Interpreting MA

Why choose this course

This is the only course in the UK that will give you advanced interpreting skills in all interpreting modes, including consecutive, simultaneous, dialogue and distance interpreting. We’re the first university to teach video-mediated and telephone interpreting based on research in distance interpreting, giving you excellent and flexible career opportunities.

The course has a strong practical component designed to suit the needs of the interpreting market today. We support ‘virtual internships’ which enable you to collaborate with language service providers and build a professional engagement portfolio that you can present to potential future employers.

What you will study

Our MA Interpreting course has a multilingual and a Chinese pathway.

On this pathway we offer Arabic, French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish paired with English (languages are subject to availability and/or demand).

You'll develop skills in all interpreting modes (consecutive, dialogue and simultaneous interpreting, and sight translation), delivered on-site and remotely via audio/video link. The Interpreting and Technologies module focuses on the integration of different technologies in interpreting workflows, for example, to support the interpreter preparation and performance (electronic glossaries, digital note-taking) and delivery of 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. 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.

If you are a native English speaker, we require a minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in either Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, or Turkish, or a related subject taught in one of these languages. If you are a native speaker of another language, we require a minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree taught in English or a related subject. We can also consider relevant work experience if you don’t meet these requirements.