Specialised Translation MA

Course summary Our Specialised Translation MA offers advanced training in preparation for a career in translation. This course is open to both native and non-native speakers of English who also speak any of the following languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian, or Spanish. Native English speakers have the option to combine English with two other languages, while non-native speakers will combine it with one. At the heart of the MA are our practical translation classes between English and one of these languages, which are complemented by our Translation Skills Lab module. You'll learn how to research specialised subjects to produce commercially viable translations of a broad range of specialised texts, applying insights drawn from translation theory and professional practice, and, in the Translation Skills Lab, learn about Project Management and Quality Assurance while honing your skills in a simulated translation bureau. You’ll also study skills-based modules to prepare you for industry and develop your technical skills. In the Audiovisual Translation and Localisation module, you’ll become familiar with the principles and processes of audiovisual translation and the localisation of video games, gaining experience in industry-standard software. You’ll engage with computer-assisted translation (CAT) and the post-editing of machine translation output in our Computer-Assisted Translation, Machine Translation, and Post-editing module. Students combining English with two languages will choose either Audiovisual Translation and Localisation or Computer-Assisted Translation, Machine Translation, and Post-editing, while students studying with English and one other language will take both.

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Linguists without a degree but with sufficient experience in a relevant area will also be considered.Applicants will be interviewed in person or on the telephone and set a translation test to check their suitability for the course. The course is open to native speakers of English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish and Chinese. Applicants will need fluent written and spoken English. Most successful applicants will have met the IELTS requirement when they submit their application, as excellent English language skills are fundamentally important. It is vital that all applicants who do not have English as their first language provide clear details on their application form of the English language qualifications they have achieved and/or the date when they will be taking their IELTS test.