Masters Degrees (Literary Translation)

Take advantage of one of our 100 Master’s Scholarships to study Literary Translation at Swansea University, the Times Good University Guide’s Welsh University of the Year 2017. Postgraduate loans are also available to English and Welsh domiciled students. For more information on fees and funding please visit our website.

We are an established centre for research into literary translation with expertise in the following languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Welsh. We are currently leading a project on the Visualisation of Translation Variation and are particularly interested in proposals which articulate with it. See: http://www.delightedbeauty.org/vvv/Home/Project.

Key Features of MA by Research in Literary Translation

An MA by Research in Literary Translation gives you the chance to pursue a project based around your own passions and interests in Literary Translation, leading to a qualification which can open the door to an academic career or boost employment prospects outside academia (in the private sector, the Civil Service, education, or the translation industry).

The Literary Translation research programme will give you the freedom to explore a topic of your own choosing in Literary Translation and develop a methodology under the close supervision of two experienced academics but without attending regular classes as required in taught programmes.

As a student enrolled on the MA by Research in Literary Translation, you will be supervised closely by two experienced academics in your field. Typically, you will meet them fortnightly in the first term and at regular intervals thereafter. Meetings are logged and goals agreed each time.

All research students are required to attend skills and training courses at College and Institutional level. They give presentations to other research students and staff at departmental seminars and the annual departmental postgraduate symposium in June and the College of Arts and Humanities conference in October. Advanced research students may have opportunities to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars. You have a budget (currently £200 per year) to attend conferences outside Swansea.

MA by Research in Literary Translation degree typically lasts from one year (full-time study) to two years (part-time study).

The MA by Research in Literary Translation is ideal for those who want:

-an MA qualification in niche areas where taught programmes are not offered;
- the experience of a research degree without committing to a PhD.

Research proposals are invited on any topic in Literary Translation for which staff can provide supervision. You may analyse multiple translations of a classic text, for instance, or the consistency of the translation decisions taken by a particular translator. You may like to investigate a whole genre, such as crime fiction, or you may want to try your own hand at a piece of literary translation, explaining your strategy in a detailed theoretical commentary. It is advisable to email a member of academic staff in the appropriate area before applying (see staff web pages).

For informal enquiries regarding Literary Translation please contact Professor Julian Preece ([email protected]).

Research Interests

Staff research interests in Translation and Interpreting cover a range of themes, including:

• Literary Translation
• Theatre translation/adaptation
• Translation Theory (including non-Western)
• History of Translation
• Comparative Translation Studies
• Translation and Social Discourse
• Corpus-based Translation Analysis
• Translation and the Lexicon
• Computer-based Lexicography and Terminography
• Translation processes: psycholinguistics of translation, translation workflows
• Translation tools and technologies
• Translation visualisation

Research proposals are invited on any topic in Literary Translation for which staff can provide supervision. You may analyse multiple translations of a classic text, for instance, or the consistency of the translation decisions taken by a particular translator. You may like to investigate a whole genre, such as crime fiction, or you may want to try your own hand at a piece of literary translation, explaining your strategy in a detailed theoretical commentary. The Department benefits from extensive library holdings in print and online form. All postgraduate students have access to two computer-based language laboratories, an advanced Translation and Media computing lab, and a more specialised Translation Research facility housing the latest digitisation, corpus analysis and computer assisted translation tools.

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What do Karl Knausgård, Valeria Luiselli, and Clarice Lispector have in common with Jo Nesbø, Georg Trakl, and Yoko Tawada? They’ve all been translated into English by graduates from the MA in Literary Translation at UEA!

The course focuses exclusively on literary translation and combines translation practice with translation theory. Recently described by its external examiner Dr Francis Jones as 'deservedly a UK leader in literary translation studies', this innovative course has been training literary translators for nearly two decades.

At its heart is a lively programme of literary translation workshops taught by leading practitioners in the field, including Daniel Hahn, Don Bartlett and George Szirtes, and emerging literary figures such as Romy Fursland, and Rosalind Harvey, founder of the Emerging Translators. Our students have gone on to become award-winning translators, writers, editors and academics.

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This MA combines a strong grounding in translation theory with a focus on the practice of literary translation and the study of literatures across cultures and languages. The opportunity to benefit from the experience of the many practising translators in English and Comparative Literary Studies is one of the degree’s unique offerings.

Rather than focusing on translation between specific language pairs, this MA explores translation as a literary and cultural phenomenon and considers how literatures cross borders through translation. We welcome students with expertise in English and any other language or languages.

Recent postgraduates have gone on to work as translators and interpreters, language teachers, in academia, publishing, journalism and business, among other destinations.

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According to the National Centre for Languages, demand for translators “is being driven by globalisation, migration and political changes … giving rise to difficulties securing the services of appropriately qualified translators”, and employers particularly expect translators to possess contextual, cultural and ethical knowledge and understanding of their field.

Our new translation courses has been designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain an insight into the needs of a professional translator in a globalised world where businesses, institutions and governmental organisations require more translation work. Our two courses, “Audiovisual and Literary Translation” and “Business and Legal Translation”, cover fields of translation that are particularly in demand, opening up increased career opportunities and providing students with the competencies and skills to maximise their employability.

We work closely with the Institute of Linguists and are the only programme in London which offers specialised business or law modules alongside their translation modules. During the course students will gain valuable insights from professionals and academics in relevant areas and will have access to specialist facilities and equipment (labs and relevant software, such as SDL Trados and WinCAPS).

Students will have the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus exchange after they have completed taught modules at Middlesex, and research and write up their dissertation in the translation departments of prestigious partner universities in Alicante, Geneva, Heidelberg, Innsbruck, Leipzig, Paris, Vienna or Warsaw.

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This is the only degree which offers students the opportunity to specialise as a translation expert in audiovisual translation and in the translation of popular culture.

Who is it for?

This course is for you if you:
-Are interested in popular culture, films, TV, literature, comics or graphic novels
-Love languages, other cultures and their differences
-Are interested in translation and want to learn about systematic decision-making
-Know about translation and want to specialise
-Have an amateur or fan background in translation and want to become a professional
-Have studied foreign languages, linguistics, literature, media, film, theatre, drama or cultural studies.
-Are looking for a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of translation.
-Want to gain an insight into professional practice in audiovisual translation or in literary translation.

The course aims to make students fit for the market as properly trained and highly qualified translation experts.

Objectives

This course:
-Provides you with training in audiovisual translation techniques.
-Uses industry-standard software for subtitling, dubbing and voice over.
-Specialises in the translation of children’s literature; crime fiction; science fiction and fantasy; comics, graphic novels, manga and video games.
-Introduces you to the different conventions and styles associated with popular culture in its varied forms and genres.
-Focuses on the specifics of genre translation and how these shape translation decisions.
-Provides a theoretical framework for the practical application of translation, working with a wide range of source texts from different popular genres and media.

The course:
-Aims to give you a secure foundation in theoretical strategies underpinning and supporting the practice of translation.
-Develops your awareness of professional standards, norms and translational ethics.
-Works closely with professional translators and the translation industry helping you to develop a professional identity.
-Has optional modules in dubbing, translation project management, screenplay translation and publishing.

Placements

There are no course-based placements on this course. Literary translation does not offer placements, while audiovisual companies offer internships which are competitive.

We support and guide our students through the application process for audiovisual translation internships and have a very good record of achievement. Each year, several of our students win one of these very competitive internships and they tend to be offered full time work on completion.

The course is very industry-oriented and we work closely with the translation industry. Industry professionals teach on the course, supervise students or give guest seminars and lectures.

Academic staff have run Translation Development courses, for example in genre translation for professional translators for the Chartered Institute of Linguists, and they are involved in running Continuing Professional Development courses in specialised translation.

We run a preparatory, distance learning course for the professional Diploma in Translation examined by the Chartered Institute of Linguists. We organise a Literary Translation Summer School each July which is taught by professional, literary translators and with lectures by prestigious translators, academics or writers.

The Translation department runs the John Dryden Translation Competition for the British Comparative Literature Association. The competition is sponsored by the British Centre for Literary Translation and the Institut Français. We offer one internship per year in working on this Translation Competition, interacting with translators, translation judges, managing competition entries and learning about the judging process.

Teaching and learning

The course is taught by academics, industry professionals (for example, audiovisual translation project manager) and translation professionals (for example, award winning literary translators, experienced subtitlers).

Teaching is delivered in a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops and lab-based sessions for audiovisual translation. In workshop sessions students work individually, in pairs, group work or plenary forum in a multilingual and multicultural environment.

In all translation modules, there is also a translation project prepared in independent guided study under the supervision of a translation professional in the student’s language pair and language directionality. You can expect some on-line learning, supported by seminar sessions, and industry visits to audiovisual translation companies.

