Find out more about studying MA Audiovisual and Literary Translation at University of Essex? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Master of Arts - MA
University of Essex
Part Time
Oct 2027
2 Year
Building on the internationally recognised expertise of both our Departments of Language and Linguistics, and our Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies, our MA Audiovisual and Literary Translation course will allow you to further specialise in literature and literary translation, audiovisual translation, and general translation. We combine translation theory with practice, allowing you to develop an in-depth understanding of the linguistic, stylistic, and cultural aspects of translation. You will develop your own personal translation skills, allowing you to translate a literary work accurately and creatively from one language to another.Our course is offered with the combination of English and one of the following languages: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. You can be a native or near-native speaker of any of these languages, as you learn to translate to and from both languages. You work with native speakers in developing your ability to move accurately and quickly between your chosen language and English.
Want to consolidate your practical language skills by conducting a project investigating translation, interpreting or subtitling? Work with a supervisor to define specific research questions. Search existing studies for information about your topic. Reflect on the processes involved and learn how to write an extended report on your findings.
How do translation decisions shape communication across cultures? How does context influence meaning? What responsibilities do translators hold in professional practice? This module introduces key concepts, theories, and current debates in Translation Studies, exploring translation as a socially and culturally situated practice. Through discussion and analysis of real examples, students will critically evaluate translation choices, engage with contemporary issues in the profession, and develop the skills needed for advanced study and professional careers in translation.
What is audiovisual translation? This module will introduce you to the key theoretical concepts and professional practices in audiovisual and multimodal text translation. You will explore key theories and current trends in the field and develop a critical awareness of the practical, linguistic, social and cultural issues associated with audiovisual translation. Practical assignments in subtitling, dubbing and voiceover will help you to apply your knowledge and develop the technical skillss required to work in this specialised field.
This module provides an in-depth introduction to intercultural communication across languages, media, and contexts. It explores how meaning is created, negotiated, and interpreted in multilingual and multicultural settings, combining theoretical perspectives with applied analysis. The module is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds and focuses on developing analytical skills that can be applied to a range of real-world communication scenarios.
Want to produce accurate and reader-friendly interlingual subtitles? How do you recognise good subtitling? What skills does it require? Develop your understanding of the subtitling process. Learn to use the spotting and word-processing functions of professional subtitling software, while building your proof reading and editing skills.
This module explores the practice and theory of translating literary texts in a global context. We will discuss issues related to literary form and genre, analysing translations of epic and lyric poetry, prose fiction, and classical and modern drama. We will examine the changes in the cultural status of translation from the ancient times to the present, analysing ways in which translations have contributed to the dissemination and reception of texts. The module considers literary translation as an act of crossing national borders and linguistic and cultural boundaries and an activity that allows diverse literary cultures to come into contact. We will explore literary translation in a global context, discussing historical moments in which literary texts and their translations originate, and focusing on the questions of power and ideology, feminism and gender, and cultural hegemony and postcolonialism. We will also focus on the political and philosophical debates that literary translations have provoked.
Keen to gain technical translation practice? Study a range of technical texts, building your experience of translation in this area. You will receive guidance on preparing for such work and understand how to research terminology for technical translation tasks.
