University of Helsinki is currently going through the process of renovating all its degree programmes. As a part of this process called Big Wheel, all the Bachelor level degree programmes in translation (i.e. English, German, Russian and French translation) will be cancelled starting next academic year 2017–2018. All the present programmes will be integrated in the Master’s degree. The reform begs the question of what will happen to professional know-how of graduates if the duration of studies is reduced by half. In the interview with Her Campus at Helsinki, Liisa Tiittula, professor of translation studies at the University of Helsinki, tells us what awaits translation studies in the near future.
HC: The reform has provoked a lively debate. Martta Ponto, an English translation student of University of Helsinki, notes in her article (Kääntäjä 1/2017) that the possible consequences of this education reform are negative. The duration of studies will reduce by half and students will have less time to get acquainted with translator community. What do you think about these statements?
Tiittula: First of all, I have to clarify that Martta did not contact anyone from the group responsible for the planning of the new study programme. Martta’s article shows that she is satisfied with the education she is getting at UH, which is a positive thing. However, translation has been taught in Finland for over 50 years and during this time translation studies have been restructured several times.
If we take a closer look at the new programme, we will see that the number of credits will not change radically. For example, the Swedish translation study programme currently includes 45 ECTS credits of translation studies at Bachelor’s level and 80 at Master’s level. In the new programme the Master’s degree will consist of translation studies only (120 ECTS credits), while the Bachelor’s degree will focus on language and culture in general.
The new programme also better meets the requirements of the current social situation in Finland. Until now, we have only had translation studies in a few languages, but the new programme will provide options in 16 languages. In the new study programme we will pay more attention to translation technology. One purpose of the Big Wheel is to give students a possibility to gain some work experience after finishing their Bachelor’s degree, so that they can apply the skills gained from working in their Master’s level studies.
HC: How will the reform affect students who are getting a BA degree in translation now?
Tiittula: They will finish their Bachelor’s degree in the present programme and start a Master’s degree in the new programme. Of course, some courses at Master’s level will coincide with the courses provided at Bachelor’s level in the present programme. Students do not need to take these courses for a second time, instead they can choose something new.
It is important to remember that we cannot compare skills and knowledge of different graduates. The students who will start their first degree in the new programme next academic year, will hopefully have different skills compared to those who are finishing their Bachelor’s degree now.
For more information on Big Wheel, check out the education reform page in Flamma.