In the Translation project management module, students work in project groups performing real-life translation roles and tasks in a collaborative environment.

Assessment

Assessment is 100% coursework – there are no examinations.

Coursework assignments are a mixture of essays, translation projects, translation commentaries, subtitling and voice over files or project work. The dissertation is 12,000 to 15,000 words long and can either be a research project on any topic relevant to Audiovisual Translation or Popular Literary Translation / Culture or it can be practice oriented: a translation of an extended text or AV clip with critical introduction to and analysis of the translation.

Coursework assignments: 66.6% (120 credits)

Dissertation: 33.3% (60 credits)

Modules

There are five compulsory taught modules plus three elective taught modules, selected by the student from a pool of module choices, plus a dissertation which can be a research dissertation or a practice-oriented dissertation of an extended translation with critical introduction and analysis.

Each taught module is an estimated 150 hours of study. Teaching consists of lectures, seminars and workshops plus independent individually supervised work.

The first part of the translation modules is taught in three-hour sessions (lecture + seminar + practical workshop). In the second part of each translation module, students work on a translation project which is individually supervised by a translation professional who gives written feedback on drafts and provides tailored advice and guidance in individual supervision sessions.

Students can expect between ten and 12 hours of classroom-based study per week, plus time spent on preparatory reading, independent study and research, preparation of assignments.

The dissertation is 60 credits and an estimated 600 hours of study. There are four two-hour research method seminars guiding students through the process of writing a dissertation, plus individual supervision sessions.

All taught modules are in term 1 and term 2 (January – April). Term 3 is dedicated to the dissertation (and completion of assignments from term 2 modules).

Core modules
-Principles and practice of translation theory (15 credits)
-Translating children’s literature (15 credits)
-Subtitling (15 credits)
-Translating crime fiction (15 credits)
-Translating science fiction and fantasy (15 credits)

Elective modules - choose three:
-Principles of screenwriting and the translation of screenplays (15 credits)
-Creating and managing intellectual property (15 credits).
-Dubbing and voice over (15 credits)
-Translation project management (15 credits)
-Translating multimodal texts (comics, graphic novels, manga, video games) (15 credits)
-International publishing case studies (20 credits)

Dissertation - 60 credits
-Dissertation option A (discursive/research)
-Dissertation option B (extended translation with critical introduction and analysis)

Career prospects

The degree is designed to produce graduates who are fit for the market, either working in translation agencies / companies or as a freelancer, addressing the need for properly trained and highly qualified translation experts.

Career options come in a wide range of jobs in the translation industry, ranging from self-employed translator, staff translator or localisation expert to editor, researcher or project manager.

Recent graduate destinations include: video game testing and localisation at Testronic Laboratories; video game translation at Sega; Dubbing, subtitling and voice over at VSI London; translation at the World Health Organisation; project management at Maverick Advertising and Design and at Deluxe Media Europe; freelance translator creative and literary texts.

The degree also lays the foundation to continue to a research degree / doctoral study in any area of translation studies. Currently, graduates from the course are pursuing doctoral study at City, specialising in crime fiction translation.

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The Translation MA is taught by staff from a wide range of departments at UCL. Students benefit from a flexible programme of study that allows for various pathways and can include practical translation work involving particular language combinations, modules on electronic communication and translation technology, and more theoretical translation studies.

Degree information

The programme aims to develop an understanding of translation in its social, cultural and historical contexts, a grasp of the technological environment in which modern commercial and/or literary translating takes place, and, where applicable, practical translation skills involving selected language pairs. The final dissertation project provides an opportunity to produce an extended annotated translation showcasing students' translation interests and abilities.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme offers several pathways. Each has one core module (30 credits), optional modules (90 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time one year, part-time two years) is offered.

Core modules
-Translation Studies

Optional modules (indicative list):
-Advanced Translation including Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Russian, Scandinavian languages, Spanish
-Digital Humanities modules
-Electronic Publishing modules
-Gender Studies
-Interpreting modules
-Linguistics modules
-Specialised Translation modules
-Translation and the Web
-Translation in History
-Translation Technology

Students may also choose options from across the Centre of Multidisciplinary and Intercultural Inquiry including African studies, comparative literature, European studies, gender studies

Dissertation/report
All students complete a 12,000-word dissertation consisting either of an annotated translation or of a critical discussion of theoretical, practical or historical aspects of translation.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical translation exercices, case studies and web-based classes, depending on the options chosen. The core modules is assessed by essay coursework. Optional modules are assessed through unseen and written examination, coursework, translation projects and essays.

