Masters Degrees (Multilingual Communication)

Conference Interpreting is one of three specialisations within the MA Degree Programme in Applied Linguistics and is designed for all graduates interested in becoming professional conference interpreters. Our programme provides the tools and academic skills you need to compete – and remain competitive – in the challenging field of multilingual communication. You will learn to interpret at a professional level by:
• analysing language transfer problems
• developing solutions and strategies
• applying appropriate methods and tools

Your professional future

In our globalised world, multilingualism plays an increasingly important role. As a result, experts in multilingual communication are indispensable and so are qualified conference interpreters. Professional conference interpreters work:
• for government offices
• for national and international parliaments and organisations
• in private industry and business
• for trade unions, political parties, professional associations, etc.

Your MA programme

Apart from background studies and theory-based courses in linguistics and translation studies, the programme includes practice-oriented courses in:
• simultaneous and consecutive interpreting
• note-taking, memory training, public speaking and voice training
• terminology management
• professional skills

You have the opportunity to gain a direct insight into professional practice by:
• visiting potential clients / employers
• interpreting at simulated conferences
• practising in “dummy booths” at conferences
• interpreting in real-life settings

Our international team of lecturers are recognised experts from the academic world and/or professional practice. Our low teacher-student ratio in taught classes allows us to pay close attention to individual needs.

Language combinations

For details please click here:
https://www.zhaw.ch/storage/linguistik/studium/master-angewandte-linguistik/factsheet-conference-interpreting.pdf

Please note that German must be one of the languages you study.

Interpreting preparation course

We offer a preparation course in interpreting techniques and skills to prepare students for the aptitude test. This course includes:
• sight translation
• note-taking and memory training
• introduction to consecutive interpreting
• liaison interpreting
• key terminology for business and economics
• background studies

Related MA/BA programmes at the School of Applied Linguistics

We offer two more MA pathways:
• Professional Translation (please visit http://www.findamasters.com/search/CourseDetails.aspx?CID=25381)
• Organisational Communication

Our MA Degree Programme is based on the following undergraduate programmes:
• BA in Applied Languages with Specialisations in Multilingual Communication, Multimodal Communication and Technical Communication
• BA in Communication with Specialisations in Journalism and Organisational Communication.

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Professional Translation is one specialisation within the MA in Applied Linguistics and is designed for all graduates interested in becoming professional translators. Our programme provides the tools and academic skills you need to compete – and remain competitive – in the challenging field of multilingual communication. You will learn to translate at a professional level by:
• analysing translation problems
• developing solutions and strategies
• applying appropriate methods and tools

Your professional future

In our globalised world, multilingualism plays an increasingly important role. The need for experts in multilingual communication – and therefore for qualified professional translators – is growing all the time. Professional translators work:
• for specialised language service providers or translation agencies
• as staff translators for major national and international companies
• as freelancers
• for government authorities, foundations, etc.

Your MA programme

Apart from background studies and theory-based courses in linguistics and translation studies, the programme includes practice-oriented courses in:
• specialised translation
• CAT tools and language technology
• rewriting, editing, proof-reading
• translation management
• terminology management and
• professional practice

By taking part in realistic or real-life projects, you learn to use the latest technology, acquire skills in deadline and quality management and gain experience in customer service.

Our international team of lecturers are recognised experts from the academic world and/or professional practice. Our low teacher-student ratio in taught classes is one of our great advantages and allows us to pay close attention to individual needs.

Language combinations

For details please click here:
https://www.zhaw.ch/storage/linguistik/studium/master-angewandte-linguistik/factsheet-professional-translation.pdf

Please note that German must be one of the languages you study.

Related MA/BA programmes at the School of Applied Linguistics

We offer a second MA pathway specialising in Conference Interpreting
(please visit http://www.findamasters.com/search/CourseDetails.aspx?CID=25379)
and the following undergraduate programmes:
• BA in Applied Languages with Specialisations in Multilingual Communication, Multimodal Communication and Technical Communication
• BA in Communication with Specialisations in Journalism and Organisational Communication.

