CIOL Diploma in Translation (DipTrans)

preparatory course

FOUNDATIONS OF TRANSLATION^®

Foundations of Translation^® Course Overview

Foundations of Translation is an online course designed to prepare candidates for the CIOL DipTrans. It is aimed at:

• language graduates that want to become translators

• language teachers that wish to switch to the translation profession or combine both professions for an extra income stream.

The course is delivered at Master level, and students are expected to have a high command of their foreign language, between C1-C2 level (CEFR), as well an excellent command of their native language.

The suggested timeframe to cover the contents of this course is between 6 to 10 months. This will allow for ample time for consultations and exam revision to guarantee a successful exam result.

Based on the first version of Foundations of Translation^® (2020), the course consists of 4 core modules, detailed in the table below. Students should expect a significant update for the 2021 version.

Module 1: Translation Theory	* What translation is * Why translation theory is about * Language functions, text-categories and text-types * Speech act theory * Implicatures and presuppositions
Module 2: Translation Methods and Techniques	* Translation methods: word-for-word, literal, faithful, adaptation, etc. * Translation techniques: borrowing, calque, naturalisation, etc.
Module 3: Translation Problems and Strategic Solutions	* Levels of translation * Translation of lexis (proper nouns, organisations, geographical nouns, acronyms, eponyms, abbreviations) * Translation of weight, measures, quantities. * Syntactically weak sentences * Ambiguity
Module 4: Translation Practice & Terminology	* Translation of a General Text (U1): analysis of text, translation practice, translator’s notes and annotations * Technical Translation (U2) * Business Translation (U2) * Literary Translation (U2) * Scientific Translation (U3) * Translation in the Social Sciences (U3) * Legal Translation (U3)

How is the course assessed?

series of activities per topic module

monitored translation practice at the end of Module 3 with face-to-face feedback

past papers assessed in line with the DipTrans Assessment Criteria

What is included in the course?

a virtual face-to-face interview before enrolling on the course

regular contact time with the tutor (virtual face-to-face)

downloadable written handout covering the main theoretical aspects of the course

pre-recorded video lessons

Certificate of course completion from My Language Hub – CIOL Exam Centre

a lifetime access to the entire online course PLUS all the updates!!!

Register for the course

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the DipTrans?

The CIOL Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) is a professional translation qualification. It is recognised and accepted in the UK as well as abroad by all professional translation organisations. The Diploma in Translation is a post-graduate level qualification (Level 7), equivalent to a Master’s level.

What does Level 7 mean?

A Level 7 qualification in the UK is equivalent to master’s level, i.e. MA or MSc. The DipTrans is the equivalent to the final exam of a Master’s course in Translation.

What are the benefits of doing the DipTrans?

The DipTrans provides a multitude of benefits:
1. it is Ofqual-regulated
2. it is an internationally recognised qualification
3. it improves career prospects

Can I work as a translator without having the DipTrans?

You may be able to translate some documents provided you have fluent written language skills in English and fluent reading comprehension of at least one other language. However, the translation profession is highly competitive.
The DipTrans is considered the gold standard for anyone wishing to pursue a successful career as a translator, either as a freelancer or as an employee for an international organisation.

What is the exam like?

The exam consists of 3 units:
Unit 01 Written Translation of a General Text
Unit 02 One written translation of a Semi-specialised text in a Technology, Business or Literature context
 Unit 03 One written translation of a Semi-specialised text in a Science, Social Science or Law context

How flexible is the course in terms of timings?

The idea is that you can follow the course online and in your own time. However, there are some technical aspects of translation theory that may need further explanation. And that’s where you can book some contact time.

Will I be allocated a tutor in my language pairs?

The theoretical content of the course is about applying the correct methods and techniques to solve specific translation problems, without focusing on any language pair. As soon as you enrol in the course you will choose a definite language pair, and a tutor in your chosen language pair will be assigned to assess your translated work.

How can I pay for the course?

The financials of the course will be announced when the course is launched early in 2021. Join the VIP list so that we can keep you up to date.

How will the course be delivered?

We use Zoom as a preferred platform to deliver the course.

About the trainer

Chartered Linguist Carina Balbo is a professional translator and a foreign language trainer with 25 years’ experience in industry. She is also a professional Assessment specialist working for the major national and international Exam Boards.

An author, speaker, mentor and coach, Carina is also a Council Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) and of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC), two the leading translation organisations in the UK.

FOUNDATIONS OF TRANSLATION^® is currently closed.

IMPORTANT: When it opens next, it will only be available for few short days. Register now so you don’t miss out on any of the special VIP bonuses.

FOUNDATIONS OF TRANSLATION^® is the leading course for those language geeks that wish to sit the Diploma in Translation and become professional translators.  

What our students say

I had no experience of translation before starting the course and was very worried and nervous about my prospects of passing the DipTrans exam. However, because of all the support, positive feedback and encouragement I have received from Carina, I now feel more confident about it. Carina is very meticulous, methodical and organised and has worked extremely hard to provide us with clear, concise and informative materials. We have also had a lot of really good guidance on further reading, building comprehensive glossaries and even buying the best dictionaries for the exam. The way the course is designed and delivered is excellent and I would have no hesitation in recommending Carina as one of the best-placed people to deliver a course like this.

Rana Sh.

This is an interesting and enjoyable course, not only targeted at preparing for the Diploma in Translation, but also useful to learn more about what translation is all about, even if you are not taking the exam.  Carina is a knowledgeable and demanding teacher who helps you reach your potential.  Her personalised and accessible approach is excellent.

Jane L.

Professionalism and experience reflected in a solid academic Translation Course. Thank you very much!!

Diana M.