Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Translation and Interpreting (Extended) at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MA in Translation and Interpreting is a specialised variant, emphasising interpreting skills, of our established MA in Professional Translation.
Core skills:
- Advanced Translation in 1 or 2 language pairs
- European-recognised training in Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools
- Public Service Interpreting (Local Government, Health, Police and Court).
Specialisation options: Further technologies, terminology, multimedia, new/intermediate language.
Part 2 options include internship and year abroad.
- Language pairs (subject to demand): From English into: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish, Welsh.
- Into English from: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Welsh.
Part One of Translation and Interpreting – F/t: six 20-credit (10 ECTS) modules in two semesters (p/t in four):
Compulsory: Foundations of Translation and Interpreting, CAT Tools, Advanced Translation (pair 1), Interpreting (1).
Optional: Advanced Translation (pair 2), Interpreting (2), History and Theory of Translation, Translation Technologies, Subtitling/dubbing/audio description, Terminology, Simulated Translation Company, Digital publishing. Study a new language (French, German, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish), or post A-Level language (French, German, or Spanish).
Part Two of Translation and Interpreting – Two elements totalling 120 credits (60 ECTS), taken in either order:
1: A choice of individual project of 60 credits (30 ECTS) (can be done over the summer):
- Two Extended Translations with commentary;
- Dissertation (15,000-20,000 words);
- Internship (13 weeks full time, part time pro rata).
2: 60 further credits (30 ECTS) of Part 1 modules, or a second project.
Unique Part 2 alternative: METS year abroad. Students take 50 credits (25 ECTS) at two partner translation schools, with a 20 credit (10 ECTS) report for Swansea, leading to a double award: Swansea MA plus METS Diploma.
Modules on the MA in Translation and Interpreting include:
Foundations of Translation and Interpreting
Advanced Translation
Translation Tools
Public Service Interpreting (Local Government Option)
Public Service Interpreting (Health Option)
Public Service Interpreting (Law Option: Police and Introduction to Court Interpreting)
Interpreting- Business Option (Spanish and Madarin only)
Translation Technologies
Translation Work Experience for MA Students
Terminology Management
Beginners' Language
Intermediate Language
Extended Translations
Translation/Interpreting Internship
"After the internship that I completed through my European Master's in Translation with Language Technology [the original title of the extended MAPT] at a small translation company in Swansea, I took on a sales position with them. After three months as a sales executive, a project management role opened up in the company and I took it. As this role was in the certified translation department, I was able to build on the legal translation knowledge I had gained through my European Master's in TLT. My role involved completing some small translations in-house when time permitted and also reviewing the work of freelance translators and interns. I was also able to complete freelance translation work. After eighteen months, I moved to SDL to start an in-house translation role.
The MA programme gave me a solid basis from which to develop my translation career. I still refer back to notes I made during my degree, particularly from the advanced translation and language technology module. Breaking into the translation industry can be difficult but I feel that I had an advantage over graduates from other universities in that I had completed the translation work experience module, extended translation projects and an internship as part of my European Master's in TLT. Having a focus on CAT tools was useful as I was able to practice applying the skills I had learnt in the language technology module in different translation situations. My knowledge of CAT tools was valuable to the operations management team during my project management role and it is now vital for me as a translator at SDL International. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to enter the translation industry."
Jennifer Green
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Professional Translation (Extended) at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MA in Professional Translation is an integrated programme designed to turn entrants with proven excellence in foreign languages into successful and marketable professional linguists.
Core skills:
- Advanced Translation in 1 or 2 language pairs
- European-recognised training in Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools
Specialisation options:
Interpreting, further technologies, terminology, multimedia, new/intermediate language.
Part 2 options include internship and year abroad.
