Which language pairs can I work with on the Certificate in Translation Studies?

English paired with major second languages — French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian. Less commonly taught languages may be available subject to tutor capacity; admissions can confirm.

Do I need to be a fluent second-language speaker to enrol on the Certificate in Translation Studies?

Yes — CEFR B2 or above in your second language is the entry standard. A placement test is offered at application stage. Without that level, translation work isn't viable; we recommend a Language Diploma first.

Does the Certificate in Translation Studies cover AI translation?

Yes — at introductory level. Post-editing of machine translation is built into the practical modules, and the ethical and professional questions raised by AI translation are addressed. The Diploma covers this in more depth.

How is the Certificate in Translation Studies different from the Diploma?

The Certificate is a short introduction. The Diploma is a substantial vocational programme covering deeper translation practice, all specialist genres, full CAT tools training and a substantial portfolio. Most students take the Certificate first.

Can I take the Certificate in Translation Studies fully online?

Yes. The online route covers all modules with live tutored sessions and CAT tools training delivered remotely with software access provided.

Certificate in Translation Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Certificate in Translation Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a three-to-six-month UK qualification for bilingual adults considering professional translation work. The course covers translation theory at introductory level, gives you sustained practical translation experience in your chosen language pair, and introduces the computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools the industry runs on.

This Certificate is the right starting point for new and aspiring translators. You finish with a small translation portfolio, a working understanding of CAT tools, and a clear sense of whether to commit to the Diploma or BA in Translation Studies for full professional training.

Key Features

Translation theory introduction — Schleiermacher, Nida, Venuti, contemporary debates.
Practical translation in your chosen language pair — sustained weekly translation exercises with structured tutor feedback.
CAT tools introduction — SDL Trados Studio basics, translation memory, termbase work.
Translation specialism preview — short case studies in legal, technical, literary and audiovisual translation.
Small portfolio — six translated pieces totalling around 6,000 words.
Three study modes — on-campus, fully online, or distance learning.

What You Will Learn

The Certificate in Translation Studies is built around the working skills a new translator needs — scoping a job, working with CAT tools, producing a clean target text, and defending the choices you made.

Translation theory at introductory level — fidelity, equivalence, contemporary translation studies debates.
Translation practice in your chosen language pair — sustained weekly work.
CAT tools fundamentals — translation memory, termbase, project files.
Translation across genres — short technical, literary, journalistic and audiovisual pieces.
Translation ethics — accuracy, fidelity, neutrality, conflicts of interest.
Professional practice basics — agency relationships, direct clients, freelance rates.
Quality assurance — proofreading, terminology consistency, QA checks.
Working with machine translation — post-editing at introductory level.

Who This Course Is For

Bilingual adults considering a career in professional translation.
Working translators without formal qualifications wanting to ground their practice.
Career-changers using a second language professionally for the first time.
Heritage speakers wanting to evidence their bilingual skills with a UK qualification.

Career Pathways

The Certificate in Translation Studies is a foundation credential. Typical applications include:

Junior Translator (agency, in-house)
Translation Project Coordinator (agency)
Bilingual Account Manager (international clients)
Subtitling Assistant (audiovisual provider)
Localisation Assistant (technology, gaming, e-commerce)
Continued Study (Diploma in Translation Studies, BA Translation Studies)

The Certificate articulates into the Diploma in Translation Studies at LSJHML for students continuing.

Entry Requirements

Minimum age 16.
Secondary school qualification (GCSE/O-Level or international equivalent).
IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers.
CEFR B2 or above in your chosen second language (placement test offered).

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.