MA Translation Studies

Description

Students on the MA in Translation Studies choose between a more theoretical and a more practical pathway; both pathways include translation practice and examination(s) for professional accreditation.

The Durham MATS has been a member of the European Masters’ in Translation (EMT) network since 2011. The network is an initiative of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation and EMT network membership acknowledges the high quality of the MA course.

Core modules engage with theoretical questions and with current translation practices. Students are trained to use translation technologies. Specialised Translation modules are offered from/into English and Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.

The final examinations of the Specialised Translation modules are externally moderated by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) and may lead to exemption from Unit 1 of the Diploma in Translation (DipTrans), the professional-standard qualification in the UK.

_{Core modules}

In 2018, core modules included:

• Research Skills for Translation Studies (15 credits)
• Translation Theory (30 credits)
• Specialised Translation Language 1 (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish) from and into English (30 credits)

_{Core dissertation/project}

Students choose 60 credits. Modules have previously included:

• Translation Studies Dissertation (60 credits)
• Extended Translation Project (60 credits) 
• Translation Project 1 (30 credits) + Translation Project 2 (30 credits)

_{Optional modules}

Students choose 45 credits. Modules have previously included:

• Conference Interpreting Chinese - English (15 credits)
• Consecutive English<>Chinese Interpreting (15 credits)
• Editing and Revising for Translators (15 credits)
• History of Translation (15 credits)
• Interpreting Arabic - English
• Linguistics for Translation
• Specialised Translation Language 2 (30 credits)
• Translation Ethics and Intercultural Project Management (15 credits)
• Translation Work Placement (15 credits)
• World Literature and Translation. 

Course Learning and Teaching

The MA in Translation Studies (MATS) is a one-year (12-month) full-time or two-year (24-month) part-time course (180 credits, corresponding to 90 ECTS). The Durham MATS is a member of the EMT Network of Excellence. The Durham course offers different pathways according to the number of specialised translation modules (in one or two languages) students take and whether they opt for the more vocationally-oriented project(s) or the more research-focused dissertation. Both pathways benefit from the varied delivery of content that consists of seminars, workshops, lectures, group projects, research seminars, and individual tutorials. The Institute of Linguists assesses the Specialised Translation examination papers against the requirements of Dip Trans Unit 1; successful candidates receive accreditation for Unit 1 of this official test of professional competence.

Lectures in Translation Theory introduce the discipline’s key debates; students prepare seminar presentations focused on related topics. Research Skills for Translation Studies provides interactive lectures on research skills and training sessions on the use of library and other resources over the course of the first two terms and, in the early part of the programme, a series of user-focused workshops in which students work intensively to consolidate their knowledge of selected translation technologies. The Specialised Translation modules work in both directions, translating from and into the foreign language, with students completing weekly assignments individually or in groups. 

An extensive programme of visiting speakers is provided, partly under the auspices of the School’s Translation & Linguistics Research Group; these include both researchers and professional practitioners, for example, European Commission Visiting Translators and field officers. These lectures are seen as an integral part of the course and students are expected to attend. The balance shifts from taught hours to independent study or work experience in the third term. The MATS aims to offer a vocational approach for intending professional translators and an academic approach for those considering continuing to a doctorate by honing specific skills developed in earlier modules. This places further emphasis on students’ autonomy in carrying out work to professional standards or in undertaking a substantial piece of independent research. Students receive individualised support in the form of regular meetings with their designated supervisor. Students also have access to Course Directors and other staff during their office hours.

English Language requirements

Please check requirements for your subject and level of study.

How to apply

http://www.durham.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply

Career Opportunities

For further information on career options and employability, including the results of the Destination of Leavers survey, student and employer testimonials and details of work experience and study abroad opportunities, please visit our employability web pages.

Visit the MA Translation Studies page on the Durham University website for more details!