Bachelor of Arts in Translation Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Translation Studies is a four-year degree programme offered at St. Paul's University through the School of Theology. The programme prepares professional translators and interpreters with expertise to meet the present and future demands of translation in various fields including religion, tourism, business, law, health, and politics.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 189,004 a year at a public institution, Ksh 756,016 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 171,400 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Applied Ethicist, at 20 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers translation theory, conference interpreting, translation of sacred literature, business documents, medical documents, legal documents, children's literature, and multimedia information. Students study translation languages including English with French, Kiswahili, Arabic, Biblical Greek, or Biblical Hebrew.
Students develop competencies in translation techniques, interpreting skills, cross-cultural communication, linguistic analysis, terminology management, and computer-assisted translation tools. The programme combines lectures, practical translation exercises, interpreting practice, and field attachment.
Graduates pursue careers as translators, interpreters, language teachers, linguistic consultants, and communication specialists. They find employment in international organisations, government departments, publishing houses, NGOs, churches, courts, and translation agencies across Kenya and internationally.
The programme is offered at St. Paul's University (private, KSH 159,400 per year) at the Limuru campus and Nairobi campus, with full-time and part-time study modes. The university is accredited by the Commission for University Education and offers a unique programme not widely available in Kenya.
Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya. Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with a C+ in English, consistent with CUE minimum university entry requirements.
What you study
10 subjects- Translation Theory
- Conference Interpreting
- Translation of Sacred Literature
- Legal Translation
- Medical Translation
- Business Translation
- Literary Translation
- Linguistic Analysis
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Computer-Assisted Translation
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Translation Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts and theories of translation studies. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tes...
Linguistic Analysis for Translation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Linguistic Analysis for Translation: Linguistic principles and analysis techniques applied to translation. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Translation Languages I
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Translation Languages I: Study of source and target languages including English, Kiswahili, and French. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Cross-Cultural Communication
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Cross-Cultural Communication: Principles of communicating across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Translation of Sacred Literature
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Techniques for translating biblical and religious texts. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests...
Conference Interpreting
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Conference Interpreting: Simultaneous and consecutive interpreting techniques for conferences. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Legal Translation
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Translation of legal documents and court interpreting. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, ...
Medical and Business Translation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Medical and Business Translation: Translation of medical and business documents with domain-specific terminology. Covers clinical principles, patient care protocols, and evidence-based practice.
Computer-Assisted Translation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Computer-Assisted Translation: Use of CAT tools and technology in professional translation. Includes practical programming exercises, algorithm design, and system implementation.
Literary and Multimedia Translation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Literary and Multimedia Translation: Translation of literary works, children's literature, and multimedia content. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Translation Practicum
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Translation Practicum: Supervised translation and interpreting attachment with a partner organisation. Provides hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and professional skills development.
Research Project in Translation
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project on a translation studies topic. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment te...
Specialisations
Translation Theory
Focus on the theoretical foundations and principles of translation. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Conference Interpreting
Focus on simultaneous and consecutive interpreting for conferences and meetings. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Sacred Literature Translation
Focus on translating religious and biblical texts. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Legal Translation
Focus on translating legal documents and court interpreting. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Medical Translation
Focus on translating medical and health-related documents. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Business Translation
Focus on translating business and commercial documents. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Literary Translation
Focus on translating literary works including children's literature. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Multimedia Translation
Focus on translating multimedia content and digital information. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
A day as a student
A typical day combines lectures, practical translation exercises, and interpreting practice. Morning sessions cover translation theory, linguistic analysis, and terminology management, while afternoons focus on hands-on translation of documents, conference interpreting simulations, and computer-assisted translation tools. Students work with multiple languages including English, Kiswahili, French, and Arabic.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Unique programme not widely available in Kenya, creating niche career opportunities. | Programme is only offered at one private university, limiting institutional choice. |
| Programme covers diverse translation domains including legal, medical, business, and sacred literature. | Job market demand is niche and relatively small compared to broader fields. |
| Kenya's role as a regional hub for international organisations creates demand for translators and interpreters. | Private university fees are higher than government-subsidised public university rates. |
| Programme includes practical translation exercises, interpreting practice, and field attachment. | Programme requires aptitude for multiple languages, which can be challenging for some students. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 188 arts & humanities coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
KU 153K, UoN 189K/yr. St Paul's 85.7K/sem=171.4K/yr. MKU unverified.
St. Paul's University offers scholarships to qualifying students. HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
St. Paul's University Scholarships
Scholarships
5 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
St. Paul's University Scholarship
University scholarshipKenyan
Qualifying students based on academic merit and financial need.
Bible Society of Kenya Translation Grants
Organisation grantKenyan
Students pursuing Bible translation studies may be eligible for grants from partner organisations.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English; OR KACE (A level) with a minimum of two principal passes; OR a diploma in a related area with at least a credit pass in English from a recognised institution.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Multimedia University of Kenya, St. Paul's University.
Including Multimedia University of Kenya, St. Paul's University.
Including Multimedia University of Kenya, St. Paul's University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, translation assignments, and terminology exercises.
Practical Translation and Interpreting
Practical30% of the mark
Practical translation exercises, interpreting simulations, and oral presentations.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering translation theory, language proficiency, and domain translation.
Translation Practicum
Project100% of the mark
Final-year supervised translation practicum including portfolio, report, and oral defence.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesTranslator
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 150,000
Translates written documents across languages in various domains.
Interpreter
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 180,000
Provides simultaneous or consecutive interpreting for conferences and meetings.
Language Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Teaches languages in schools, colleges, or language institutes.
Editor
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Edits and reviews translated materials for accuracy and fluency.
Bible Translation Specialist
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 130,000
Works with Bible societies and mission organisations on scripture translation projects.
Communication Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 140,000
Manages cross-cultural communication for international organisations and NGOs.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as translators, interpreters, and language teachers in international organisations, government, publishing, and NGOs. Demand is niche but growing with Kenya's role as a regional hub.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Applied EthicistArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- ChoreographerArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- Interfaith Dialogue FacilitatorArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- EpigrapherArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Indigenous Knowledge SpecialistArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Manuscript ConservatorArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Museum EducatorArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Theological ResearcherArts & Humanities22Low exposure
Tools you will learn
SDL Trados Studio
Cat toolsPrimary
Computer-assisted translation tool for professional translators.
memoQ
Cat tools
Alternative CAT tool for translation memory and terminology management.
Microsoft Office
ProductivityPrimary
Productivity suite for document creation and translation work.
Google Translate
Machine translation
Machine translation tool used as a reference, not a replacement for professional translation.
Terminology Management Tools
Terminology
Tools for managing glossaries and terminology databases.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Translation studies is just about knowing two languages.
The programme covers translation theory, interpreting techniques, terminology management, and specialised domain translation.
Translators are being replaced by machine translation.
Professional translators are still needed for accurate, nuanced, and culturally appropriate translations, especially in legal, medical, and sacred text contexts.
Translation graduates can only work as translators.
Graduates also work as interpreters, language teachers, editors, communication specialists, and cultural consultants.
Translation studies is only for those interested in religious texts.
The programme covers business, legal, medical, literary, and multimedia translation in addition to sacred literature.