Careers

There is an ever-growing demand for highly-trained commercial, literary and other types of translators in the private as well as in the public sector and in international organisations, in Britain and abroad. Other career paths include the media, publishing and education.

First career destinations of recent graduates include:
-KPMG: Translator
-Prime Minister's Office: Translation
-Sage Publications: Account Manager Europe
-Codex Global: Junior Project Manager
-Platts: Senior Editor
-Morgan Stanley: Trading Analyst
-English Studio: Teacher
-Deloitte: Consultant
-Comms Multilingual: Sales Manager

Employability
The programme provides graduates with a range of vocational skills that enable them to pursue successful careers in the fields of translation and interpreting. Former students have gone on to work as translators for companies such as KPMG, SDL International and Alpha CRC; three graduates from 2012 have set up their own translation business. Graduates also acquire transferable skills that lead them into successful careers in publishing, media, finance, fashion, PR and education; examples include our graduates who are now working for Newsweek, the British Library, Morgan Stanley, Sainsbury's and Deloitte.

Why study this degree at UCL?

Located in the heart of multicultural London, UCL provides a uniquely rich environment for studying and researching translation in all its facets, taught by specialist translation staff with a divers range of research interests including translation and the web, theatre translation, and Chinese translation.

The MA is truly interdisciplinary, with access to experts in an unrivalled variety of languages and disciplines from across Europe and further afield. This allows students to customise their own programmes in relation to their language competencies and other academic and professional interests.

UCL translation students are highly valued by the translation industry, with workshops and networking events organised during the year.

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This exciting Chinese-English Translation MA programme develops an understanding of translation in a global context. You will explore how practical translation is informed by theory, develop your verbal and written communication skills and build your IT literacy to help you produce translation of the highest quality.

Overseas students will come to the UK not only to learn advanced translation skills from and into Chinese, but also to develop their English language skills and their knowledge of UK culture first-hand. The course is also open to students for whom English is a native language as long as their command of Chinese is at a high level.

The MA in Chinese-English Translation will enable you to develop the skills in translation, interpreting, analytical thinking, research and collaboration that are essential to today's workplace and which will equip you to facilitate communication between cultures.

The School of Modern Languages has an established record in translator training and excellent industry links. Its translation staff include practising professional translators and translation researchers. We are a corporate member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting and an institutional member of the American Translators’ Association (ATA). We are on the ATA’s list of approved providers of translator training.

Programme Structure

Semester One
During the first semester, all students will participate in weekly workshop­-style classes in the Applied Translation unit taught by experienced professional translators. By grappling with a variety of different texts, participating in class discussions and receiving personal feedback from tutors, students will build the key skills necessary to grow and develop their translation ability.

The Theories of Translation unit is a lecture-based course that gives an opportunity for advanced reflection on the modes and purposes of translation within the translator’s social and cultural context, while also equipping students with the theoretical tools and approaches necessary for practical translation and further research.

Units in English for Translators and in Academic English build an awareness of how language works and help to hone English skills for professional purposes. Students whose native language is English may substitute these units for another.

Semester Two
During the second semester, the two main core units for all students are a 15,000 word dissertation and an Introduction to Specialised Translation. The dissertation takes the form of either an extended translation plus commentary, or a research-­based dissertation. The supervision process gives students time to formulate their ideas and plan their approach, as for many this will be the most substantial piece of extended writing they have undertaken.

The Introduction to Specialised Translation unit adopts a similar approach to Applied Translation, but focuses on key specialist areas that are in demand in the translation industry. Specialist topics can vary but may include literary, legal, scientific, medical and translation for technology.

In addition to the two core units above, students are also given the opportunity to select from a variety of optional units.

Careers

The MA in Chinese-­English Translation provides a foundation for students looking to enter or develop their careers in translation project management, freelance translation or as in-­house translators and interpreters in international corporate and government institutions.

The skills developed through this degree are transferable to a variety of related careers, such as international relations, PR, marketing and business. In addition, the research and theoretical components of this programme provide an excellent entry point to the field of Translation Studies for anyone aiming to pursue a PhD in the UK or abroad.

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Do you want to equip yourself with all the technology and strategies you need to become a fully-fledged professional translator? This course will introduce you to techniques and technology that will significantly develop your own personal translation skills to competently deliver professional literary, technical, and audio-visual translation.

