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Translation Work Placement / Project

Module description

This module provides the experience of learning about translation as a profession through work: you will gain hands-on knowledge of the field of translation and the language services industry by means of a work placement of project. You could find work placements as an in-house translator, project manager, translation checker, among others; or may also choose to be engaged in translation projects for the local, regional, or global language services field. You take full responsibility for finding and organising your work placement or project (either in the UK or abroad), with preparation, support and approval provided by the University.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to prepare you for the world of work beyond university: it aims to develop your knowledge of the field of translation and the language services industry through the hands-on experience of work placement or projects.You will be encouraged to research and reflect on a range of work-related ‘explorations’ - from the nature of an organisation and your role within it to self-appraisal of how this experience has influenced your translation practice and your professional development, and how it plays a part in your own personal development planning. The flexibility of the module allows you to fully explore the links between the skills developed in the MA with the particular professional goal you have chosen.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate understanding of what your placement/project organisation does; how it is managed, the culture within the organisation and what influences this
• 2. Reflect on and evaluate the experiential learning process

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Reflect on the relationship between the translation skills developed in the MA with the learning and skills developed through your work placement or project
• 4. Apply your academic background to the translation profession and/or the language services industry

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Identify the skills needed in relation to particular translation job/career opportunities in the language services industry, and with reference to the work placement/project in particular
• 6. Present yourself effectively in CVs, applications, oral presentations and interviews
• 7. Analyse your own personal management and professional development skills, identifying ways to improve through personal development planning

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Finding and applying for a work placement: Preparing CVs, applications and personal statements
• Preparing for your work placement
• Personal development planning and learning from experience
• Reflective writing and self-assessment
• Work experience and the study and practice of translation
• An introduction to employment policies, practices in the language services industry. Values and professionalism in the workplace
• Personal development and academic skills review

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

• Cottrell, S. (2003), Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook. Palgrave Study Guides. London
• Fanthorne, C. (2004), Work Placements – A Survival Guide for Students. Palgrave Study Guides. Macmillan, London.
• Kolb, D. (1984), ‘Experiential Learning: Experience as a source of Learning and Development.’ PHI, New Jersey.
• Longson, S. (1999), Making Work Experience Count. How to Books.
• Moon, J. (1999), Learning Journals: A handbook for academics, students and professional development. Kogan Page. London.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6739
• http://www.exeter.ac.uk/employability/ (contains useful materials on many aspects of learning from experience)

Key words search

Translation placement, project