The origin of FETH dates back to 1958, when the Chair of Foreign Languages of Riga Polytechnic Institute was established. In the 1990’s, the Chair of Foreign Languages was transformed into the Institute of Languages. In 2011, the Institute of Languages gained a new name - the Institute of Applied Linguistics. The Institute had extensive experience in teaching scientific and special field terminology (ESP), as well as a profound expertise in developing and updating the methodology of translation of technical texts. The main aim of the Institute was to provide an opportunity for RTU students to develop their foreign language competence, necessary for conducting research in the international environment. In 1996, the Institute developed a higher professional education study programme «Technical Translation». In 2008, professional Bachelor and Master study programmes were created and accredited. Throughout its long and tangled history, the Institute had trained well-educated, internationally recognized, highly qualified technical translators in the fields of information technology, telecommunications, environment protection, ecology, materials science, construction, architecture and urban planning, engineering economics, and other technical and social domains. The Institute also ensured advanced training not only in linguistics and translatology, but also in the relevant scientific and technical fields.
Nowadays, RTU IAL conducts indepth scientific research and implements Bachelor and Master professional study programmes «Technical Translation». The Institute of Applied Linguistics provides special courses of state and foreign languages within the framework of IAL professional study programmes. Our throughtfully planned study programmes imply professional training of technical translators in such fields as mechanical engineering, logistics, power engineering, material science, information technologies, telecommunications, civil engineering, architecture and town planning, engineering economics etc.
When elaborating the Bachelor and Master Study Programmes «Technical Translation» at the RTU Institute of Applied Linguistics, the international experience gained in Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Great Britain (Applied Languages Europe) since 1987 has been taken into consideration.