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This unique course in intercultural communication will expand your awareness of different cultures and workplace diversity, enhance your understanding of intercultural communication, and encourage you to reflect on your own culture and language use. You will also improve your professional and business communication skills, including written, oral and interpersonal skills, in international settings. The programme, which is based within Birkbeck's MA Intercultural Communication in Business and Professions, values the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practice in the field of intercultural communication and is structured to strike a balance between ideas and real-world experience.

This course is specifically designed for intercultural trainers, coaches and consultants interested in enhancing their existing knowledge and experience, and for professionals working in fields such as communication, public relations, human resources, management and business consulting, who want to expand their global perspective and increase intercultural effectiveness. You will develop the professional and business communication skills you need to proceed to a career in the international business world.

The programme benefits from a combination of knowledge-based and skills-oriented training, world-class experts in intercultural communication, Birkbeck's flexible, student friendly support, and London's position as an international multicultural and multilingual city.

If you unable or unsure about committing to a full Master's, this programme will help you gain cutting-edge, practical knowledge of the field of intercultural communication. Upon completion of the course, you can choose to go on to complete Birkbeck's MA Intercultural Communication for Business and Professions, if you wish.

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

Arts and humanities courses at Birkbeck are ranked third best in London and 11th in the UK in the Times Higher Education 2015-16 World University Subject Rankings.
Our intercultural communication programmes are internationally recognised higher professional qualifications, which could help you improve your employment prospects.
This multidisciplinary programme brings together communication studies, applied linguistics, language studies and business studies.
Applied linguistics has been taught at Birkbeck since 1965, making this one of the oldest departments in the world. You will be taught by leading researchers in the field.
The programme takes an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approach, with staff expertise in a wide range of sub-disciplines, from humanities to social sciences and life sciences. Teaching and research take place within a strong research culture.
Birkbeck’s central London location and unique evening study is ideal for working professionals. A unique advantage of studying this programme at Birkbeck is that students who are working professionals in London are taught side-by-side with others coming from across Europe and around the world.
We have a multimedia library and computing facilities. Birkbeck Library has a large holding of books, as well as over 40 current print journal subscriptions in the subject area, with an additional 100 available electronically. We are located within walking distance of the British Library and libraries at the Institute of Education, School of Oriental and African Studies, University College London and Senate House.
Birkbeck's Applied Linguistics Society, an official University of London society, was formed to bring together students interested in applied linguistics and related fields (for example, multilingualism, intercultural communication, TESOL etc) in the London area. You will also benefit from intercollegiate seminars and lectures offered by various departments located in Bloomsbury.
Birkbeck's Centre for Multilingual and Multicultural Research hosts visiting scholars from all over the world and runs regular research seminars given by speakers from overseas and other UK institutions. The centre also supports postgraduate training in applied linguistics, bilingualism, intercultural communication and translation.

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The MA in International Communication and Cultures aims to provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding of communication as a cultural process.

You will discover how cultural meanings are carried within every message and what their effects are at an international level – how they are mediated, interpreted and translated. You will gain the skills required to critically explore the (trans)formation and effects of messages and their meanings in a globalised world. You will also learn how to translate and interpret the delivery of these messages to international audiences and markets, and develop the ability to negotiate and promote intended meaning.

The programme is ideal for those who have studied culture or communication (history, education, communication, social sciences, linguistics or languages) and wish to gain a more practical element with a focus on international markets, or those who have worked in the industry and would like to get a more thorough understanding of transcultural communication, which is linked to their experience.

In the first semester, you will take modules in global studies of communication and culture and in relevant research methods (textual and image analysis). You will be introduced to a range of optional modules for further specialisation, such as, Negotiation and Business Strategies, Documentary Film-making or Intercultural Rhetoric, Translation and Mediation. In the second semester, you will consolidate the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in the previous semester in the field of international media and intercultural communication. New aspects of your learning in semester two will be an introduction to cultural practices (cultural management, innovation and creativity), but also to the role and use of languages across different cultures. You will be introduced to a range of optional modules for further specialisation, such as World literature, Global Media Events and Latin-America Cinema.