Language pairs (subject to demand):
- From English into: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Spanish, Welsh
- Into English from: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Welsh
Modules on the MA in Professional Translation typically include:
Foundations of Translation and Interpreting
Advanced Translation
Translation Tools
Translation Technologies
Translation Work Experience for MA Students
Terminology Management
Beginners' Language
Intermediate Language
Extended Translations
Translation/Interpreting Internship
Part One – F/t: six 20-credit (10 ECTS) modules in two semesters (p/t in four):
Compulsory: Foundations of Translation and Interpreting, CAT Tools, Advanced Translation (pair 1).
Optional: Advanced Translation (pair 2), History and Theory of Translation, Interpreting, Translation Technologies, Subtitling/dubbing/audio description, Terminology, Simulated Translation Company, Digital publishing. Study a new language (French, German, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish), or post A-Level language (French, German, or Spanish).
Part Two – Two elements totalling 120 credits (60 ECTS), taken in either order:
1: A choice of individual project of 60 credits (30 ECTS) (can be done over the summer):
- Two Extended Translations with commentary;
- Dissertation (15,000-20,000 words);
- Internship (13 weeks full time, part time pro rata).
2: 60 further credits (30 ECTS) of Part 1 modules, or a second project.
Unique Part 2 alternative: METS year abroad. Students take 50 credits (25 ECTS) at two partner translation schools, with a 20 credit (10 ECTS) report for Swansea, leading to a double award: Swansea MA plus METS Diploma.
‘After the internship that I completed through my European Master's in Translation with Language Technology [the original title of the extended MAPT] at a small translation company in Swansea, I took on a sales position with them. After three months as a sales executive, a project management role opened up in the company and I took it. As this role was in the certified translation department, I was able to build on the legal translation knowledge I had gained through my European Master's in TLT. My role involved completing some small translations in-house when time permitted and also reviewing the work of freelance translators and interns. I was also able to complete freelance translation work. After eighteen months, I moved to SDL to start an in-house translation role.
The MA programme in Professional Translation gave me a solid basis from which to develop my translation career. I still refer back to notes I made during my degree, particularly from the advanced translation and language technology module. Breaking into the translation industry can be difficult but I feel that I had an advantage over graduates from other universities in that I had completed the translation work experience module, extended translation projects and an internship as part of my European Master's in TLT. Having a focus on CAT tools was useful as I was able to practice applying the skills I had learnt in the language technology module in different translation situations. My knowledge of CAT tools was valuable to the operations management team during my project management role and it is now vital for me as a translator at SDL International. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to enter the translation industry."
Jennifer Green, Professional Translation, MA
This programme aims to address the growing demand for translators with skills in translating technical texts.
The programme will familiarise you with the sociocultural, linguistic and technical dimensions that characterise specialised multilingual material. Through working with dedicated software and high-tech industry standard equipment, you will learn the skills you need to enter the professional market and gain the knowledge to pursue further research in this field.
There is a particular emphasis on learning translation tools (in particular SDL Trados) and on localisation, especially for video games. This programme is not limited to specific language pairs. You can work into and out of English and another language of your choice.
You will be taught by staff who are leaders in the field of translation and whose work has influenced organisations such as OFCOM. They work closely with industry and bring in key professionals in the field to teach and give talks, thus helping you to make vital industry contacts.
Roehampton boasts state-of-the-art language labs with cutting-edge translation software, including SDL Trados, Swift and WinCAPS. The lab also features a training suite and an open access area where you can work independently.
In recent years our graduates have found work with a broad range of organisations including: media companies and broadcasters such as the BBC, France TV, and RTVE; subtitling companies such as IMS, Deluxe, ITFC; and translation and localisation providers including Pole To Win, London Translations and JF Traduções e Interpretações.
As a Specialised Translation student you will become a member of the Centre for Research in Translation and Transcultural Studies, which promotes excellence in research into translation-related areas including language learning, audiovisual translation, accessibility to the media and other areas of translation.
This course covers the theoretical and the practical aspects of specialised translation. In the compulsory module ‘Technical and Scientific Translation’ you will practice your skills in translating highly specialised documents into your chosen language. During the course you will also address the main theoretical issues shaping translation today and understand how these theories relate to the practice of translation.
