English Language and Translation

Translation and Interpreting involves converting the meaning of written or spoken content from one language to another. While translation deals with written materials, interpreting refers to oral translation or through sign language. Professionals in the field have advanced knowledge of the languages used, but they also need to understand properly the subject matter of the translation.

Translating works with various documents including literary texts, web copy, reports, legal papers, instructional guides, brochures and more. Interpreting facilitates communication in different contexts such as international conferences and events, business meetings, video seminars, or criminal justice proceedings.

Interpreting and Translation relates to disciplines such as Language Studies, Linguistics, Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies. Professionals often have to work with other diverse areas, depending on the subject area of the material they are required to translate or interpret.

Translation and Interpreting programmes focus on one central language usually paired with English. There are also various specialisations within the field including literary translation, conference and community interpreting, intercultural service in healthcare, multilingual organisational communication or interpreting and translation for international business.

Example roles for future translators and interpreters include editors and proof-writers, language analysts, and also translators and interpreters in specific fields such as business, law, medicine or public services.

Students with a high school diploma or its equivalent from outside Jordan can enroll in higher education institutions directly through websites of public and private universities or intermediate community colleges based on their averages. Universities implement the credit hours system, which allows students to choose courses according to their study plan.

Students wishing to enroll in a master's program must hold a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, students who wish to enroll in doctoral programs must hold a master's degree.

In addition, students wishing to enroll in postgraduate programs are required to provide a certificate confirming their English proficiency level in a TOEFL or IELTS exam. They could also demonstrate a certain proficiency level in French or German. Lastly, they could take an English language exam held by the higher education institution they apply in.

In the event that the student fails to prove the required level of English, German or French, or fails the English equivalency exam, they may study a qualifying program in English at the university where they undertake additional six credit hours; he/she must score a minimum grade that varies according to their specialization.

Students can apply for admission to a higher education institution in Jordan through the following:

1. Applying directly to the institution of higher education of their choice. Many higher education institutions in Jordan have online application services or through university service offices; while some institutions accept applications through mail. Each higher education institution determines its own enrollment requirements. Therefore, a prospective student should communicate with the institution they wish to apply to in order to know the specific admission requirements and procedures.
2. Applying directly through the free on-line application
3. Communicate with the Directorate of International Student Affairs at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and apply to any higher education institution