Core modules:
•Analysing transnational and intercultural meaning: Images and film/Language, texts and discourses
•Negotiation in international contexts: The use of language across cultures
•Representing intercultural meaning: Exhibition project or film festival (alternate years)
•Transnational flows, mediascapes and global meaning-making in intercultural contexts

Optional modules:
•Global cultural cities: The visual representation of Barcelona – tourism, football, architecture, festivals
•Global media events: Spectacles, festivals and conferences
•Global online communication: Self-expression and identity
•Intercultural rhetoric, translation and mediation: Promotional, educational and public communication
•Mediating distant suffering: Pity, trauma and victimhood in a transnational context
•Memory beyond borders: The transnational politics of memory and remembering
•Cinematic Representations of Latin America: Local versus global
•Representing intercultural meaning: Film project
•Theories of culture and communication
•Transcultural and transnational aesthetic practices: Cinema, magazines, fashion and museums
•Understanding multilingual contexts: Ethnic minorities and the glocal level
•World literature: Narratives, genres and networks

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The postgraduate programme in applied linguistics and communication began at Birkbeck in 1965, making it one of the oldest and most established linguistics courses in the world. It is unique, as it provides students with opportunities to explore many topics in applied linguistics and communication in a comprehensive and interdisciplinary manner. Furthermore, lecturers specialise in various areas of multilingualism and multiculturalism, offering a range of modules to suit individual interests.

You first complete 2 compulsory modules - Introduction to Applied Linguistics and Research Methods and Design - but then you are able to choose from a range of option modules, including, for example: Second Language Acquisition; Bilingualism; International Management Communication; Sociolinguistics; Language, Culture and Communication; Language Teaching and Learning in a Multilingual and Multicultural Contexts; and Linguistic Description and Corpus Application.

The core module Research Methods and Design aims to equip you with professional and technical knowledge in qualitative and quantitative research methods. It will also prepare you for undertaking your own empirical and/or theoretical research into language and language behaviour in the form of an extended literature review or dissertation.

The programme aims to introduce you to multiple sub-domains and topics that reflect the research interests of staff, e.g. code-switching, first and second language acquisition, intercultural communication, language pedagogy and assessment, language impairment, language policy, language and identity, corpus linguistics, and speech production and perception.

All academic staff are active in state-of-the-art teaching and research. Applied linguistics and communication at Birkbeck enjoys a strong international reputation for its quality teaching and research.

The programme is suitable for people with diverse career goals: those who wish to further their career prospects and professional development, or those who have an interest in doctoral research and aspire to work in higher education. In particular, the programme is beneficial for those who do not have specific research interests at the beginning of their degree, but who intend to identify and focus on an area of research after exploring various disciplines in applied linguistics and communication and immersing themselves in the research and learning culture of a renowned department.

Our students work in a rich research environment that is supported by excellent resources, including a multimedia library and computing facilities. We have a large MPhil/PhD community and this programme offers the opportunity to progress to our integrated PhD programmes in Applied Linguistics, Intercultural Communication, Language Teaching or TESOL.

Our postgraduate students join a vibrant and diverse community supported by the Birkbeck College Applied Linguistics Society, which is student run. There is an annual Postgraduate Student Research Conference which is organised by the Society every summer. In addition, the Research Centre for Multilingual and Multicultural Research hosts a lecture series given by international visiting scholars. Birkbeck also actively collaborates with the larger community of applied linguists throughout University of London colleges. The Institute of Education, School of Oriental and African Studies and University College London are all within walking distance in Bloomsbury, as well as King's College London. The British Library and the British Museum are also a short walking distance away.

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About the course

The two-year full-time study programme (120 ECTS) studies multilingualism and multiculturalism and the issues raised by these themes in a society characterised by increased mobility, migration and diversity.

The programme focuses on linguistic and cultural diversity issues in the fields of education, communication and in different institutional and professional contexts.

In courses and seminars, multilingualism is an integral part of the forms of exchange between the students. In the philosophy of the programme, multilingualism is considered to be of added value in the building of knowledge.

Aims

As a student, you will

• get familiarised with scientific literature dealing with multilingualism and multiculturalism in fields such as sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, education, epistemology, sociology, digital literacy, etc
• develop detailed knowledge of the necessary methodological tools, with special emphasis on qualitative research in these areas
• develop your independent research competences

Course modules

• Research approaches
• Language and Education
• Organisational discourse and business communication
• Globalisation, Digital Media and Migration
• Languages

Career

The programme prepares students for further PhD studies in disciplines such as sociolinguistics, education, anthropology or sociology.