IT skills are central to a translator's work so the compulsory module ‘Translation Tools’ will familiarise you with some of the translation tools you will be using in your professional life. These include terminology databases, translation memory tools, and other computer-assisted translation systems. You will be taught how to carry out efficient documentation and make appropriate use of research tools in solving technical and scientific translation problems.
You could also study ‘The Localisation of Video Games’ where you will examine the principles and practices of localisation in the area of multimedia interactive entertainment software. Other optional modules currently include ‘Subtitling: Concepts and Practice’, where you will explore the techniques of subtitle synchronisation using specialised software. MA students will also undertake a dissertation, which will provide you with the ideal opportunity to undertake an in-depth investigation of a translation-related topic that is of interest to you.
Modules
Compulsory modules (MA & PGD)
Optional modules (MA & PGD)
Compulsory module (MA students only)
Specialised translator, subtitler, technical writer, editor, terminologist, project manager or localiser.
This programme is designed to suit current market demands. You will practise specialised translation in language-specific groups and have opportunities to simulate real-life translation scenarios.
The domains covered include economic, business, legal, scientific and technical translation. Our strong emphasis on translation technologies will allow you to work with computer-assisted translation software and state-of-the-art corpus tools and resources.
Equally important, the programme highlights the business requirements of the industry so that you acquire the necessary project management and entrepreneurial skills to work as a professional language service provider.
Furthermore, our EMT membership gives you priority access to traineeships at the EU Directorate-General for Translation.
The MA Translation is studied over one year (full-time mode) or two years (part-time mode). On successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Master’s degree in Translation accredited by the European Masters of Translation.
Language-specific options are paired with English. If you are a native speaker of English, you can take up to two Specialist Translation options. If you are not a native speaker of English, you will normally take one Specialist Translation option (your mother tongue paired with English).
You can also choose one ab initio language if you wish to expand your portfolio of translation languages. Options ending in ‘I’ in semester 1 must be taken in conjunction with modules ending in ‘II’ in semester 2.
Experienced academic staff with excellent research records will help you to develop a broad understanding of the current and future challenges of translation, while professional native-speaker translators bring their real-world experience and standards, and an up-to-date view of the translation market into the classroom.
In addition to enjoying regular contact with professional translators in your practice-based modules, you will benefit from course components that specifically address the business and wider industry aspects of the profession.
Further insights into the industry will be provided by the speakers we invite to our Translation Studies seminars series.
These include professional translators, interpreters, subtitlers and audio describers; professionals working in public services, companies and international organisations; representatives of professional translator/interpreter associations as well as translation/interpreting researchers.
In line with our aim to offer professionally relevant programmes, we have forged close links with the main professional bodies, i.e. the Institute of Translation and Interpreting and the Chartered Institute of Linguists, as well as with many professional language service providers, and we have an extensive network of visiting professionals.
In addition The Centre for Translation Studies has been granted free access to Memsource software, KantanMT and Lilt software to help further student's education in the area of translation technology.
Thanks to our emphasis on professional development, our students are well-equipped to begin work as freelancers or as language service providers at international organisations, government bodies, universities and private companies.
We also regularly have students who decide to stay on to study for a PhD and pursue an academic career in Translation Studies.
The practice-based translation modules on this programme are offered in English paired with Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish, according to demand.
The MA programme is tailored to suit current market demands. You will practise specialised translation in language-specific groups, with a focus on professional standards and opportunities to simulate real-life translation scenarios.
The domains covered include economic, business, legal, scientific and technical translation. Our strong emphasis on the use of translation technologies will allow you to work hands-on with computer-assisted translation software and state-of- the-art corpus tools and resources.
The programme also emphasises the business requirements of the industry, providing you with an opportunity to acquire necessary project management and entrepreneurial skills, and knowledge to work as a professional language service provider.
