Dual Studies in Translation and Culture
Course description
Dual Studies in Translation and Culture (DSTC) is a BA degree course in translation and/or interpreting. DSTC offers academic education combined with practical skills and knowledge that are highly desirable on the job markets.
DSTC students study two foreign languages B and C: English/German, English/Russian or German/Russian. Language B is studied at an advanced level, while Language C can be studied from the beginners’, pre-intermediate or intermediate levels.
Students can apply for an individual course of study. There are also remedial courses designed for beginners to help them catch up with more advanced students. Such flexibility allows the DSTC curriculum to be adjusted to the students’ needs allowing for a more individualized approach and practicality.
30% of DSTC courses are selected by students, which gives them an opportunity to tailor the study programme according to their academic interests, capabilities and career plans. In the second year, DSTC students choose their specialization module either in interpreting or in written translation. In the second and third years they choose 5 elective courses.
Classes are conducted in specialist language and computer laboratories, with the use of the latest technologies for learning foreign languages, translation and interpreting, including an e-learning platform. Practical courses in Language B include specialist vocabulary in economy and law, enabling students to learn about the job market realities and the needs of modern economy in Poland and abroad.
Students develop their practical skills also during internships, for which they apply during the summer holidays or in the third year of their studies. They can apply for 15-week placements at translation agencies, international companies, publishing houses, banks, shipping companies, outsourcing companies, travel agencies, local administration offices, or international foundations or associations. The college establishes contacts with such institutions and companies. Students can do their internship also abroad as part of the Erasmus Programme. The graduates may seek employment at all types of the companies or institutions mentioned above or continue their education at a postgraduate level.
As part of international agreements (Erasmus Exchange Programme, agreements with American universities), DSTC students can apply for a scholarship to study abroad. Also, the academic staff can participate in teacher exchange programmes with numerous partners abroad.
Aims of education and employment opportunities
DSTC graduates have developed language skills in Language B at C1 level of the European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe. As to Language C, studied from the beginner's or intermediate level, graduates have developed language skills at B2 level of the European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe.
They have acquired a comprehensive knowledge of linguistics, literary, cultural and translation studies, a basic knowledge of literature, history and culture of Language B- and Language C-speaking countries and a practical knowledge of the institutions and media in these countries.
DSTC graduates can read and analyze texts of all types. They can speak and write fluently in Polish and in Language B. They can read and analyze texts and speak and write fluently in Language C when dealing with general issues, non-specialist, known from everyday context. They can use specialized terminology in Language B from the selected field and can translate written and/or spoken texts both from Language B into Polish and from Polish into Language B. They can translate written and/or spoken texts from Language C into Polish. They have learned the ethics of the translator’s profession and developed skills necessary for professional work.
Apart from providing specialized vocational training, the DSTC course prepares students for life in an open civic society based on tolerance and respect for law. Students are taught responsibility for the written and spoken word. They learn the ethics of the translator’s profession and basic humanistic and patriotic values. They develop respect and comprehension for the culture, tradition and values of other nations.
DSTC graduates can seek employment in every institution or company where the knowledge of languages and skills in intercultural communication are required. They include: translation agencies, international companies operating in Poland, publishing houses, mass media, banks, insurance companies, outsourcing companies, transportation firms, travel offices and any other businesses which cooperate with foreign partners.
Further education
The course meets all the requirements contained in the standards of education for Philology issued by the Polish Government. The DSTC graduates will be able to continue their education at the Master’s level in any university in Poland which offers the study in the same or related field. In addition, the large number of hours spent on practical translation from and into two non-native languages during the course will considerably facilitate further training in translation and/or interpreting in any post-graduate school for translators and/or interpreters. The graduates may also broaden their qualifications by enrolling (during or after the course) for strictly pedagogical courses required of professional teachers by the Polish Government standards of education.
Admission requirements
Candidates should have the knowledge of Language B at least at an intermediate level; the secondary school leaving exam in that language should be at least at a basic level.
If the candidate chooses to study as Language B the language in which they did not take an exam at the end of the secondary school, a secondary school leaving exam in another foreign language, at least at a basic level, is required. The candidate will also need to take a test indicating the level of the candidate’s knowledge of Language B or present a certificate of the candidate’s knowledge of that language at the required level.
