme structure
The programme is planned in consultation with the programme coordinator, but is generally structured as follows:
- 20 ECTS in translation studies
- 20 ECTS in Icelandic
- 20 ECTS in a foreign language
Organisation of teaching
This programme is taught in Icelandic and English but most textbooks are in English or other foreign languages.
Main objectives
After completing the programme, students should, for example:
- be able to use translation memories and be familiar with a range of online information sources and glossaries of technical terms.
- have learned the main methods used to make translation decisions.
- be familiar with the main kinds of software and digital aids used in translation.
Other
Students may apply to have credits from the programme transferred to the MA programme in translation studies.
A BA degree with a first class grade, or at least 5 years' employment experience as a translator. All applicants shall sit an entrance examination.
Students must complete 60 ECTS: 20 ECTS in specific translation studies courses and 40 ECTS in Icelandic and a foreign language, depending on the circumstances and requirements of each student. Studies in Icelandic and a foreign language are arranged in consultation with the programme coordinator.
The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:
- CV
- Statement of purpose
- Reference 1, Name and email
- Reference 2, Name and email
- Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
Further information on supporting documents can be found here
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
- Year unspecified
- Fall
- Translation Studies
- Translation and Translation Technology
- Paratexts and translation
- Independent project in Translation Studies
- Independent project in Translation studies
- Spring 1
- New Voices in Translation Studies
- Applied Translations
- History of Translation
- Independent project in Translation Studies
- Independent project in Translation studies
Year unspecified | Fall
Translation Studies (ÞÝÐ027F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Introductory course in translation studies in which we will create a reader where important texts in the field are gathered. The most important theories of translation studies will be discussed and put into the context of contemporary discourse on translation with a view of seeing how they can be applied in research.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Fall
Translation and Translation Technology (ÞÝÐ028F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course will be dedicated to the Computer Assisted Translation-technology available to translators. Students get an insight into the importance of translation memories, how humans and machines use these memories, and learn how to align text corpora to create language data and dictionaries. How to use online dictionaries, data bases and other online means. We will consider language policy, technical terms and neologisms. The translators working environment will be considered as well as skills that help freelancers get by in the gig-economy. It is hoped that experienced translators will contribute to the seminar. Students work on projects during class to prepare them for the home assignments.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Fall
Paratexts and translation (ÞÝÐ705F)
Free elective course within the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Should a translator discuss their translation work? Should they be visible in the target text or remain discreetly out of sight, so it won’t be apparent that the text is a translation?
The seminar will cover the main types of paratexts that may accompany translations, including forewords and afterwords, footnotes and endnotes, titles, dedications, and various types of additions as well as translation diaries, interviews, articles, etc. As the role of the translator has changed over the centuries, the importance and role of texts such as these has also changed, as have attitudes towards them.
In the seminar, we will familiarize ourselves with discourses on the use of paratexts with translations and explore studies that have been conducted on translators’ paratexts, but also try our hand at our own translations and the use of paratexts or translation criticism.