The programme combines the study of the major principles of, and scholarly approaches to, translation with opportunities for application and practice – with the aim of enabling students to:
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
This course responds to the increasing need in a globalised, interconnected world for highly qualified translators who can navigate different genres of text and negotiate the language needs of diverse audiences and industries.
"Without translation, we would be living in provinces bordering on silence" - George Steiner
Based in a truly global city, Goldsmiths’ location makes it the perfect place to study translation.
You will study the theory and practice of translation, giving you the expertise to compete for work as a professional translator. Study in a department with expertise across linguistics, creative writing, and literary studies, with the option to tailor your studies and explore areas in other departments relevant to your own interests. You will also have the opportunity to engage in and apply for translation work experience opportunities with a range of external organisations.
You can choose between three pathways:
Translation Studies
This pathway is for people who are interested in the technical, legal, business, scientific, medical, financial, creative arts and academic fields and enables you to benefit from dedicated core modules offering a solid grounding in the theory and practice of translation across diverse areas of professional practice.
The Translation Studies pathway also opens up to you the specialist teaching and research expertise offered by subject experts in the Department of English and Comparative Literature in linguistics, comparative literature and literary theory, from discourse analysis, sociolinguistics and language and its interface with issues of gender, ethnicity and identity, to key currents of concern in literary and cultural theory and the role of the text in shifting boundaries of cultural and linguistic identity in a globalised, multicultural world.
Cultural Tourism, Hospitality and Cultural Heritage
This pathway focuses on translation for museums, galleries, cultural heritage sites, hotels and other tourist destinations. If you choose this pathway, you will benefit from the specialist research and teaching expertise offered by the Institute for Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship where optional modules focus on a range of topics relating to the tourism, hospitality, cultural development and cultural heritage sectors, from cultural tourism, language, communication and intercultural mediation in museums, galleries and other cultural organisations, to destination management and the development of new tourism products.
Depending on your optional module choices you may also have the opportunity to undertake fieldwork in the cultural and creative tourism sector in central London.
English-Chinese Translation and Interpreting
This pathway is aimed at native speakers of Chinese (Mandarin) who have a high level of English-language competence and who wish to increase their understanding of professional written translation and oral interpreting practice from English to Chinese, to build their intercultural and interpretive skills and to develop their knowledge across a number of English-language subject areas. It is also open to native speakers of English who have a high-level of competence in Chinese (Mandarin) and who wish to increase their ability to translate and interpret confidently into Chinese from English and to expand their written and spoken Chinese skills.
The core specialist module for this pathway is co-taught by the Goldsmiths Confucius Institute and the Department of English and Comparative Literature and focuses on producing written Chinese translations of a wide range of English-language texts and text types and covers translation across a broad variety of professional domains, from scientific, academic, business and technical texts written in English, to journalism, finance, advertising and marketing, media, literary fiction, poetry, theatre and other creative industries.
Alongside this, and with the help of Chinese and English native speakers, you will develop consecutive and bilateral/liaison interpreting skills for facilitating communication between monolingual speakers of English and Chinese across a range of business, diplomatic, government, community, health and criminal justice contexts.
Core modules on the MA in Translation cover both the theory and practice of translation. These are taught in seminar-based and tutorial small-group sessions and may include an individually supervised practice project.
Students undertaking the translation work placement module will work directly with an external organisation to provide a range of translation and other language services and gain first-hand experience of translation in a professional setting.
You also undertake a dissertation in which you will either reflect critically on one aspect of the theory and/or practice of translation, or focus on the practice of translation in the form of a concrete translation project.
Your choice of core modules will depend on your pathway choice,. Core modules from other translation pathways may also be taken as optional modules, subject to availability and eligibility.
Core modules
Optional Modules
In addition, you are able to choose from a range of optional modules, which allows you to explore your interests and to gain specialist knowledge relating to your future career plans. This could include modules from within the Department of English and Comparative Literature, or from other departments such as the Institute for Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship, Media and Communications.
