The competition, launched to mark the European Day of Languages on 26 September, is open to university students worldwide.  It gives them the chance to win cash prizes of up to £250, plus an internship and mentoring opportunities to boost their employability.     

The aim of the competition is to encourage gifted language students towards a career in translation and interpreting, and to give them a head start in the field.  

The University’s Department of Languages, Translation and Communication offers:

• degrees in translation and interpreting, French, German, Italian and Spanish

• Languages for All, which allows students across the University to study the languages above plus Mandarin and Arabic

• a year abroad as part of languages degrees, and close links and placements with businesses

The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014 recently singled out languages at Swansea, as the department’s admissions rose 15% last year “at a time of falling interest elsewhere”. 

Veritas Language Solutions, which was set up by Swansea languages graduates, provides translation services and interpreting to an international market, employing 5,000 translators working in 71 different countries and in over 2000 language combinations.

They won International Business of the Year at the HSBC Start-up Stars Awards 2010 and also won a Lloyds TSB Enterprise Award 2012.

Picture: Sharon Stephens, managing director of Veritas Language Solutions, and a Swansea languages graduate, with Professor Andy Rothwell, along with members of the teams from Veritas and the Department of Languages, Translation and Communication

‌Professor Andrew Rothwell, head of the Department of Languages, Translation and Communication, said:   

"Language graduates are highly employable, and we’re always keen to support initiatives that boost students’ skills and give them links with the world of work.    That’s why we’re delighted to be running this competition in partnership with Veritas.  The company was founded by our graduates, and we are extremely proud of their extraordinary success."

Veritas’ Managing Director, Sharon Stephens, who graduated from Swansea University in languages, said:

“Entering this competition will be a great first step for any student hoping to work as a translator or to set up their own business.  Winners will have access to the wealth of knowledge and business acumen that has ensured Veritas’ ongoing success in the translation industry.”

“Graduates need a head-start on their career paths and we’re hoping this competition will help open doors for them. Veritas in partnership with Swansea University are also working to bridge the gap between education and business.”

About the competition