Translate Chinese, Bachelor of Arts

Who is suited for the Bachelor's degree in Chinese Translation?

The Bachelor's degree in Chinese Translation at the International University SDI Munich is aimed at you if you have a profound interest in the Chinese and German languages as well as their respective cultures. It is especially targeted at individuals who have either grown up bilingual with a connection to Chinese or possess solid prior knowledge of Chinese. It is also suitable for you if you come from Greater China and would like to get to know the German language and life in Germany more closely. The course appeals to you if you want to work as a mediator between both language and cultural areas – for example, as a translator, interpreter, or in international communication. Last but not least, the programme is also appropriate if you want to specialise long-term in an interculturally oriented master’s degree.

Admission requirements for the course

There are clear linguistic and formal requirements for enrolment in the Bachelor's degree in Chinese Translation:

• University entrance qualification: General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), advanced technical college entrance qualification, an equivalent recognised prior education, or a comparable qualification according to Bavarian higher education law.
• Language skills:
  • German or Chinese: Skills at C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
  • Chinese or German (each as second language): Skills at at least B1 level (CEFR).
  • English: Skills at at least B1 level (CEFR).

If you do not yet consider your German skills to be at the required level, the university recommends an intensive programme immediately before the start of your studies.

The practical semester is an integral part and can be completed individually in China, Greater China, or Germany.

Personal requirements and profile

In addition to the formal criteria, the course primarily requires certain personal characteristics that are advantageous for a successful career as a translator:

• High sensitivity when dealing with linguistic and cultural differences
• Willingness to immerse yourself intensively in new specialist fields
• Interest in intercultural communication and language mediation
• Good written and oral expression skills in German and Chinese
• Independent and structured working style
• Commitment to continuously engage with digital tools and modern translation methods

The admission requirements and personal profile of the degree course ensure that after graduation you will be professionally versatile as a language mediator – for example, in the international context, in companies, authorities, or as a freelance translator.

Course Content: Chinese Translation (B.A.) at a Glance

In the Bachelor's degree programme in Chinese Translation at the International University SDI Munich, you will engage with the core areas of language and culture, translation as well as specialised translation. The programme focuses on imparting practical knowledge related to German-Chinese communication and the role of language as an intermediary between cultures.

• Acquisition of competences in German, Chinese and English
• Addressing intercultural aspects of communication between China and Germany
• Practical translation exercises – written and oral
• Use of modern translation and terminology tools
• Involvement of experienced lecturers, including native speakers from China and Germany

The goal is to train you as an expert in language and cultural mediation between the German and Chinese language areas.

Course Structure and Special Features

The programme lasts 7 semesters and is designed as a so-called 3-day university model. You have lectures and seminars three days a week, while the remaining days are available for self-study, part-time jobs or leisure.

• Duration of studies: 7 semesters (full-time), 210 ECTS
• Practical element: a practical semester (usually the 5th semester) – optionally in China/Greater China or in Germany (e.g. at a partner university, in a company or a translation agency)
• Individual orientation of your practical semester depending on mother tongue, performance level and personal goals
• International orientation through cooperation with partner universities in China

Teaching is conducted in German, English and Chinese (with the corresponding prior knowledge). The university is state-recognised and accredited. The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).

Career Prospects and Fields of Application

With your Bachelor’s degree, you are qualified as a professional translator for Chinese and German as well as an expert in intercultural communication between the two countries.

• Working freelance or employed in companies, authorities, ministries and international organisations
• Employment in translation agencies or language service providers
• Use in multilingual corporate communication
• Translating and proofreading specialised texts
• Localisation of software and websites, terminology management
• Subtitling media content (films, image videos, advertising)
• Interpreting at meetings or negotiations
• Conducting intercultural training and language teaching
• Leading international translation projects

With this degree, you can also pursue further Master’s programmes, such as in Intercultural Communication, Translation or Conference Interpreting.

Location of Study: Munich

The course takes place on the campus of the International University SDI Munich. The university places great emphasis on an international and practice-oriented campus life as well as close supervision by the teaching team. Location advantages arise from the wide range of partner universities in China and an extensive network of companies in the German-Chinese economic area.

Tuition Fees and Financing Options

The total tuition fees amount to €20,580 (monthly €490). Thanks to the 3-day university structure, you have the opportunity to work alongside your studies and thus contribute to financing. The university supports you with scholarship offers and information on further financing options.

• Tuition fees: €490 per month (total: €20,580)
• Option for part-time jobs alongside studies due to the 3-day model
• Possibilities for scholarships and financial support

A separate intensive programme is offered to international students to prepare for studies (e.g. German summer course A1–C1).