If you're interested in a career in translation, interpreting or language services, Swansea University offers far more than just a degree. As a student here, you'll be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking community that gives you real-world experience, access to industry networks, and opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research and professional development.
One of the ways we do this is through our membership of APTIS, the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting in the UK and Ireland. APTIS enhances our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees by creating a supportive environment where students and lecturers can share ideas, explore new developments in translation and interpreting, and discuss the latest advances in translation technology. Each year, students can attend the Annual APTIS conference in person and take part in a wide range of online webinars hosted by APTIS members. APTIS also runs student awards such as the Great Learning Gains award – and all Swansea students are encouraged to apply.
We’re proud to host STING – the Swansea Translation and Interpreting Research Group – which plays a key role in bringing together students, academics, and industry professionals. STING organises regular talks, workshops and student-led seminars that help build a vibrant intellectual community across all our language options. These events cover a wide range of topics, from translation theory to practical training, including discussions on how artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) are reshaping the translation and interpreting industry.
Our students also benefit from participation in INSTB, the International Network of Simulated Translation Bureaus. Through this network, students collaborate with peers from universities across Europe by setting up and managing simulated translation companies as part of their course. While the companies may be fictitious, the translation work involved is very real. It gives students a chance to work on live briefs, build their experience, boost their employability, and gain valuable material for their CVs.
We are also members of GALA, the Globalization and Localization Association – a major non-profit organisation in the language services industry. This opens up opportunities for our students to connect with professionals and language service providers around the world and gives them access to a wide range of resources, including webinars and specialist training in translation technologies. GALA also shares industry insights, publishes blogs and articles, and hosts an annual conference. In April 2022, one of our students was selected as a Student Volunteer for the GALA conference in San Diego. This gave her the chance to attend the conference for free in exchange for helping with organisation – a brilliant opportunity to network with key industry players and gain hands-on experience.
And for students who want to take their skills to the next level, we offer free software certification in industry-standard computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools such as RWS Trados Studio, memoQ, and Phrase. While you’re a student at Swansea, you can gain official certification from the developers of these programmes at no extra cost. For example, RWS Trados Studio – the leading CAT tool in the market – offers a comprehensive certification pathway covering not just software use, but also Project Management and Post-editing.
Your Future in Language Services Starts Here
Whether you're aiming for a career in translation, interpreting, localisation, or project management, Swansea gives you the training, industry links and practical experience to succeed. With professional networks, live projects, and free access to software certification, you'll graduate with more than just a degree – you'll graduate with a head start.