Faculty of Modern Languages Translation Studies for Information Technologies
Students majoring in Translation and Communication Technologies learn to translate German-language texts into English as well as English-language texts into German, devoting particular attention to technological aspects. Communication technologies at TH Mannheim comprises the other half of the curriculum.
Heidelberg University is offering this joint degree program in Translation and Communication Technologies (TCT) in cooperation with TH Mannheim (the Technical University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim). The degree program was created to meet the growing demand for technical translators trained in both applied linguistics and technology.
Marks of distinction
This major stands out due to its high degree of interdisciplinarity. Lectures take place at two different locations:
- The translation-related theoretical lectures and practical courses are held at Heidelberg University’s School of Translation and Interpreting (IÜD).
- The fundamentals of computer science, automation, and communication technology are taught at TH Mannheim’s colleges of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.
Beyond acquiring these core and extended competencies, students will also have numerous opportunities to individually tailor their studies. The longstanding partnership between the IÜD and the participating colleges in Mannheim, as well as other renowned training centers for the respective fields located both inside and outside of Europe, give our students a leg up in finding study-abroad and internship opportunities. The IÜD also operates its own in-house internship center, which is there to help place students in internships in the translation industry, both within Germany and abroad.
Each year, in cooperation with the Baden-Württemberg State Association of Translators and Interpreters, the IÜD offers professional development seminars in order to facilitate students’ entry into the profession. These events are specially geared to the needs of translators just embarking on their careers.
Research
The IÜD’s strong focus on research, marked by interdisciplinarity and international academic collaborations, makes itself known to TCT majors as well. Right from the first semester of their studies, they gain firsthand insights into ongoing research.
In addition to translation studies as an overarching subject area, the following research concentrations are represented at the IÜD:
- Discourse and cognition
- Contrastive linguistics
- Lexicology and terminology research
Many different methodological approaches are being pursued within our research projects. In the TCT program, the focus lies on terminology research and translation technologies in connection with the subject areas covered at TH Mannheim.
Professional fields
This degree program forges a link between an engineering major and a humanities-oriented program of studies. Graduates develop a professional profile for which there is ever-increasing demand on the job market. This gives them access to professional fields which are currently experiencing rapid growth:
- Technological LSP translation
- Technical documentation
- Localization of software and websites
- Multilingual web-publishing
Degree variants
Bachelor 100%
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Insights
I initially wanted to study translation but then discovered TSIT and thought the combination with information technologies sounded much more interesting. I also believe that having technical skills will be very helpful in my future career.
Carolina Tack, 20, Translation studies for information technologies, 3rd semester Bachelor
