The department of Translation and Intercultural studies in the Advanced School of Translators and Interpreters  At the UNIVERSITY OF BUEA  offers a four years interdisciplinary professional programme which aims to introduce students to the major professional,practical and theoretical issues in the field of Translation, Interpretation and Intercultural studies.This programme prepares students for eventual specialisation in Translation and Interpreting.This guide detaily provides prospective students with a comprehensive understanding of the program’s structure, Curriculum and career prospects .

Program overview

The undergraduate program at the Advanced School of Translators and Interpreters features a unique three-language combination package (L3), requiring no initial knowledge before training. Students engage in a structured curriculum that includes compulsory courses and a range of elective courses, along with a third language requirement. Additionally, university requirements encompass civics and ethics, as well as sports, fostering a well-rounded education. In the third year, trainees have the opportunity to undertake a practicum, allowing them to gain practical experience in translation and interpretation settings, thereby enhancing their professional readiness.

Admission requirements

Candidates for the professional B.A in Translation and Intercultural studies , must be holders of the GCE A.L .Or the Baccalauréat with sound mastery of English and French.They must choose a third language among those offered by the school. Selection is done through an examination of the candidates’ application files and credentials.

Curriculum and assessment

The B.A  program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining lectures, tutorials, practical exercises, and a crucial internship placement.  Assessment is continuous, incorporating class assignments, take-home assignments, end-of-semester examinations, and presentations of a research project or Long Essay  .  In other to specialise in Translation or interpretation ( year four ) , the student must have achieved acceptable  performance in the corresponding subjects (Translator/ interpretation) in year 3 and the 2nd semester examination.

Program Structure

The B.A programme is an intensive Four years programme of two semesters per year  , with a minimum credit requirement of 240 credits of requisite compulsory and Elective courses.  The curriculum encompasses compulsory courses, electives, a practicum, and a research project.

Year One

The first year lays the foundation for language mastery ,notions of Intercultural studies and basics of third languages

Courses covered

 FIRST SEMESTER

– Introduction to Language and cultural Anthropology I

– Introduction to Intercultural communication

– L1skills I

– L2 skills I

– L3 skills I

– Civics and Ethics ( University requirement)

SECOND SEMESTER

– Introduction to Language and cultural Anthropology II

– Social and Economic issues in Intercultural communication and Negotiation

– L1 Skills II

– L2 Skills II

– L3 Skills II

Year Two:

The second year builds upon the foundational skills acquired in the first year, Introducing Translation and interpreting , crucial courses for language mastery and Intercultural communication .

Courses covered

FIRST SEMESTER

– Introduction to Translation and Interpreting Terminology I

– L1 and L2 Skills and comparative studies I

– Legal and Political Issues in Intercultural Communication

and Negotiation

– L3 Skills III

– Sports

SECOND SEMESTER

-Introduction to Translation, Interpreting and terminology II

– L1 and L2 Skills and Comparative studies II

– L3 Skills IV

–  Professional world and Entrepreneurship

Year Three:

In the third year , Emphasis is laid on practicals , exercises and use of Translation tools

Translation into Third languages and Practicum.

Courses covered

FIRST SEMESTER

– Basic Exercises in Translation ( French- English / English – French)

– Basic Exercises in Interpreting ( French- English/ English – French )

–  IT tools for Translators and Interpreters

– L3 skills and Translation

SECOND SEMESTER

– Intercultural Practicum

– Terminology Practicum

– Translation Practicum

– Interpretation Practicum

Year Four:

The final year  is for Specialty ,trainees are allowed to specialise either in Translation or Interpretation after an oral and written test .

SPECIALTY TRANSLATION

FIRST SEMESTER

-Workshop on General Translation( French – English) l

– Workshop on General Translation ( Eng- French ) I

– Workshop on specialised Translation ( English – French/ French- English) l

– Workshop on Revision and Editing

– Workshop on Translation from C into A

SECOND SEMESTER

– Workshop on General Translation ( French- English) II

– Workshop on General Translation ( English – French)

– Workshop on Specialised Translation ( English – French/ French – English) II

– Workshop on Translation from C into A II

– Long Essay on Translation

SPECIALTY INTERPRETATION

FIRST SEMESTER

– Workshop on consecutive interpretation

( French – English/ English -French) I

– Note- taking strategies and techniques

( English – French/ French- English)  l

– Workshop on Sight Translation

(English -French/ French – English) l

– Workshop on simultaneous Interpretation

( French – English/ English – French) l

SECOND SEMESTER

– Conference and parliamentary procedure and Terminology

– Worshop on sight Translation

( English – French/ French – English) II

– Workshop on consecutive Interpretation

( French – English/ English – French) II

– Workshop on simultaneous Interpretation ( French – English/ English – French) II

– Long Essay on interpreting

   ELECTIVE COURSES

– Literary studies and Criticism

– Sign Language studies

– Linguistics and African languages

– Film and Media studies

Graduation Requirements:

To graduate, students specialising in Translation / Interpretation must ,

– Earn a minimum of 240 credits.

– Successfully complete the final examination.

– Complete the Course in a minimum of 8 semesters or a maximum of 14 semesters

– Satisfy all  university requirements  of undergraduate studies prescribed by Senate .

Skills to be  Acquired

A well grounded mastery of official languages and a third language of choice

Students will be ready for eventual specialisation in the fields of Translation , Interpretation ,

Translation related areas as well as a variety of professionally – oriented disciplines

This training qualifies students as mid level professionals in the areas of translation and interpretation.

Employment Opportunities

Depending on the options chosen by the trainees, possible career prospects include working as junior staff ( notably as junior rather than senior Translators) in such areas as community Translation and Interpreting, Translation into African languages, sign language translation and Interpreting,film translation, including dubbing and subtitling , Translating and Interpreting for the courts etc…

Conclusion:

The Professional B.A in Translation And Intercultural studies  at THEUNIVERSITY OF BUEA provides a high-quality education that prepares students for successful and fulfilling careers in the field of interpretation and Translation. The program’s rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and emphasis on practical training equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.  We encourage you to explore this program further and consider joining our vibrant community of interpreters and Translators.