This MA provides you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in translation. The interdisciplinary option choices allow you to tailor your studies to your career plans. You'll develop professional behaviours and leadership skills through fortnightly workshops which will provide guided mentoring.
This degree will equip graduates with the expertise to work as professional translators across the public and private sector, both in the UK and abroad. The possibility of taking option modules from other departments means that you could develop knowledge ideal for careers in translation for the arts industry, including in the media and publishing.
As part of the course you'll be brought face-to-face with representatives from across the language service industry, from translation agencies and multinational corporations where translations are commissioned or where in-house translators are employed, to international organisations with in-house translation departments, freelance translators and other language professionals. These connections will help you in your future careers.
Translation studies has witnessed unparalleled growth over the past 20 years. It is through translation that international business, trade, legal affairs, diplomatic missions, human rights interventions and international development and humanitarian aid are delivered. Translation studies has pioneered a number of key ideas and concepts that have proved invaluable to the study of cultural exchange in literature, drama, history, media, law and the social sciences.
The University of Hull is one of only 11 universities in the UK to be accredited with membership of the prestigious European Commission European Masters in Translation (EMT) network. Our MA in Translation Studies has been independently assessed by the European Commission and confirmed as offering key skills training and excellence across agreed European standards for professional translation and market demand.
This MA is intended to open new avenues of thought, while providing a firm foundation in the discipline of translation studies. With equal emphasis on the practical aspects of the translation process and the underlying theoretical issues, it will be of interest to graduate linguists, whatever your future career route.
You can combine Translation Studies with TESOL, either with the emphasis on Translation Studies or TESOL, selecting modules from each programme.
There is also an opportunity to study a new European language (one of French, German, Italian or Spanish) from scratch in our renowned Language Learning Centre.
The MA adopts a combined approach to translator training, focusing on the practical and reflective skills a translator requires to complete high-quality translation projects that satisfy the needs of clients.
You will follow a balanced programme of core and optional modules over the first two semesters, before focusing on your dissertation in the final part of the course.
Module include:
Assessment:
Through lectures, workshops, seminars, computer-based lab sessions and guided private study, you will be assessed through practical written translation and computer-aided translation exercises, class presentations, critical essays and reflective commentaries.
* All modules are subject to availability.
If you choose to study the MA in Translation Studies at Hull, you will benefit from an acclaimed research, training and development seminar series that connects you with representatives from the translation industry, potential employers in translation agencies and large multinational companies. This maximises your opportunities for work placements, internships and future employment. In fact, many of our previous students have successfully gained employment with a number of our guest speakers.
Our programme has been designed to ensure you receive the best possible training to build broad translation skills and prepare you for the full range of translation employment.
Many of our students choose to progress to further study at PhD level. Our staff are research-active and have produced internationally recognised research on the theory and practice of translation. This culture of research excellence feeds into high-quality teaching in line with the latest developments in the field.
Develop high-level interpreting and translation skills on this challenging degree, where you’ll use state-of-the-art technology to gain the knowledge base and practical skills to succeed in the language services industry.
You’ll gain essential skills in interpreting, analysis, active listening and note-taking, then build on this foundation by practising specialised liaison and simultaneous interpreting in our interpreting facilities. You’ll also develop an awareness of the markets and environments in which interpreters work including international business as well as an understanding of legal and medical interpreting. At the same time, you’ll deepen your understanding of translation theory and practice. You can also choose from optional modules informed by the leading research of our staff such as genre analysis, corpus linguistics, computer-assisted translation and machine translation.
Contracted practitioners and leading academics come together in our Centre for Translation Studies. This exciting programme will prepare you to succeed in a competitive and rewarding sector.
Centre for Translation Studies
We have excellent facilities and resources to support your studies. Our conference interpreting facilities are equipped with single and double interpreter booths, and a video link to practise remote interpreting. The Electronic Resources and Information Centre (ERIC) will be the centre of your translation work, complete with 59 high-spec PCs and a wide range of specialist software for translation and subtitling.
