Translation studies is a 60 ECTS minor that can be taken alongside a 120 ECTS major in another subject. You must complete 180 ECTS to graduate with a BA degree.
This discipline will prepare you for the task of transferring information between different cultures, which involves tackling a range of subjects.
You will learn to evaluate information and process it with a view to translating it into a different culture or linguistic system.
The programme is taught through lectures and practical exercises, in language centres and computer labs. Students are trained to translate and interpret.
The programme is roughly divided into three main areas: theory, your source language, and your target language. You can select courses to suit your own interests.
The programme addresses both the historical roots of the profession, going back to antiquity, and the latest translation technology with translation memories and other software.
Classes are taught in the Main Building and various other UI buildings, computer labs and the Language Centre.
Please contact the Faculty of Languages and Cultures for more information about the programme or the International Division for more information about exchange studies.
Icelandic matriculation examination (stúdentspróf) or equivalent qualification. Further information can be found in article 17, regulation on admission requirements for undergraduate study no. 331/2022.
Translation studies, as a 60 ECTS minor towards a BA degree, is intended exclusively for students who have completed a 120 ECTS major in a language. The programme is interdisciplinary and generally divided into 20 ECTS in translation studies, 20 ECTS in Icelandic and 20 ECTS in another language. Students should select Icelandic and foreign language courses that are related to translation.
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
The course in an introduction to translation, the history of translation and translation theory. Students will become acquainted with the main concepts and theories in the field. The basics of interpretation will also be dealt with. The course consists of two parts: The theoretical and historical part is in the form of lectures and discussions. The teacher also provides a reading list. Assessment is in the form of an exam or an essay, based on the reading material. The practical part is based on seminars where students gain practice in translating (both literary translation and applied translation) as well as translation criticism. Assessment is based on written assignment(s). Students of Icelandic as a Second Language must have completed all courses of the first and second year.
Most common methods and aids in translation will be covered in this course. Students will gain insight into the translators work and gain practise in translation. They learn how to analyze texts before translating them.
The course in an introduction to translation, the history of translation and translation theory. Students will become acquainted with the main concepts and theories in the field. The basics of interpretation will also be dealt with. The course consists of two parts: The theoretical and historical part is in the form of lectures and discussions. The teacher also provides a reading list. Assessment is in the form of an exam or an essay, based on the reading material. The practical part is based on seminars where students gain practice in translating (both literary translation and applied translation) as well as translation criticism. Assessment is based on written assignment(s). Students of Icelandic as a Second Language must have completed all courses of the first and second year.
Most common methods and aids in translation will be covered in this course. Students will gain insight into the translators work and gain practise in translation. They learn how to analyze texts before translating them.
Changes may occur for the autumn semester in August and September and for the spring semester in December and January. You will find your final timetable in Ugla when the studies start.
Note! This timetable is not suitable for planning your work schedule if you are a part-time employee.
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.
People with degrees in Icelandic can be found teaching at all levels of the education system and in academic positions, e.g. at research institutes in the field of Icelandic studies.
Many pursue careers in writing or other professions related to culture and the arts, various media and publishing (as reporters, journalists, editors, language consultants, translators, literary critics, etc.).
A degree in this area is an asset in any job that requires good Icelandic skills and/or knowledge of Icelandic literature and grammar.
An education in this area can open up opportunities in:
This list is not exhaustive.
Mímir is the organisation for students in Icelandic, general linguistics and sign language studies at the University of Iceland. Mímir page on Facebook.
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