Translation Studies (MA)

Cardiff University

Our MA in Translation Studies offers core training in the theory and practice of translation. Its design was informed by various protocols and best practice guidelines for the study of translation, to ensure it meets the standards and expectations of the contemporary translation service and industry.The aim is to provide you with a full understanding of the development of the discipline of translation studies and of the translation industry, allowing you to pursue specialist or vocational interests within a general framework.We’ll introduce you to the main theoretical issues of translation studies which will allow you to demonstrate how they have a bearing on your specialist area of study, be that the practical translation of literary, legal, medical or administrative texts, or the academic study of translation e.g. its theory and history, or the complex, cultural transactions it involves.You’ll gain an awareness of the problems of understanding and interpretation raised by the practice of translation and explore them in relation to key theoretical approaches. As a result, you’ll develop analytical, practical, evaluative, aesthetic and expository skills that will serve to address these problems in both applied and theoretical contexts.The programme also offers grounding in different forms of specialised translation, including interpreting, computer-assisted translation and subtitling. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain experience of different aspects of the translation industry through a series of guest lectures by leading practitioners and tailored placements with a range of national and international employers. Career prospects - The programme is aimed at students wishing to pursue a career as professional translators in both public and private sectors as well as in international institutions (such as the European Community and the United Nations) or those who are interested in translation as a basis to pursue a PhD in such disciplines as translation studies, comparative literature, cultural studies or history. Our graduates enter a variety of professions: freelance translation, in-house translation for a large corporation, PhD study, Government administration, University administration, a range of roles in large trans-national organisations such as the United Nations World Health Organisation.