The Centre for Translation Studies benefits from close links with organisations such as the Institute for Translation and Interpreting as well as the EU and UN (in Geneva and Vienna). This programme is regulated by a Memorandum of Understanding between the University and the Directorate General for Interpretation and Conferences of the European Parliament – a testament to our success in training conference interpreters.
It’s a great opportunity to prepare for a career in the language services industry in a city that’s full of cultural and linguistic diversity.
AccreditationThe University of Leeds is recommended by the International Association of Conference Interpreters(AIIC) for its interpreting training.
Throughout the year you’ll be introduced to the key methods and approaches in translation studies in a core module. In your first semester you’ll also begin to develop interpreting skills and work on specialised translation in your chosen languages. You may continue with translation in the following semester, while you’ll build on your interpreting skills by practising simultaneous and liaison.
In either semester, you can choose optional modules on topics like public speaking and genre analysis in translation. You’ll also complete a summer project by the end of the course in September, which could be either a dissertation or two extended pieces of translation work.
All translation modules are offered INTO English, though for some languages we also offer a FROM English module. In your liaison interpreting modules (business and public service interpreting), you will train to interpreting into both of your working languages. In your simultaneous interpreting modules, you will train into you native language. We don’t offer training in any combination of languages that doesn’t include your first language.
Please see our admissions web pages for a list of available language pairs.
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Our interpreting trainers are practising professionals with experience of working in international organisations, as well as on the private market. We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from their expertise including workshops, lectures, seminars, practicals and other supervised practice. Independent study is also an important part of the programme.
We use different forms of assessment, depending on the types of modules you choose. Normally these will include essays, assignments and reports as well as exams, in-course oral assessment and occasionally case studies. Translation modules will also include translation tests.
Postgraduate qualifications from the Centre for Translation Studies are prestigious and respected. They equip you with valuable skills to succeed in a thriving and competitive industry, as well as advanced communication, research, IT and analytical skills.
Graduates from our interpreting programmes are working in some of the world’s leading government bodies, media organisations, NGOs, private companies and international political organisations. These include the BBC, UN, EU, World Bank, World Trade Organization, SAP and translation companies such as thebigword and SDL.
We work alongside you to support you in developing and then achieving your career goals. You’ll discuss your customised personal development plan with your personal tutor.
In addition you’ll have the chance to attend our Research and Professionalisation Talks by visiting speakers, many of whom are currently practising translators, interpreters, project managers and subtitlers for some of the world’s largest organisations.
The MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) with Translation Studies is designed for language graduates, ideally with either a teaching qualification or some teaching experience, who want to acquire an in-depth knowledge of English and how to teach it, but who are also interested in translation theories and practice.
Students have the opportunity to examine the theory, research and practical aspects of language teaching through observation, reflection and practice, as well as examining from a practical and theoretical perspective the nature and process of translation. There is also an opportunity to explore the use of translation technologies or focus on innovation in language learning and teaching.
The MA/Diploma in TESOL with Translation Studies is offered as a one-year full-time programme (course code 882619) and as a two-year part-time programme (course code 882622). The predominant mode of examination on this programme is by coursework and continuous assessment.
Core modules:
Optional Modules:
* All modules are subject to availability.
The MA in TESOL with Translation Studies enables you to become an independent, advanced professional leader; equipped with the theoretical knowledge and practical classroom experience needed to excel in research, programme leadership and teaching.
Our MA graduates leave Hull with the skills and knowledge employers are looking for. The experience you gain in a real teaching environment is unique to Hull, so you’ll stand out against the competition in the job market.
The School engages in interdisciplinary research activities that often cut across traditional language-centred boundaries. Many of our students choose to progress on to PhD-level study and our TESOL specialists offer supervision in many areas, including the methodology of language teaching, online language learning and second language acquisition.