Our hands-on training includes working with native speakers of your chosen language and becoming familiar with the latest technologies used by professionals in their everyday work. You'll also learn aspects of the business side of the translation profession to actively access the translation industry.

Our course is offered with the combination of English and one of Arabic, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. You can be a native or near-native speaker of any of these languages, as you learn to translate to and from both languages. You work with native speakers in developing your ability to move accurately and quickly between your chosen language and English.

This course gives you the tools to confidently deal with the translation specific genres like journalistic, promotional, medical- scientific, academic, technical and literary.

Areas of special study include:
-Principles of Translation
-Technologies of Translation I &II and Post editing
-Audio visual translation
-Subtitling
-Intercultural Communication
-Translation Portfolios

We are one of the largest and most prestigious language and linguistics departments in the world, a place where talented students become part of an academic community in which the majority of research is rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2014), placing us firmly within the top 10 departments in the UK and ranked among the top 150 departments on the planet according to the QS World University Rankings 2016 for linguistics.

If you want a global outlook, are interested in human communication, and want to study for a degree with real-world practical value in a world-class department, welcome to Essex.

Our expert staff

Our lecturers are skilled interpreters and translators, experienced in training students with the necessary skills for professional practice. We maintain excellent student-staff ratios with capped language-specific seminars.

Specialist facilities

-24-hour self-access to our translation lab dedicated to translation students
-Use specialist software such as SDL Trados Studio 2015, (in preparation of Trados Certification) MemoQ, Memosource and machine translation for technical translation, WinCaps Qu4ntum for Subtitling.
-Use our professional recording studios to video record interpreting mock and real test.
-Weekly multilingual interpreting conferences, field trips and workshops led by internationally renowned experts from the industry
-Our Languages for All programme offers you the opportunity to study an additional language alongside your course at no extra cost
Latin American Scholarship (including Caribbean)
-Our £4,950 Latin American Scholarship is available for this course, if you're from Latin American or the Caribbean.

Your future

The exponential growth of the translation industry and high demand for highly qualified translators and post-editors make it an ideal time to study translation. Our course will enable you to become fully fledged translators (including audio-visual translation), post-editors and proof-readers with a good knowledge of the business aspect of this art.

We work with the University’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Within our Department of Language and Linguistics, we also offer supervision for PhD and MPhil. We offer supervision in areas including language acquisition, language learning and language teaching, culture and communication, psycholinguistics, language disorders, sociolinguistics, and theoretical and descriptive linguistics.

Our graduates are successful in a wide variety of career paths. They leave Essex with a unique set of skills and experience that are in demand by employers.

Example structure

-Principles of Translation and Interpreting
-Translation Portfolio I (Italian) (optional)
-Audiovisual Translation
-Technologies of Translation
-Translation Portfolio II (Italian) (optional)
-Technologies of Translation II and Post Editing
-Subtitling: Principles and Practice
-Intercultural Communication: communicating across languages and cultures
-Dissertation

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The MA in Korean Literature aims to:

- provide extensive, critical knowledge of pre-modern and modern Korean literary traditions;

- develop advanced competency in reading and understanding literary works in Korean, and literary translation skills into English;

- develop advanced skills in research, analysis, and critical method in the study of Korean literature, with consideration to socio-historical context and comparative approaches;

- serve as a foundation for students who wish to pursue further research or work in the fields of literary translation, writing and publishing.

The programme suits anyone interested in the literary cultures of Korea, as well as students of literature with no prior knowledge of Korean literature who are looking for new areas of inquiry.

Incoming students will be expected to have completed at least the equivalent of two years of undergraduate Korean language study. Students with knowledge of classical Chinese (hanja) will be encouraged to read pre-modern texts in the original classical Chinese.

The programme will benefit anyone wishing to pursue a research degree (MPhil/PhD) afterwards. It also provides a solid basis for anyone wishing to pursue a career in literary translation or publishing.

Visit the website http://www.soas.ac.uk/japankorea/programmes/makorlit/

Structure

Students are required to take three taught units and to write a dissertation of 10,000 words. Two of the taught units are compulsory; the third is selected from the list of optional units below. Students with no prior background in literary studies are strongly advised to select the first optional unit, Theories and Techniques of Comparative Literature. The Directed Readings course [as directed by the supervisor] must not cover the same subject matter as one of the compulsory courses.

