Translation (BA)
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Why study Translation?
The more interconnected the world becomes, the more it needs translators: people with quick, inquisitive minds and intercultural expertise that enables them to work in diverse professional situations.
To become a translator, you must start with an excellent knowledge of French and English. We’ll help you master the language towards which you translate and establish a thorough command of your source language.
You will choose from one of two streams: if your dominant language is English, you learn to translate from French to English. If your dominant language is French, you translate from English to French. In addition to translation courses, you take language, linguistics and literature courses to sharpen your skills and acquire a high level of proficiency in reading and writing.
Our program is officially recognized by the Canadian Association of Schools of Translation (CAT). A BA obtained upon completion of the Specialization in Translation can lead to certification by the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ).
Program Details
Specialization in Traduction (Translation) (69 credits)
Students in the specialization choose one of two options:
- Option A: French to English
- Option F: English to French
The BA Spécialisation en traduction is a limited-enrolment program. As it requires excellent knowledge of both English and French, students admitted to the program must take placement tests in both languages.
Majeure en traduction (48 credits)
The BA Majeure en traduction enables students to develop skills in both English and French, languages that are highly valued on the job market. It also give students the flexibility to take elective courses in other areas or to add another program such as a Minor to fulfill the degree requirements.
As the program requires good knowledge of both English and French, students must take placement tests in both languages on admission. It is possible to change your concentration from the Major to the Specialization once you meet the following criteria: you must have obtained 24 credits of program courses including 6 credits of translation courses, with an overall minimum B average in the program courses and a B average in the FTRA courses.
See the full degree requirements in the Undergraduate Calendar
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec Cegep: Specialization: 25, Major: DEC
- High School: Specialization: B | Major: C+
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: Specialization: 27 | Major: 26
- Baccalauréat français: Specialization: 12 | Major: 11
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): Specialization: B- | Major: C
Course requirements for admission
None. You must meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
Cegep Students
- Two Cegep courses or equivalent in the language towards which the student wishes to translate. If these courses were not available in the Cegep attended, the student may be required to complete them at the university level.
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
We consider complete applications year round and we give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines. Late applications will be considered if places are still available for the fall term only.
| You've sent your application from: | Fall term deadline | Winter term deadline |
| Inside Canada | March 1 Certain programs have extended their deadlines. Please check program availability. |
November 1 Not all programs are available for this term. Please check program availability. |
| Outside Canada (International) | February 1 | September 1 |
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
- Méthodologie de la traduction
- Traduction littéraire
- Initiation à la recherche documentaire et terminologique
- Adaptation publicitaire
- Gestion de projets
Consult the undergraduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
The Co-op program in translation gives you the opportunity to learn about the translation milieu and to experience the professional work environment first-hand. You complete paid work terms, alternating with full-time study terms, in translation or related areas like terminology and project management. It’s an invaluable chance to gain practical experience. An entrance test and an interview are required in order to be admitted to the Co-op program.
Our programs open up opportunities to work around the globe, following many career paths, including:Translation
- Public relations
- Professional writing
- Journalism
- Education
- Editing and publishing