Translator
Translators convert written words from a 'source language' into the 'target language', making sure that the meaning is the same.
- Potential salary
- Variable
- Typical hours
- Variable variable. Working pattern: evenings / weekends as customers demand.
- Career area
- Creative and design
- Where they might work
- You could work in an office, from home or at a client's business.
- A typical task
- reproduce text clearly, accurately and in the style intended by the author
- Subjects that may help
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- Typical route
- You could study for a degree or postgraduate qualification, such as:
- Interest area used here
- Art, design and performance, Helping and teaching
What you might do
- reproduce text clearly, accurately and in the style intended by the author
- work on TV and film subtitles, and text in computer games
- translate books, manuals and business documents
- use translation software
- research specialist legal, technical or scientific terms
- consult with experts to make sure translations are accurate
More tasks (2)
- proofread drafts done by others or by machines, as part of quality control
- follow developments in translation, like the use of artificial intelligence
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- foreign language skills
- knowledge of English language
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- excellent written communication skills
- the ability to work on your own
More skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- concentration skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Routes into this career
University route
- You could study for a degree or postgraduate qualification, such as:
- translation studies
- translation and interpreting
- modern languages
- combined degrees, usually a language with translation studies
- Some universities offer short courses in languages and translation, which can be a useful way to find out more about the subject and whether it's what you want to do.
- Check the Institute of Translation and Interpreting for courses.
- You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- International Relations
Related, but not enough on its own. International relations does not train you as a translator.
- Linguistics
Alternative route. Linguistics helps, but translation work expects high proficiency in specific languages.
- Modern languages
Common route. A strong language degree is a usual start. Postgraduate translation training is common and sometimes expected.
Career progression
- Most translators work freelance, or through translation agencies, known as language service providers.
- With experience, you could:
- move into the co-ordination and management of translation projects
- specialise in a particular area, such as law, business or intelligence
- set up your own interpreting agency
- combine translating with teaching
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study