In very exceptional cases (and if the student has sufficient background in literary studies AND an advanced knowledge of Korean), students may be permitted to take a course from other East Asian (Korean, Chinese, or Japanese) programmes as a minor provided that the course is directly relevant to the candidate’s dissertation

Programme Specification

MA Korean Literature- Programme Specifications 2012/13 (pdf; 30kb) - http://www.soas.ac.uk/japankorea/programmes/makorlit/file80728.pdf

Teaching & Learning

The taught part of the course consists of core lectures introducing basic concepts, theory and methodology; and additional seminars that extend the core material into other areas. At Masters level there is particular emphasis on seminar work where students may be expected to make full-scale presentations for units they take.

A 10,000-word dissertation written over the summer offers students the opportunity to develop original research in an area of special interest. The course is formulated within two tracks:

- Learning Resources

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Employment

A postgraduate degree in MA Korean Literature from SOAS provides students with competency in language skills and intercultural awareness and understanding. Familiarity with the region will have been developed through a combination of the study of language, history, cinema, politics, economics or law. Graduates of this programme will develop their ability to engage with and explore relationships between indigenous aesthetics of the region and contemporary literary theories. Some graduates leave SOAS to pursue careers directly related to their study area, while others have made use of the intellectual training for involvement in analysing and solving many of the problems that contemporary societies now face.

Postgraduate students gain linguistic and cultural expertise enabling them to continue in the field of research or to seek professional and management careers in the business, public and charity sectors. They leave SOAS with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek, including written and oral communication skills; attention to detail; analytical and problem solving skills; and the ability to research, amass and order information from a variety of sources. A postgraduate degree in Korean Literature is a valuable experience that provides students with a body of work and a diverse range of skills that they can use to market themselves with when they graduate.

For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website (http://www.soas.ac.uk/careers/graduate-destinations/).

Find out how to apply here - http://www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/howtoapply/

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This programme will equip you with Arabic-English and/or English-Arabic translation skills for different types of texts, as well as an understanding of the theory underpinning your practice.

You’ll work with a range of text types, including journalistic, administrative, technical and literary texts. You’ll also deepen your knowledge of methods, approaches and concepts in translation studies.

You’ll also choose optional modules that suit your interests and career aspirations, on issues in translation and language more generally, such as Arabic/English stylistics, translation for international organisations, computer-assisted translation, applied linguistics and genre analysis.

Taught by expert researchers and contracted practitioners, this programme makes use of the expertise across the Centre for Translation Studies and Arabic, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies within the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies. It’s a great opportunity to learn valuable skills in a city full of cultural and linguistic diversity.

Specialist facilities

We have excellent facilities and resources to support your studies. Our Electronic Resources and Information Centre (ERIC) supports all of our translation programmes, complete with 59 high-spec PCs and a wide range of specialist software for translation and subtitling.

The Centre for Translation Studies is also constantly compiling and updating very large corpora of texts in digital form so you can analyse source texts and produce more idiomatic translations. If you want to try your hand at interpreting, you will have the option to do so in our state-of-the-art conference suites.

This programme is also available to study part-time over 24 months.

Course Content

Throughout the programme you’ll develop your understanding of theories, approaches and methods in translation studies through a core module. You’ll then apply that knowledge in your specialised translation modules, when you’ll gain the intercultural skills to make sound translation decisions and build skills in computer-assisted translation.

You’ll complete the course with your choice from a range of optional modules to suit your interests and career plans. You could expand your knowledge of translation by studying translation for international organisations, comparative Arabic/English stylistics, or explore broader topics such as genre analysis in translation or different aspects of applied linguistics like language acquisition or syntax.

By the end of the course in September, you’ll submit work which showcases the skills you’ve acquired – this could be a long translation, long dissertation or shorter versions of both.

If you choose to study part-time, you’ll take fewer modules in each year and study over a longer period.

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The MA programme in Translation Theory and Practice (Asian and African Languages) combines training of practical translation skills with teaching of translation theories. It is unique in terms of the range of Asian/African language specializations and in collaborative teaching with University College London (SLAIS) and Imperial College. The aim of the programme is to enhance students' methodological and practical skills in translation, preparing them for the professional market as (freelance) translators or other language professionals, while providing an intellectual perspective on the discipline of translation studies, which could be the foundation for further MPhil/PhD research. Students have access to a wealth of resources for the study and practice of translation available in the SOAS Library and nearby institutions such as the University of London Library, the UCL Library, the British Library, as well as the BBC World Service and many others.

