Overview

Key Features

The Bachelor of Arts in the fields of Translation or Interpreting (Honours) offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a one-year full-time, or two-year part-time programme.

It allows students to gain the expertise needed to work in all areas pertaining language practice, including translation and interpreting. In our department, students can build on their undergraduate knowledge in languages, literatures, cultures and other neighbouring disciplines to become fully-qualified translators and interpreters.

Translation students are exposed to a variety of texts in fields ranging from law and finance to literature and the media. Graduates are well prepared to respond to the dynamic translation market and have a keen understanding of research in the field.

Interpreting students are exposed to the theoretical foundations of interpreting and to a variety of interpreting contexts. They are trained by international, experienced interpreters in order to equip them for the demands of the profession.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The BA Honours in the field of Translation consists of the following modules:
Principles and Practice of Translation and Interpreting
Specialist Translation with Interpreting I
Specialist Translation with Interpreting II
Honours Research Essay
Selected Topic in Translation Studies
Translation Studies
The BA Honours in the field of Interpreting consists of the following modules:
Conference Interpreting Skills
Translation Research
Principles and Practice of Interpreting
Specialist Translation for Interpreters
Interpreting Studies
Selected Topic in Translation Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-30 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

Disciplines

Translation & Interpreting View 3 other Bachelors in Translation & Interpreting in South Africa

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in a neighbouring discipline, provided they achieved an aggregate of 65% pass on their major.

For the translation track, a portfolio consisting of:

A translation test in the relevant language combination provided by the department;
A letter of motivation of 750 to 1000 words in English on the reasons for applying.
There may be a further language assessment and/or interview for applicants who perform satisfactorily in the entrance portfolio.

For the interpreting track, a portofolio with:

Pre-assessment form, Section A: Personal Details, Section B: Motivation for the application, Section C: Rating of language skills, Section D: Glossing Exercise and Section E: Practice Test which is a simultaneous interpreted text from source to target language (3 min) in both language directions.
There will be a further assessment for applicants for interpreting programmes based on the initial submission of the practice test.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

75930 ZAR / year

≈ 75930 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

75930 ZAR / year

≈ 75930 ZAR / year

Living costs

Johannesburg

South Africa

8434 - 12036 ZAR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Translation or Interpreting (Honours).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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