I. Program Overview
The Department of Translation & Interpreting, established in 2007 as one of the first of its kind in China, carries a distinguished legacy of service and academic leadership. Our faculty and translation teams have been entrusted with translating for national leaders and have played a pivotal role in high-stakes international projects, including translating key documents for Beijing’s successful 2008 Olympic bid. Today, the department is at the forefront of the discipline, producing influential research in areas such as Chinese cultural translation, socio-translation studies, translation ethics, and, crucially, AI-assisted translation.
Our undergraduate program is meticulously designed to train the next generation of elite translators and interpreters for the highest levels of global engagement. The flagship four-year program, the B.A. in Translation and Interpreting (Advanced Translation and Interpreting in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs), was created specifically to serve China’s strategic needs in global engagement.
The curriculum follows a rigorous progression. In the first two years, students build a solid foundation in bilingual language skills and broad interdisciplinary knowledge, with courses in International Relations, Intercultural Communication, and Western Civilization. From the second year onward, the focus shifts to intensive, hands-on training in translation and interpreting, incorporating emerging technologies and tools. A hallmark of our program is its emphasis on technological fluency, with specialized courses such as “AI Translation Technologies” preparing students for the evolving demands of the profession in the digital age.
Our students benefit from unparalleled opportunities beyond the classroom. We have established an extensive internship network with government ministries, media organizations, and leading translation firms, providing invaluable real-world experience. Furthermore, our global partnerships with more than 10 universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada offer abundant opportunities for international exchange.
This unique combination of rigorous training, technological integration, and practical experience produces graduates who are consistently recognized for their superior skills and critical thinking. They are frequent winners of major national competitions and are highly sought after by premier employers, reflected in our consistently high employment rate. Our alumni embark on successful careers in diplomacy, government ministries, international organizations, and multinational corporations, or pursue advanced degrees at the world’s most prestigious universities.
II. Program Objectives
As China pursues a distinctive path of major-country diplomacy and works with nations worldwide to build a world of lasting peace and shared prosperity, the B.A. program in Translation and Interpreting (Advanced Translation and Interpreting in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs) has been created to serve national strategic needs. The program is dedicated to cultivating elite professionals who possess a solid command of the field, a deep understanding of contemporary China, and a thorough knowledge of international affairs and intercultural communication, preparing them to play a vital role in diplomatic and foreign affairs translation and interpreting.
This program directly addresses the nation’s strategic demands and the urgent societal need for high-caliber translators and interpreters. It aims to develop graduates with:
● A strong foundation in both English and Chinese.
● A profound understanding of bilingual literature and culture.
● Advanced bilingual conversion skills and proficiency in emerging translation technologies.
● A broad knowledge base in the humanities and social sciences.
● Outstanding abilities in learning, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and leadership.
● The professional competencies required to adapt to new models of translation work in the age of AI.
III. Learning Outcomes
This program equips students with the fundamental skills required of professional translators. The curriculum covers comprehensive English and Chinese language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, and creative expression), an understanding of the cultures of English-speaking countries and China, specialized training in various fields of translation and interpreting, and the application of emerging translation technologies and AI-assisted tools. Students will also master basic research methodologies, preparing them for careers in translation practice, research, teaching, and management, while developing strong psychological and physical resilience for the demands of the profession and cross-cultural communication.
Upon graduation, students will have acquired the following knowledge and abilities:
(1) Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Foundational knowledge of the humanities and social sciences, especially in key areas such as politics, economics, culture, education, science and technology, law, and finance.
(2) Cultural Fluency: Familiarity with the history, culture, and literary traditions of both China and English-speaking countries, and the ability to effectively communicate China’s stories to the world.
(3) Bilingual Communication: The ability to accurately comprehend and fluently express ideas in both Chinese and English.
(4) Translation and Interpreting Proficiency: Advanced skills in English-Chinese translation and interpreting, supported by practical experience.
(5) Technological Aptitude: Mastery of digital and intelligent translation technologies and tools, with the ability to manage translation projects in a digital environment.
(6) Critical and Innovative Thinking: The capacity for critical thought and innovation, enabling them to independently analyze and solve complex translation problems, maintain a keen awareness of new phenomena and technological developments in the field, and propose creative solutions in practice.
(7) Professionalism and Research Skills: An understanding of industry norms and standards, demonstrating the potential, psychological fortitude, and ethical conduct of a professional translator. Possess basic research skills.
(8) Multilingual Competence: Foundational knowledge of a second foreign language, reflecting the program’s emphasis on multilingual talent.
(9) Academic and Practical Skills: Mastery of basic methods for literature review and data retrieval, with the foundational ability to engage in practical work and academic research.
Career Prospects: Graduates are prepared for careers in translation, interpreting, and project management in government ministries, foreign affairs offices at all levels, Chinese missions abroad, international publishing houses, the overseas departments of media organizations, foreign-related enterprises, and multinational corporations. They are also qualified for broader roles related to language, cultural exchange, design, planning, and consulting.
IV. Honors Degree
To encourage academic excellence, the university offers an Honors Bachelor’s Degree. The requirements are as follows:
(1) Completion of all required professional and honors courses with a strong academic record in non-major courses.
(2) A cumulative GPA ranking in the top 10% of the major for all eight semesters.
(3) Fulfillment of one of the following conditions:
● Winning a second prize or higher at the national or provincial level in one of three major competitions: the China International “Internet+” College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, the “Creating Youth” National College Student Entrepreneurship Competition, or the “Challenge Cup” College Student Entrepreneurship Plan Competition.
● Winning a first prize or higher in a national or international academic competition.
● Delivering a keynote speech at a national or international academic conference.
● Publishing at least one academic paper as the first author in a scholarly journal.
● Demonstrating other outstanding achievements (e.g., in innovation, entrepreneurship, or social service).
(4) A clean record with no disciplinary violations or academic misconduct during the period of study.
Students who meet these criteria may be awarded an Honors Bachelor’s Degree upon review and approval by both the university’s degree committees and those of the School of English and International Studies at the time of graduation.
V. Discipline, Degree, and Length of Study
● Primary Discipline: Foreign Languages and Literatures
● Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts
● Standard Program Length: Four years (Flexible from 3 to 6 years)
● Minor Program: Students may pursue a minor in another discipline concurrently with their major within the designated period of study.
VI. Total Credits and Hours
● Total In-Class Hours: 2,432
● Total In-Class Credits: 144
● Practical Training Credits: 12
● Total Program Credits: 156