The interdisciplinary programme will open up career possibilites in domains such as education, journalism, new media, cultural and diversity management, cultural mediation, business and professional communication, tourism, translation, etc.

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In the interdisciplinary Master's in Intercultural Communication you will carry out practice-oriented research relating to communication optimisation in multilingual and international contexts.

The world is becoming ever 'smaller'. Due to technological and economic developments we are increasingly being brought into contact with different languages and cultures. Whether in multicultural societies, international organisations or online: communication has become an international, and therefore an intercultural, matter. In business, too, the importance of cultural parameters and mutual perceptions are rapidly increasing.

The Intercultural Communication Master's programme teaches you how to approach linguistic and cultural diversity in various, international, contexts. It is implementation-oriented, interdisciplinary, international and multilingual. After graduation your skills as a multilingual and intercultural expert mean you will be ready to contribute to mutual understanding within Europe and to the good worldwide relationships that are so important in this age of globalisation.

Tracks

This Master offers seven tracks:
-Multilingual
-German
-English
-French
-Italian
-Dutch
-Spanish

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This course offers you an opportunity to raise your cross-cultural awareness and enhance your intercultural communicative competence in international business settings, to reflect on your own culture and language use, and to develop the professional and business communication skills necessary to advance your career in the international business world.

It focuses on intercultural communication skills, including written, oral and interpersonal skills, and is specially designed for:

- Language and communication graduates who are looking to develop a career in international organisations or the business sector.
- Business graduates who would like to improve their professional and business communication skills to enhance their employability.
- Professionals working in fields such communication, public relations, human resources, management and business consulting who want to expand their global perspective and increase effectiveness.
- Intercultural trainers, coaches and consultants interested in enhancing their existing knowledge and experience.


The programme benefits from a combination of knowledge-based and skills-oriented training, world-class experts in intercultural communication, Birkbeck's flexible and student-friendly support, and London's position as an international multicultural and multilingual city.

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About the course

This course is for teachers, speech and language therapists, and other professionals working with children with special educational needs. You’ll develop your understanding of speech, language and communication and build on your existing skills. The course is delivered online, by distance learning, so you can gain a specialist qualification without having to leave your current job.

Your career

Your masters will give you the skills and knowledge to make a difference. Our MMedSci course provides the necessary training to meet the requirements of the UK Health and Care Professions Council which is the accreditation body for UK speech and language therapy. Our other courses provide professional development training. They can also lead to careers in university teaching and research.

How we teach

We have a reputation for high quality research in the field of human communication and its disorders. That research informs our teaching. We offer professional training for students who are considering speech and language therapy as a career. If you’re interested in a research career, we can prepare you for a PhD.

We also run professional development courses for students already working in the field, so you can study alongside your current job. We have links with the NHS, special schools and specialist charities to ensure that what we teach you is in line with current developments in the field.

We work with other departments across the University including the School of Education, the Department of Psychology, the Department of Computer Science and the School of English Language and Linguistics.

Core modules

PGCert, PGDip and MSc

Children’s Learning; Language and Communication; Spoken and Written Language; Developing an Evidence Base for Practice.

PGDip and MSc

Research Methods A; Research Methods B (optional for PGDip).

Examples of optional modules for PGDip and MSc levels only:

Case Study; Speech Difficulties 1: nature and investigation; Speech Difficulties 2: intervention and management; Research Methods B; Literacy 1: assessments and constructs; Literacy 2: difficulties and intervention; Developmental Disorders.

For Developmental Disorders, you can choose up to two specialist topics for further study, such as: Autism Spectrum Disorders; Specific Language Impairment; Language and Behaviour; Language and Environment; Learning Difficulties; Hearing Impairment; Auditory Processing Difficulties; Alternative and Augmentative Communication; Dysfluency; Dyslexia; Multilingual Contexts; Early Years; Adolescence.

MSc students also complete a dissertation.

Teaching

We provide material online for weekly study across the full calendar year. There are two or three (optional) study weekends per year in Sheffield. Essential reading material is available electronically. Online activities support your study and build links with tutors and other students.

