BA Translation and Interpreting

The BA Translation and Interpreting programme is guided by our core vision, "Digital minds, cultural bridges". The programme cultivates high-calibre translators, interpreters, cultural negotiators, and leaders in the language services industry.

Translation and Interpreting

Overview

The BA Translation and Interpreting programme develops high-level translation and interpreting professionals who have a global outlook, strong intercultural communication skills, and the capacity to innovate and lead future developments in the language services industry.

The programme promotes interdisciplinary integration, encouraging students to explore translation in relation to language technologies, digital media, business, law, and cultural studies. Students develop bilingual proficiency, intercultural literacy, cross-disciplinary knowledge, research and analytical skills, and digital fluency through training. They gain a solid foundation for careers in the language services industry and related fields.

Students benefit from outstanding instructors, world-class translation and interpreting labs, and an advanced AI-assisted cloud translation platform.

China’s Ministry of Education named our Multimodal Translation Empowered by Digital Intelligence teaching platform as one of its projects for virtual simulation teaching innovation laboratories nationwide. It is the first XJTLU laboratory named as such and represents a national benchmark in translation education technology.

Knowledge and skills

Graduates of the programme will have:

  • a deep understanding of core disciplinary knowledge in translation and interpreting, along with current research developments;
  • high-quality practical skills in translation and interpreting aligned with market expectations;
  • intercultural competence for professional communication in international settings;
  • proficiency in applying digital and AI-assisted technologies to support translation;
  • the ability to translate across diverse social, cultural, and disciplinary discourses;
  • the capacity to effectively communicate Chinese culture and social sciences to global audiences through translation; and,

a well-rounded set of soft skills, including interpersonal communication, collaboration, problem-solving, adaptability, and the potential for lifelong learning and professional development.

“Our BA Translation and Interpreting programme prepares students to become well-rounded professionals equipped with expertise in translation studies, core skills required by the translation and language services industries, and the digital agility to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”

Dr Zhiwei Han

Programme Director

Zijie Wei (cohort of 2024) “The BA Translation and Interpreting programme has been a journey of self-discovery and practical growth, and a gateway to the wider world. It has given me the confidence to meet the challenges of the AI era with ease and inspired me to bridge linguistic and cultural divides with the skills I’ve gained, advancing with clarity and seeing the world with greater insight. During my internship at an international organisation in Geneva, I witnessed the realities of multilingual cooperation and multilateral dialogue, which deepened my commitment to using language as a tool for fostering understanding and supporting global communication.” Aojun Liu (cohort of 2023) “From the negotiation table at Model United Nations to business meetings in Lujiazui, translation has always been my bridge to diverse perspectives and an art of capturing meaning beyond words. A translator dances in shackles, conveying ideas with precision under constraints and navigating cultural nuances with ease. This is the unique strength of a translator. Here, I am steadily growing into an irreplaceable communicator. The BA Translation and Interpreting programme has filled me with confidence and anticipation as I prepare to step into the global professional arena.” Haitian Lu (cohort of 2022) “Four years in the BA Translation and Interpreting programme have taught me that translation is both a science and an art. During a practical project with the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, I experienced the profound power of language as a bridge. Presenting my research at a national academic forum as an undergraduate further deepened my understanding of how theory meaningfully informs practice. Language is a remarkable and warm medium, and through continuous learning and application, I have rediscovered my connection with the world.” WengU Iao (cohort of 2022) “As a student from Macao, I’ve come to deeply understand that translation is not merely a transfer of language, but a bridge for cultural understanding and communication. Studying in the BA Translation and Interpreting programme has allowed me to explore theory and practice from a multicultural perspective. Our teachers truly recognise each student’s unique characteristics. They understand our linguistic backgrounds and personal journeys, tailoring their guidance with genuine care and encouragement. This atmosphere of respect for diversity and support for exploration has not only helped me develop professional skills but also strengthened my confidence in becoming an intercultural communicator.” Outstanding Teacher Sharing: Dr Yangyang Long Suzhou Outstanding Educator of the Year 2024 and recipient of the XJTLU Teaching Excellence Award (School of Humanities and Social Sciences) “In the BA Translation and Interpreting programme, we go beyond the classroom to make translation come alive. Students engage in hands-on, creative projects. These have included pitching to an editor (with guest speaker Gigi Chang, acclaimed translator of Jin Yong); receiving comments and evaluations on news translation posters from leading media outlet CGTN; competing in video game localisation challenges (featuring international students); and translating songs in the open air at Dushu Lake Park. These dynamic formats are more than just fun – they foster peer learning, creativity, and real-world application. By taking ownership of their ideas and collaborating closely with one another, our students gain the confidence and critical thinking abilities to thrive in a digitally connected, multicultural world.”

Modules

*Programme modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. XJTLU students are advised to log in to the e-Bridge Portal to view the effectuated module structure.


Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers a wide range of courses in the first year, including English for academic purposes (EAP), mathematics and physics, and humanities and social sciences. Click to learn more.


Core Modules
  • Artificial Intelligence for Humanities and Social Sciences: Empowering Research and Practice

  • Frontiers in Humanities and Social Sciences Projects

  • Introduction to Literary Studies

  • Introduction to Linguistics: Grammar

  • Introduction to Linguistics: Spoken & Written Discourse

  • AI-Empowered Translation Skills

  • Introduction to Translation and Interpreting

  • Liaison Interpreting

  • Translation and Globalisation

  • Translation in Context


Core Modules
  • Translation: Theory and Practice

  • Interpreting

  • Language Studies for Translation

  • Sight Translation

  • Translation and AI Technology

Optional Modules
  • China: culture, language and communication

  • Translation and Culture

  • Translation and Journalism

  • Literary Translation

  • Translation and Computation

  • Translation and Interpreting for International Business

  • Translation for Legal Purposes


Core Modules
  • Translation and Interpreting: Final Year Project

  • Conference Interpreting

  • Translating China I: Culture and History

  • Translation and Interpreting as a Profession

  • Translating China II: Society and Economy

Optional Modules
  • Technology-Enhanced Audiovisual Translation

  • Translation Workshop II

  • Translation Workshop I

  • Translation and Society

  • Localisation and Translation Project Management

Careers

Graduates enjoy diverse and dynamic career opportunities across and beyond the language services industry. During their studies, students actively participate in internships and real-world projects, receiving consistent praise from host organisations. Past internship partners include the Academy of Translation and Interpretation, a brand of China International Communications Group (CICG); China Translation Corporation; Forvis Mazars; Shanghai Yizhe Information Technology; Suzhou Singapore International School; Wuxi Radio and TV Station; and New Oriental Education and Technology Group. In translation and language services, graduates qualify for roles such as senior translators and interpreters, localisation project managers, international product managers, language teachers, and language engineers, drawing on their global perspectives, professional excellence, and industry-ready skillset. Beyond traditional language careers, the interdisciplinary and practice-based training the programme provides enables graduates to thrive in government and foreign affairs, multinational corporations, international schools, media and publishing, technology companies, finance, education, and the cultural and creative industries. In terms of further study, graduates pursue a wide range of master’s and doctoral degrees at top universities in China and internationally. They may specialise in translation and interpreting, language technologies, language education, cultural studies, or related fields. Our unique “Translation +” training model enables graduates to advance into specialised academic or research fields they choose.

Careers
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