Professional Translation MA

The MA in Professional Translation (MAPT) will develop you from an excellent foreign language speaker into a successful professional linguist.

MAPT (previously Translation with Language Technology) is part of the European Master’s in Translation Network, which currently has 64 members throughout Europe. Swansea University is the only member in Wales. 

You will undertake advanced translation work on general, administrative and technical text, and training in industry-standard Computer-Assisted Translation tools. 

The first part of the Professional Translation degree includes opportunities to develop specialised skills in public service interpreting, audiovisual translation, machine translation and software localisation, terminology management, video making or digital publishing.

In the translation work experience module you simulate translation companies by working with local translation businesses and delivering on real commissions to professional standards.

In the second part of the degree, you are presenting with a choice of two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company in the UK or overseas.

Language pairs (subject to demand):

• German > English
• English > German
• French > English
• English > French
• Italian > English
• English > Italian
• Spanish > English
• English > Spanish
• Welsh > English
• English > Welsh
• English > Arabic
• English > Mandarin

Why Professional Translation at Swansea?

As the only member of the European Master’s in Translation Network based in Wales, Swansea University has an established profile in professional translation. We have industry standard, state-of-the-art facilities and a robust global network of external organisations to help shape your studies.

The College of Arts and Humanities is based on our energising Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay.

Designed to promote individual and collaborative research activity of international standard, the Graduate Centre provides a supportive environment for postgraduate research and taught masters study. 

It offers postgraduate training to enhance academic and professional development, and facilitates seminar programmes, workshops and international conferences.

Your Professional Translation experience

You will study a set number of compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on advanced translating and interpreting, before undertaking a 60-credit module on two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company.

Modules cover advanced translating and interpreting of numerous different languages in different contexts and industries. There are specialist modules for interpreting business, health and law.

In the second part, the extended translations option offers you the chance to develop an area of specialisation. One translation must be technical and performed using a major CAT tool.

The dissertation option can concentrate on a translation studies topic, such as a comparison of two or more published translations, or terminology research in a specialist area, or an investigation into translation technology. 

The internship option can be undertaken either in the UK or abroad. Our extensive list of professional contacts is available to you but you must make your own applications and pass admissions tests.

Professional Translation employment opportunities

The vocational MA in Professional Translation will significantly enhance your prospects for a career in translation. Over the course of your studies, or your internship, you may make important connections for your future work.

Professional Translation graduates enter a range of different translation and interpreting roles. Many also undertake research degrees and pursue a career in academia.

Professional Translation modules

You will study a set number of compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on advanced translating and interpreting, before undertaking a 60-credit module on two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company.

Modules on the Professional Translation course may include:

• Cyfieithu Uwch (Saesneg i Gymraeg) / Advanced Translation (English to Welsh)
• Cyfieithu Uwch Technegol (Saesneg i Gymraeg) / Advanced Translation Technical (English to Welsh)
• Advanced Translation (English-Arabic)
• Advanced Translation (French - English)
• Advanced Translation (English - French)
• Advanced Translation (German - English)
• Advanced Translation (English - Italian)
• Advanced Translation (Spanish - English)
• Advanced Translation English to Spanish
• Translation Tools
• Foundations of Translation and Interpreting
• Advanced Translation (English - Chinese)

How you're taught on the Professional Translation course

Part One – Full-time students take three 20-credit (10 ECTS) modules in each of two academic semesters, while part-time students can distribute the same work flexibly over four semesters. There are three compulsory modules: Foundations of Translation and Interpreting, Translation Tools, and one Advanced Translation module from the range of language pairs listed above. Students then choose three optional modules.

Part Two - An individual project of 60 credits (30 ECTS) which full-time students undertake over the summer (by 15 September), while part-time students have up to a further year. The project can take three forms:

Two Extended Translations with commentary. These are chosen by the student and offer the opportunity to develop domains of specialisation. At least one must be technical and must be performed using a major CAT tool; or

Dissertation (15,000-20,000 words). This can be, for instance, on a topic in Translation Studies, a comparison of two or more published translations, terminology research in a specialised domain, or an investigation into aspects of translation technology. The dissertation offers excellent preparation for PhD work, but can also be a valuable indicator of professional expertise (e.g. in terminology or CAT tools); or

Internship (13 weeks full time, part time pro rata). This is the most vocational option and can be undertaken either in the UK or abroad. We make our extensive list of professional contacts available to students but they must make their own application to companies and pass admissions tests. A successful internship may turn into a first job.

You may also be interested in:

• Applied Linguistics, MA by Research
• Chinese-English Translation and Language Teaching, MA
• Literary Translation, MA by Research
• Professional Translation (Extended), MA
• Translation Technology, PGCert
• Translation and Interpreting, MA
• Translation and Interpreting (Extended), MA

Visit the Professional Translation MA page on the Swansea University website for more details!