Assessment

Modules are normally assessed by written assignments. MSc students are also assessed on their research dissertation.

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Qualify for the 21st century with a Master of Applied Linguistics. As globalisation expands, so does the demand for people with intercultural communication skills to reach wide audiences. Applied linguistics is one of the fastest-growing fields of study in the humanities. The course offers a competitive advantage to language teachers, interpreters, editors and other people working with language in increasingly multilingual and multicultural societies, such as Australia. Two specialisations are available: General applied linguistics and Teaching world Englishes for international communication. Our program ranked No. 17 in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2014.

The Master of Applied Linguistics broadens your knowledge of how language works in the context of globalisation, with opportunities for research and internships. Applied linguistics has become widely recognised for its ability to solve language-related problems at both the micro and macro levels.

Our multilingual and multicultural classes stimulate lively discussion about the differences between languages and language-learning experiences, and how these relate to the theories and issues covered in the unit. Classes are taught by leading scholars in their field. Monash is renowned for its expertise in Japanese applied linguistics, as well as Australian and Austronesian languages.

Applied linguistics at Monash has an international reputation for producing top graduates, particularly in the areas of Japanese applied linguistics, English as an international language, and the study of multilingualism more broadly. Graduates work in mono- and multi-lingual settings, with careers as language teachers, language-education and assessment experts, speech pathologists, interpreters and translators. They work in industries where language and communication are crucial; for example, in the health areas of speech therapy and speech pathology, or in the engineering or computational fields related to language and speech technology, such as speech recognition and synthesis.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/applied-linguistics-a6001?domestic=true

Overview

Please select a specialisation for more details:

- General applied linguistics
The General applied linguistics specialisation offers an overview of the many areas of applied linguistics, giving you a strong understanding of language structure and use across a variety of languages.

In the core units, you explore the sounds and grammar of Australian English and how these differ from other English varieties and languages. You also learn how we use language differently according to context and how language varies between different social groups. In elective units, you specialise in areas such as literacy, second-language acquisition or language and identity.

- Teaching world Englishes for international communication
By looking at the significance of intercultural communication, the Teaching world Englishes for international communication specialisation gives you a new perspective on the use of English in today's globalised world, in both academic and professional contexts. You will examine the theory and practice of teaching English as an international language. You will also come to understand the implications of the global spread of English and the development of world Englishes.

Course Structure

The course is structured in three parts. Part A. Foundations for advanced applied linguistics studies, Part B. Core Master's study and Part C. Advanced expertise. All students complete Part B. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A or Part C or a combination of the two.

[Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.]

PART A. Foundations for advanced applied linguistics
These studies will provide an orientation to the field of applied linguistics at graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field.

PART B. Core Master's study
These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of applied linguistics practice and research. You will gain a critical understanding of theoretical and practical issues relating to applied linguistics, including second/foreign language acquisition, language teaching, language contact and intercultural communication. Your study will focus on your choice either of Applied linguistics or Teaching world Englishes for international communication.

PART C. Advanced expertise
The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options.

The first option is a program of coursework study where you select the units to suit your own interests.

The second option is a 24 point research thesis. Students wishing to use this Masters course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take this second option.

Students admitted to the course, who have a recognised honours degree in a discipline cognate to applied linguistics, will receive credit for Part C, however, should they wish to complete a 24 point research project as part of the course they should consult with the course coordinator.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/arts

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/applied-linguistics-a6001?domestic=true#making-the-application

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This new MA is a unique combination of linguistics and educational studies. It provides a solid understanding of the theoretical and practical issues that arise in multilingual and intercultural educational settings- http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/ma-multilingualism-linguistics-education/

The MA draws on expertise from two departments, the Department of Educational Studies and the Department of English and Comparative Literature, to offer students a wide-ranging interdisciplinary programme. The programme is targeted at students working or planning to work in education in diverse contexts, and those interested in exploring intercultural and multilingual communication.

It'll be of particular interest if you have or wish to gain experience in teaching second and foreign languages (for example in multilingual classrooms, in bilingual education settings internationally, or English as a foreign language) and aim to achieve a wider theoretical knowledge base. This MA will add value to your professional life, whether as managers, teachers or researchers, or in other careers related to language and education.