Languages:
Drawing on the expertise of highly qualified teachers and researchers at SOAS, the programme offers a range of languages to work with, including

Arabic
Chinese,
Japanese
Korean
Persian
Swahili

Visit the website http://www.soas.ac.uk/linguistics/programmes/mathepratrans/

Structure

The programme may be taken over 12 months full-time, 24 months two-year part time, or 36 months three-year part time. The MA consists of taught courses and a dissertation. The assessment of most of the taught courses includes a written examination paper or papers, taken in June. The dissertation, of 10,000 words, is due by 15 September of the year in which it is taken.

The marking guidelines for MA Theory and Practice of Translation Studies dissertations are different to those for other programmes. Please refer to this PDF document. Marking Criteria for MA Translation Dissertations (pdf; 66kb) (http://www.soas.ac.uk/linguistics/programmes/mathepratrans/file71240.pdf)

Programme Specification

MA Theory and Practice of Translation (Asian and African Languages) - Programme Specifications 2012/13 (pdf; 30kb) - http://www.soas.ac.uk/linguistics/programmes/mathepratrans/file80775.pdf

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Programme will:

- have competence in the practice of translation
- be familiar with the major theories of translation
- have some understanding of translation research and methods

Employment

Our graduates find employment both in the United Kingdom and around the world. They will work with:

- Translation agencies
- Multinational companies
- International organizations
- Education institutions

They can also pursue further MPhil/PhD research in translation studies at SOAS or other academic institutions.

Faculty of Languages and Cultures

Six of the academic departments are devoted to teaching and research in the languages, literatures and cultures of Africa, China and Inner Asia, Japan and Korea, the Near and Middle East, South Asia, and South East Asia, with the seventh teaching and conducting research in Linguistics. The Language Centre caters to the needs of non-degree students and governmental and non-governmental organisations. It maintains a huge portfolio of courses, including year-long diploma programmes, weekly evening classes in about 40 different African and Asian languages, and tailored intensive one-to-one courses. The Language Centre also offers courses in French, Portuguese and Spanish.

Their teaching is in three main areas:
- language competence acquisition;
- textual and cultural studies - both comparative and language-specific, and covering not only 'literature' in a strict sense but also visual media, performance, folklore, translation etc.;
- language studies with linguistics at its core - including the prestigious Hans Rausing Endangered Languages Project.

The Faculty is also home to the Centre for Cultural, Literary and Postcolonial Studies (CCLPS) (http://www.soas.ac.uk/cclps/).

While SOAS as a whole represents the most substantial concentration in the Western world of expertise dedicated to African, Middle Eastern and Asian studies, the Faculty of Languages and Cultures is heavily committed to teaching and research grounded in a knowledge of the principal languages and cultures of two thirds of humankind.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/howtoapply/

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You’ll study modern languages in the context of the history and current theory of translation. You’ll learn how to use the standard strategies, procedures and techniques of translators, as well as enhancing your interpretative and analytical skills.

We’ll help you develop your ability to translate from at least one language (current translation options are: from English into Arabic, Chinese, Polish and Italian or translation from Czech, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish into English).

Careers

You’ll develop the skills to work in translation, culture and communication internationally
or in the UK. Recent graduates have gone on to work for employers such as SDL, Transact,
The Big Word, Kaplan, the University of Leeds, the State University – Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Centre for French & Francophone Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University and as International Projects Director at a South Yorkshire College.

You may also choose to follow in the footsteps of students who have continued to PhD and have been awarded highly prestigious grants for PhD study such as Wolfson and WRoCAH scholarships.

Core modules

Concepts and Approaches in Translation; Translation Technologies; Translation Skills Modules; Dissertation.

Examples of optional modules

A range including: Approaches to Translation Genres; Localisation for Linguists; Language in Context; Film Translation of Literary Classics; Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication; International Management; International Project Management; Enhanced Languages; Critical Reading and Writing at MA Level; Theory and Practice of Subtitling 1.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching takes place through lectures, seminars, small-group work and workshops. You’ll be assessed by essays, presentations, practical translation technologies projects, translation assignments, a translation exam and a dissertation.

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Our MA in Translation has a strong focus on practice, in how you are both taught and assessed. You will learn through a mix of small tutorials specific to your language specialism and larger integrated lectures. Whichever of our seven languages you focus on you will become part of our wider postgraduate translation community.