Students give presentations in class, translate texts of their own choosing or write a paper on a scholarly topic or translation criticism. The seminar is grounded on academic collaboration between students and teacher, with an emphasis on active participation, critical thinking and free exchange of ideas. At the end of the semester, students will collaborate in workshops.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Year unspecified | Fall
Independent project in Translation Studies (ÞÝÐ601F)
Free elective course within the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Independent study.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Year unspecified | Fall
Independent project in Translation studies (ÞÝÐ602F)
Free elective course within the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Independant study
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Year unspecified | Spring 1
New Voices in Translation Studies (ÞÝÐ029F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of this course is to make students familiar with new research and discourse in translation studies; regarding for example the role of translation in a globalized world; the function of the translator; the translating process and participants; pros and cons of new translation technology; social, political, cultural and linguistic impact of translation; historical research on translators archives etc.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Applied Translations (ÞÝÐ803F)
Free elective course within the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Students practice Applied Translation by translating texts pertaining to different fields. Students translate into their native language with the support of the teacher. Students practice working independently, as well as collaborating with others. Various aids and guidelines for translating will be presented. An emphasis is put on practical experience and discussions on the challenges of translating.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
History of Translation (ÞÝÐ030F)
Free elective course within the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
In this course the major authors in the history of translation will be covered, from ancient times to modernity. Selected texts that have been highly influential, indeed reviolutionary at times, will be read, discussed and translated. A special focus will be on the argumentation and the argumentation structures of authors who translated similar or the same texts.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Online learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Independent project in Translation Studies (ÞÝÐ601F)
Free elective course within the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Independent study.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Independent project in Translation studies (ÞÝÐ602F)
Free elective course within the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Independant study
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Year unspecified
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- Fall
- ÞÝÐ027FTranslation StudiesMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
Introductory course in translation studies in which we will create a reader where important texts in the field are gathered. The most important theories of translation studies will be discussed and put into the context of contemporary discourse on translation with a view of seeing how they can be applied in research.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ028FTranslation and Translation TechnologyMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course will be dedicated to the Computer Assisted Translation-technology available to translators. Students get an insight into the importance of translation memories, how humans and machines use these memories, and learn how to align text corpora to create language data and dictionaries. How to use online dictionaries, data bases and other online means. We will consider language policy, technical terms and neologisms. The translators working environment will be considered as well as skills that help freelancers get by in the gig-economy. It is hoped that experienced translators will contribute to the seminar. Students work on projects during class to prepare them for the home assignments.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ705FParatexts and translationElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionShould a translator discuss their translation work? Should they be visible in the target text or remain discreetly out of sight, so it won’t be apparent that the text is a translation?
The seminar will cover the main types of paratexts that may accompany translations, including forewords and afterwords, footnotes and endnotes, titles, dedications, and various types of additions as well as translation diaries, interviews, articles, etc. As the role of the translator has changed over the centuries, the importance and role of texts such as these has also changed, as have attitudes towards them.
In the seminar, we will familiarize ourselves with discourses on the use of paratexts with translations and explore studies that have been conducted on translators’ paratexts, but also try our hand at our own translations and the use of paratexts or translation criticism.
Students give presentations in class, translate texts of their own choosing or write a paper on a scholarly topic or translation criticism. The seminar is grounded on academic collaboration between students and teacher, with an emphasis on active participation, critical thinking and free exchange of ideas. At the end of the semester, students will collaborate in workshops.
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ601FIndependent project in Translation StudiesElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependent study.
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ602FIndependent project in Translation studiesElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependant study
Prerequisites- Spring 2
ÞÝÐ029FNew Voices in Translation StudiesMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of this course is to make students familiar with new research and discourse in translation studies; regarding for example the role of translation in a globalized world; the function of the translator; the translating process and participants; pros and cons of new translation technology; social, political, cultural and linguistic impact of translation; historical research on translators archives etc.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesCourse DescriptionStudents practice Applied Translation by translating texts pertaining to different fields. Students translate into their native language with the support of the teacher. Students practice working independently, as well as collaborating with others. Various aids and guidelines for translating will be presented. An emphasis is put on practical experience and discussions on the challenges of translating.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ030FHistory of TranslationElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course the major authors in the history of translation will be covered, from ancient times to modernity. Selected texts that have been highly influential, indeed reviolutionary at times, will be read, discussed and translated. A special focus will be on the argumentation and the argumentation structures of authors who translated similar or the same texts.
Face-to-face learningOnline learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ601FIndependent project in Translation StudiesElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependent study.
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ602FIndependent project in Translation studiesElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependant study
Prerequisites
The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.
Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.
Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.
Translators and interpreters work in settings such as:
- translation agencies
- government ministries
- private companies
- international relations
- freelance work
- academia
This list is not exhaustive.
There is no specific student organisation for this programme, but students meet frequently in the Student Cellar.
Students appreciate the University of Iceland for its strong academic reputation, modern campus facilities, close-knit community, and affordable tuition.
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