What you study:

You learn how the English language and other languages are structured and used in a range of cultural settings, and how to support the literacy and learning development of students from multilingual backgrounds. The course offers critical engagement with theory, policy and practice, and students benefit from intellectual debates in the disciplines of both education and linguistics. You complete two compulsory modules, two option modules and a 15,000-word dissertation.

Assessment:

Coursework; essays; examinations; dissertation.

Careers:

Teaching (especially language teaching or teaching in multilingual environments), administration and/or management of educational and language policy, publishing, the civil service, the media.

Skills:

You will acquire a wide-ranging understanding of educational and linguistic policy and research, especially with respect to multilingual settings. You will also develop your critical thinking, communication and research skills.

Funding

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

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This new MA is a unique combination of linguistics and educational studies. It provides a solid understanding of the theoretical and practical issues that arise in multilingual and intercultural educational settings- http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/ma-multilingualism-linguistics-education/

The MA draws on expertise from two departments, the Department of Educational Studies and the Department of English and Comparative Literature, to offer students a wide-ranging interdisciplinary programme.

The programme is targeted at students working or planning to work in education in diverse contexts, and those interested in exploring intercultural and multilingual communication.

It will be of particular interest if you have or wish to gain experience in teaching second and foreign languages (for example in multilingual classrooms, in bilingual education settings internationally, or English as a foreign language) and aim to achieve a wider theoretical knowledge base.

This MA will add value to your professional life, whether as managers, teachers or researchers, or in other careers related to language and education.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Alessia Cogo.

Modules & Structure

You learn how the English language and other languages are structured and used in a range of cultural settings, and how to support the literacy and learning development of students from multilingual backgrounds.

The course offers critical engagement with theory, policy and practice, and students benefit from intellectual debates in the disciplines of both education and linguistics.

Modules are taught by the Department of English and Comparative Literature (ECL) and the Department of Educational Studies (ES). You complete two compulsory modules, two option modules and a 15,000-word dissertation.

For the dissertation we encourage hands-on research based on the uses of written and spoken language in a variety of institutional and informal contexts.

Where possible, we'll help you access multilingual settings relevant to you research. This will give unique insight into the practices of British classrooms and different linguistic communities.

You're also encouraged to draw on your own experience or unique cultural and linguistic background.

We run an additional MA study skills module in which we cover topics such as: using electronic resources; British academic essay writing & referencing at MA level; planning a dissertation.

Assessment

Coursework; essays; examinations; dissertation.

Skills

You will acquire a wide-ranging understanding of educational and linguistic policy and research, especially with respect to multilingual settings. You will also develop your critical thinking, communication and research skills.

Careers

Teaching (especially language teaching or teaching in multilingual environments), administration and/or management of educational and language policy, publishing, the civil service, the media.

Funding

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

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About the course

You’ll develop language skills and cultural awareness, along with strong technical skills in web content management, electronic publishing and usability. Employers will be attracted by your abilities in project management and knowledge of new media marketing. This course is taught by two departments – the School of Modern Languages and the Information School, Sheffield’s top-rated iSchool.

Your career

Our reputation for excellence means your MA will be highly respected by employers. 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 and 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.

About us

We constantly review and revise our degrees to make sure you keep on top of the latest developments in the field. You’ll learn academic theory and practical skills – and how to relate the two.

Sheffield is at the forefront of modern languages research. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) ranks us among the top ten Russell Group universities for impact in this field. Recent projects include e-learning and knowledge exchange with industry, and three initiatives looking at language teaching and learning.

Our facilities

You can practise your English, French, German, Italian or Spanish with native speakers at our Modern Languages Teaching Centre. Our specially designed building has modern spaces for teaching and research. We’re right next to the other arts and humanities departments, and there are lots of opportunities to share ideas.