There are three pathways to choose from. The Specialist Translation pathway is designed to prepare you for a career in the translation industry. The Research pathway takes a more academic approach and would suit anyone looking to pursue a research career. If you specialise in one of our European languages you might consider the Literary pathway which will focus your attention on the translation of prose, poetry and dramatic texts with encouragement to express your creativity. The Modern Languages Department also operates the Centre for Translating Cultures, an active community of staff and postgraduate students that we hope you will become part of.

Teaching is split between methodology and practice, to give you a broad choice of potential careers. As well as top academic staff you will be taught by practising translators who have an inside track on the industry.

Language areas

• Chinese language
• European languages

Pathways

• Specialist translation pathway
• Research pathway
• Literary pathway (European languages only)

Learning and teaching

Most of your classes will be small group seminars where you will explore both the methodology behind translation and its application to practical situations. As well as seminars specific to your language you will attend larger group lectures that bring together all specialisms as a single translation community. Inside your seminars you will learn collaboratively through presentations and round table discussions. Outside your seminars you will have the opportunity to talk to your tutors on a one-to-one basis as they support your learning throughout the year.

You will learn from professionals who are experienced in working in the translation industry and will receive advice on how to present yourself to employers in your chosen field.

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The MA in Translation equips you with all the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional translator in an increasingly globalised world- http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/ma-translation/

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 become a 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.

The possibility of undertaking an industry-based work placement gives you the opportunity to gain invaluable experience and increase your employability.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Lucia Boldrini.

Modules & Structure

You study core modules covering both the theory and practice of translation. These are taught by seminar-based sessions and may include an individually supervised practice project. You also undertake a dissertation focusing on either the theory of translation, or the practice of translation in the form of a translation project.

In addition, you are able to choose an option from a range of 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, and Theatre and Performance.

Skills

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.

Careers

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.

Funding

Please visit http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/fees-funding/ for details.

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Studying Linguistics and Literary Studies in Brussels

Linguistics and literary studies are among the most fascinating studies, especially in a city like Brussels where more languages are spoken than anywhere else in Flanders, Belgium or Europe. A Master’s student in linguistics and literary Studies gets access to other languages and cultures which opens up new horizons of understanding. Our multilingual Master's programme prepares students for a globalized labour market where multilingualism is increasingly becoming a necessity. The internationally oriented city of Brussels is the perfect location to personally experience the diverse aspects of multilingualism and multiculturalism.

6 Languages to choose from

Our Master’s programme offers you the unique possibility to take courses in linguistics and literary studies in up to six different languages and to specialise in one specific language-related scientific discipline and in one or two specific languages.

The programme of the Multilingual Master contains courses in the following languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. The programme is built up of three components: the required courses, the choice for one language or two languages, and a multilingual profile.

Curriculum

Required courses (24 ECTS)

There are two required study components: the Master’s thesis (20 ECTS) in one of the chosen languages, and an English taught course in Research Methodology (Linguistics or Literary Studies, 4 ECTS).

One language (18 ECTS) or two languages (24 ECTS)

Depending on your Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree, you will be able to specialise in one language (18 ECTS or 3 courses) or in two languages (twice 12 ECTS or twice 2 courses).

A multilingual profile (18 or 12 ECTS)

The remaining 12 or 18 ECTS will be spent on the profile of your choice. All profiles are composed of courses in different languages. There are five possibilities:

• Linguistics

• Literary Studies

• Multilingualism and Foreign Language Acquisition

• Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics

• Theatre Studies

• Interpretation

• Translation

The value of research

Our Master's programme offers you the possibility to conduct independent and creative research on a linguistic or literary topic of your choice in a stimulating multilingual andurban environment. Your research activities will be supervised by an internationally renowned expert in his or her field.

The Department of Linguistics and Literary Studies contains two research centres, the Centre for Literature, Intermediality, and Culture (CLIC) and the Centre for Linguistics (CLIN).

CLIC offers an interdisciplinary forum for specialists in literature, theater, dance and film (PhD students, researchers, assistants and teaching staff). Under the umbrella of "the experiment" it groups research on texts and aesthetics which in a boundary-crossing manner explores the possibilities to represent and stage reality. The different artistic media (literature, theater, film, etc.) in this research are considered laboratories for a reflection on the relationship between reality and the imagination.

Application requirements

Applicants are eligible for the programme if they have a min. 180ECTS bachelor in the field of linguistics and literary studies. .

Additionally, in order to be admitted, you need to be proficient in English.

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