Develop high-level interpreting and translation skills on this challenging degree, where you’ll use state-of-the-art technology to gain the knowledge base and practical skills to succeed in the language services industry.
You’ll gain essential skills in interpreting, analysis, active listening and note-taking, then build on this foundation by practising specialised liaison and simultaneous interpreting in our interpreting facilities. You’ll also develop an awareness of the markets and environments in which interpreters work including international business as well as an understanding of legal and medical interpreting. You can also choose from optional modules informed by the leading research of our staff such as genre analysis, corpus linguistics, computer-assisted translation and machine translation.
Contracted practitioners and leading academics come together in our Centre for Translation Studies. This exciting programme will prepare you to succeed in a competitive and rewarding sector.
Centre for Translation Studies
We have excellent facilities and resources to support your studies. Our conference interpreting facilities are equipped with single and double interpreter booths, and a video link to practise remote interpreting. The Electronic Resources and Information Centre (ERIC) will be the centre of your translation work, complete with 59 high-spec PCs and a wide range of specialist software for translation and subtitling.
The Centre for Translation Studies benefits from close links with organisations such as the Institute for Translation and Interpreting as well as the EU and UN (in Geneva and Vienna). This programme is regulated by a Memorandum of Understanding between the University and the Directorate General for Interpretation and Conferences of the European Parliament – a testament to our success in training conference interpreters.
It’s a great opportunity to prepare for a career in the language services industry in a city that’s full of cultural and linguistic diversity.
AccreditationThe University of Leeds is recommended by the International Association of Conference Interpreters(AIIC) for its interpreting training.
In your first semester you’ll begin to develop interpreting skills and work on specialised translation in your chosen languages. You may continue with translation in the following semester, while you’ll build on your interpreting skills by practising simultaneous and liaison.
In either semester, you can choose optional modules on topics like public speaking and genre analysis in translation. You’ll also complete a summer project by the end of the course in September, which could be either a dissertation or two extended pieces of translation work.
All translation modules are offered INTO English, though for some languages we also offer a FROM English module. In your liaison interpreting modules (business and public service interpreting), you will train to interpreting into both of your working languages. In your simultaneous interpreting modules, you will train into you native language. We don’t offer training in any combination of languages that doesn’t include your first language.
Please see our admissions web pages for a list of available language pairs.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Our interpreting trainers are practising professionals with experience of working in international organisations, as well as on the private market. We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from their expertise including workshops, lectures, seminars, practicals and other supervised practice. Independent study is also an important part of the programme.
We use different forms of assessment, depending on the types of modules you choose. Normally these will include essays, assignments and reports as well as exams, in-course oral assessment and occasionally case studies. Translation modules will also include translation tests.
Postgraduate qualifications from the Centre for Translation Studies are prestigious and respected. They equip you with valuable skills to succeed in a thriving and competitive industry, as well as advanced communication, research, IT and analytical skills.
Graduates from our interpreting programmes are working in some of the world’s leading government bodies, media organisations, NGOs, private companies and international political organisations. These include the BBC, UN, EU, World Bank, World Trade Organization, SAP and translation companies such as thebigword and SDL.
tWe work alongside you to support you in developing and then achieving your career goals. You’ll discuss your customised personal development plan with your personal tutor.
In addition you’ll have the chance to attend our Research and Professionalisation Talks by visiting speakers, many of whom are currently practising translators, interpreters, project managers and subtitlers for some of the world’s largest organisations.
The Professional Translation for European Languages MA combines practical training and theory to give you the skills and knowledge to become a professional translator.
You'll work between English and one/two of the following languages:
The professional translation focus is a distinctive feature of this course. It incorporates:
You will receive expert training in professional tools and computer-assisted translation (CAT) software. The training will explain how to work in different contexts, such as:
In your professional life you will only translate into your mother tongue and our teaching reflects this.
See Programme information in our online Prospectus for full details.
