The practical orientation of undergraduate translation and interpreting degrees in Spain means that less importance is given to theoretical modules, and it is often thought that students doubt the usefulness of these modules and are therefore reluctant to take them. Previous empirical research has shown that students are not as averse to theory as is often assumed; in fact, according to these studies, students rate its contribution to their training quite positively. In order to take a further step in the study of students’ views on translation theory, the present study adds a qualitative perspective to (in)validate the results obtained in previous research and explore them in greater depth. Students’ answers to open questions are analysed using Atlas.ti qualitative analysis software to assess how translation theory contributes to their training and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the translation theory module at Jaume I University (Castellón, Spain). The findings show that fitting translation theory into the training and education of translators is a complex task and they also reveal that cognitive restructuring is needed to help students overcome their tendency to associate theory with complex, dense, difficult-to-grasp and, ultimately, useless concepts.