Interpreting (Chinese Pathway) MA

Why choose this course

Designed in collaboration with Dr Kevin Lin OBE, this unique course will train you to be ready for your first conference interpreter job upon graduation. Our MA has a strong practical component that responds to the needs of the interpreting market. It’ll give you advanced interpreting skills in all interpreting modes, including consecutive/simultaneous interpreting, chuchotage, sight translation, dialogue and distance interpreting. It also provides exceptional opportunities for simulated and industry-relevant interpreting experience.

We support ‘virtual internships’ which enable you to collaborate with language service providers and build a professional engagement portfolio that you can present to future employers.

What you will study

Our Interpreting (Chinese Pathway) MA course is taught in collaboration with KL Communications Ltd, whose Managing Director, Dr Kevin Lin OBE, is the Lead Interpreter (Chinese) for the UK government’s Foreign Office. Our course covers the main principles, techniques and professional requirements of interpreting between Chinese and English, preparing you to work as an interpreter in conference, business and political settings.

You'll develop skills in all interpreting modes (consecutive, dialogue and simultaneous interpreting, and sight translation), through onsite and remote interpreting via audio/video link, note-taking and public speaking. The Interpreting and Technology module focuses on practical knowledge and professional requirements for integrating different technologies in interpreting workflows, for example, to support the interpreter’s preparation and performance (electronic glossaries, digital note-taking) and delivery of interpreting services (audio/video-mediated distance/remote interpreting), providing you with the necessary digital skills to develop a successful interpreting career in a fast-changing world.

Careers and graduate prospects

We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University. Our graduates have lifetime access to Surrey Pathfinder, our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements and interactive development tools.

Local and international companies from the language industry who have an active interest in Surrey graduates come to our Centre for Translation Studies careers fair. They explain what current and future opportunities they have, providing a chance for you to engage with them directly and kick-start your career in an informal, friendly atmosphere.

A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in English or a related subject. You must be a native Chinese speaker to apply.