Core modules

Designing Usable Websites
Information Retrieval: Search Engines and Digital Libraries
Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication
Localisation for Linguists
Dissertation

Examples of optional modules

Information and Knowledge Management
e-Business and e-Commerce
Content Management Systems
Digital Multimedia Libraries
Researching Social Media
Database Design
Information System Modelling
Information Systems in Organisations
International Management
Language in Context
Theory and Practice of Subtitling
Approaches to Translation Genres
Translation Technologies
International Project Management
Professional Problem-Based Learning
Enhanced Languages Project 1
Enhanced Languages Project 2
Tandem Learning for Intercultural Communication
Critical Reading and Writing at MA Level
a translation module offered as part of our MA in Translation Studies

Teaching and assessment

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

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Why is human language unique, and unlike any other natural communication system? How do children learn their first language? Do women and men speak differently? Are some forms of English better than others? Why does language change through time?

Linguistics seeks to provide answers to questions such as those above, and many others. As the science of language, linguistics studies everything to do with language, including how language is structured, how it develops in children, the ways in which it reflects society and culture, how it defines individuals and groups, and how it changes over time. If you find these questions interesting, then you will enjoy studying linguistics.

This programme offers the opportunity for those who do not have a BA second-class honours degree in a relevant subject to gain an understanding of the social, interpersonal and psychological aspects of human language and communication systems, and to enhance their academic skills in linguistics. It provides training in aspects of both theory and practice in the field of linguistics, language and communication.

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

- Arts and humanities courses at Birkbeck are ranked third best in London and 11th in the UK in the Times Higher Education 2015-16 World University Subject Rankings.

- Prepare for further postgraduate study at Master’s level if you have a degree in another subject.
Raise your communicative awareness and competence, and gain knowledge of theories and models of human, social and interpersonal communication.
- Develop skills necessary to proceed to careers in various fields related to linguistics, languages and communication.
- The Birkbeck Applied Linguistics Society, an official University of London society, was formed to bring together students interested in applied linguistics and related fields (for example multilingualism, intercultural communication and TESOL) in the London area.
- Birkbeck’s Centre for Multilingual and Multicultural Research hosts visiting scholars from all over the world and runs regular research seminars given by speakers from overseas and other UK institutions. The centre also supports postgraduate training in applied linguistics, bilingualism, intercultural communication and translation.

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Summary

This brand new MA is perfect for multilingual students who want a career in the creative industries.

In our cosmopolitan global culture talented people with multilingual skills are increasingly sought after by the creative industries. In this trailblazing MA you will have the opportunity to combine your language and translation skills with the study of London’s vibrant creative industries.

On the programme you will use your language skills and first-hand experience of different cultures to explore new territory in and around the use of languages. You will reach beyond the traditional role of translation and localisation by studying how these disciplines are applied in the creative industries, paying particular attention to the practical application of these skills in a professional environment.

You will be introduced to the emerging area of transcreation, which refers to the creative process of altering messages so they are suitable for the target local market, while maintaining its original intent, tone, style and context, and how this is used within creative industries such as arts, advertising, entertainment and marketing.

London’s rich cultural scene is central to this MA and a series of visits to festivals, studios, cinemas and galleries are incorporated into the programme, giving you the opportunity to engage first hand with the many different cultural institutions the capital has to offer. There is also the opportunity to undertake a work placement, meaning you can build a strong CV and make vital industry contacts.

In addition you will be able to study modules from a wide range of creative disciplines from the Department of Media, Culture and Languages, including audiovisual translation, film, media and journalism.

Content

In the module Think, Create, Translate: Transcreation and the Creative Industries, you will analyse different examples of translation and transcreation which you will compile into a portfolio of work (which you can use as part of your CV) and discuss how multilingualism and multiculturalism are put into practice in a creative environment. You will combine a series of lectures, workshops and group projects with visits to many of London’s cultural institutions including festivals, studios, cinemas and galleries.

In the Cultural Adaptation in the Creative Industries module, you will explore the theory and concepts that underpin practices of transcreation and localisation, drawing on multiple disciplines, including linguistics and audiovisual translation, film, game and television studies, media management and advertising. For instance, you may be analysing localised popular entertainment shows, consider regionalisation in video games and marketing campaigns, or explore localisation from an audience perspective.

There is also a wide variety of options modules on offer on a range of subjects including translation-related fields such as subtitling and videogame localisation, as well as media and communications, project management, and social media and data journalism. You can also choose between undertaking a research based dissertation and working with a cultural institution as part of a work placement.

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