• Are you interested in languages?
• Do you enjoy working with words?
• Do you want to work with people from different cultural backgrounds?
• Are you proficient in Icelandic and at least one other language?
• Do you want to work with language and communication?
• Do you want to open up future opportunities in challenging careers?

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.

Course topics include:

• Translation
• Textual analysis
• Translation technology

Objectives

• to introduce you to the main methods and approaches used in translation and interpreting
• to teach you about the latest technology in computer-aided translation
• to teach you the concepts and main theories of translation studies
• to enable you to evaluate translation projects
• to prepare you for Master’s studies in translation studies, practical translation or conference interpreting

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.

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.

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.

• More about the possibility of exchange studies abroad.

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:

• Teaching at all levels of the education system
• Academia
• Media
• Publishing
• Web communication

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.

• More about the UI student's social life.