Professional Translation MA

The MA in Professional Translation MAPT (previously Translation with Language Technology) is an integrated programme designed to turn entrants with proven excellence in foreign languages into successful and marketable professional linguists.

Key Features of MA in Professional Translation

The MA in Professional Translation belongs to the European Master's in Translation Network which currently has 64 members throughout Europe with Swansea University being the only EMT member in Wales.

At the core of the MA in Professional Translation lies advanced translation work on general, administrative and technical text types, and training in industry-standard Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools. Part 1 of the Professional Translation degree also includes opportunities to develop specialised skills in Public Service Interpreting, audiovisual translation, machine translation (MT) and software localisation, terminology management, video making or digital publishing, while in the Translation Work Experience module students form simulated translation companies, working with local translation businesses, and undertake real commissions to professional standards and deadlines.

These different skills come together in a choice of Part 2 projects: either two Extended Translations of the student’s choice, or an academic Dissertation, or a 13-week Internship in a translation company, in the UK or abroad.

Language pairs in Professional Translation (available 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

Professional Translation Course Content

Part One – Full-time Professional Translation 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 in the MA in Professional Translation course: 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. These include: a second Advanced Translation module, History and Theory of Translation, one or two modules in Interpreting, Translation Technologies, Audiovisual Adaptation (subtitling, dubbing, audio description), Terminology Management, Translation Work Experience, or (subject to numbers) Video and Documentary Making, or Visual Communication and Media Design. There is also the option to study a new language intensively (French, German, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish), or to pick up again at intermediate level a language (French, German, or Spanish) not studied since secondary school.

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.

Modules

Modules on the MA in Professional Translation 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 (Italian - English)
• Advanced Translation (English - Italian)
• Advanced Translation (Spanish - English)
• Advanced Translation (English - Spanish)
• Translation Tools
• Foundations of Translation and Interpreting
• Advanced Translation (English - Chinese)
• Technology Enhanced Language Teaching and Learning
• Beginners French for Postgraduate Students
• Intermediate French for Postgraduate Students
• Beginners German for Postgraduate Students
• Reading Academic German
• Beginners Italian for Postgraduate Students
• Beginners Spanish for Postgraduate Students
• Intermediate Spanish for Postgraduate Students
• Interpreting - Health Option & Introduction to Conference Interpreting
• Interpreting - Law Option (Police & Introduction to Court Interpreting)
• Translation Technologies
• Consecutive Conference Interpreting
• Translation Work Experience for MA Students
• Terminology Management
• Audiovisual Adaptation
• Interpreting-Business Option
• Simultaneous Conference Interpreting
• Translation Theory and Ethics Through the Ages

Student Quote

“After graduating from Swansea University with a First Class Honours BA Translation degree, I decided to study the MA in Professional Translation (previously Translation with Language Technology) and I also set up a translation business, Veritas, with a fellow graduate. Our business was successful from the outset, and we have experienced high rates of growth year on year. Veritas has won numerous awards, including the HSBC International Business Award in 2010, and we work with companies such as the British Red Cross, Nokia and the NHS. We now employ 9 members of staff and are still growing rapidly. Companies love to work with us, as they can see our passion for language and communication with other cultures. For me, it was a dream to study near the sea, and I loved Swansea so much that I made it a permanent home for my family”.

Rachel Bryan, Professional Translation, MA

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