MA Chinese-English Audiovisual Translation

Programme overview

The MA Chinese-English Audiovisual Translation is designed to prepare students to work in the fast-growing audiovisual sector of the language industries. The driver for industry growth is the ubiquitous availability of video content. Audiovisual translation accounts for up to a third of language services activity both in China and internationally.

The programme focuses on technological competence and practical skills building in a range of audiovisual translation modes. The programme also offers a broader grounding in key concepts and audiovisual industry dynamics. Students build their core skills through compulsory units in applied translation, CAT tools, translation theory and concepts in audiovisual translation. They can then take options in subtitling, videogame localization, introduction to specialised translation or translation and international film distribution. Students can do a research-based or a practice-based dissertation; the dissertation must be on a topic related to audiovisual translation.

Careers

This programme is designed to prepare students for working, for example, as in-house interns or new hires at postproduction or localization companies, or for freelance work. A number of our students each year consider progressing to doctoral study after their MA. Many of the skills are transferable to other careers such as editing, marketing or social media. Audiovisual translation helps students to learn key attributes such as creativity and close attention to detail.

For native Chinese speakers, an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in any subject is required. For non-native Chinese speakers: an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in Chinese Studies (or similar); or completion of a full undergraduate or postgraduate programme at a prestigious Chinese institution. Non-native Chinese speakers who have not completed a Chinese/Mandarin bachelors will be required to demonstrate proficiency through a translation test and possibly an interview. Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered. Applicants with a lower class of degree with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis