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Recent masters dissertation topics in Translation Studies

'The Influence of Cross-cultural Factors on Interpreters’ Roles in the Medical Setting in New Zealand: Revisiting the Code of Ethics (AUSIT) from a Chinese Perspective' - Yi Liang 'Exploring the Concept of Fidelity in Official English-Chinese Movie Title Translation under Skopostheorie' - Zhang Sun 'Translation of Vulgarism in Film in light of Nida’s Dynamic Equivalence Theory: A Case Study of the American Comedy Ted ' - Angel Chou 'A Derbyshire Gamekeeper from Rural China: The Translation Strategies for Code-switching in Lady Chatterley’s Love r' - Haiping Nui 'On Chinese-English Translation of Public Signs from the Perspective of Functionalist Theories' - Qinming Tian 'News Translation under Government Censorship' - Juechen Shao 'The Translation Action and Quality – A Case Study of the Chinese Translation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ' - Jing Fu 'Translating Humour in Subtitle Translation as seen in the Case of Big Bang Theory ' - Ruwei Zhang 'The End Justified the Means: Self-translation Strategies in Eileen Chang’s The Golden Cangue ' - Jasmine Luo 'Application of a Concept System and Translation Strategies – With Reference to Hang Gliding' - John Burton 'How News Translation in New Zealand Chinese Media Has Influenced the Chinese Ethnic Group’s Integration into the Host Society' - Lu Zheng 'Translation Industry and Translation Training in Japan' - Yutaka Kato 'The Evaluation of Certification System for Translators in China: From a Perspective of Market Demand' - Yishan Wang 'Translate the Untranslatable  - The Analysis of Humour Translation in Subtitling' - Yanning Zhang 'Translation Strategies for Bilateral Agreement Translation: A Case Study of NZ – China FTA' - Heida Donegan 'Never Mind the Bollocks!’ – Exploring the Vulgarism Translation of an American Film, The Town , from English to Chinese under Nida’s Equivalence Approach' - Anna Guo 'The Application of Translation Strategies in Feudal China (1896 – 1916) in the Light of the Rewriting Concept under the Cultural Turn: A Case Study of the Chinese Versions of Sherlock Holmes' - Kylie Ke 'Strategies for Maintaining Cultural Identity in Subtitle Translation in the Globalization Era: A Case Study of Ang Lee’s Pushing Hands ' - I-Tser Nieh 'Issues of Legal Translation in Comparative Legal Systems: A Critical Analysis of the Approaches and Strategies' - Seng-Yu Tsai 'Practical Issues of Accuracy in Court Interpreting' - Ming Chang 'On Translation of Idioms in the Light of Skopostheorie: A Case Study of the Two English Versions of Hong Lou Meng ' -  Zhaolong Yang 'The Importance of Comparison Strategy in the Study of Translation between Chinese and English' - Siyi Yang 'Translation Incompetence Led to Mistranslations: In Search for the Translation Competence through Mistranslation Analysis' - Ji Hyun Lee

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MA Translation Studies

Extended translation projects.

  • English Translation of a mini-anthology of texts from the Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin on the shared topic of marathon running , David Twyman

Dissertations

  •  * Translation Types and Repetition: A Finnish Version of Psalm 49 Evaluated , Sirkku Carey
  • * Strategies for Translating Idioms and Culturally-Bound Expressions Within the Human Development Genre , Noor Balfaqeeh
  • * Acknowledging and establishing the hierarchy of expertise in translator-reviser scenarios as an aid to the process of revising translations ,  Spencer Allman
  • * Upgrading Film Subtitling to the Level of Literary Translation , Alexandra Palmer 
  • Norms in the Chinese translations of Adam Smith's 'The Wealth of Nations' (1776) , Lung Jan Chan
  • A study on the narrator's voice in the chinese translation of A Room of One's Own , Law Tsz   Sang
  • The Use of Translation as a Teaching Technique within the Context of Learning English as a Foreign Language in Greece by Elena Arkadi.
  • A Theological Approach to Equivalence: Comparing Judeo-Christian Belief with Shinto/Buddhist Thought by Dianne Cook.
  • The Translation of Culture-Specific Items: An Analysis of Helen Fielding’s ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ and its Greek Translation by Dimitra Panagioutou.
  • Analysis of Agatha Christie’s The ABC Murders and its Greek Translation by Eleni Panagioutou
  • Medical Interpreting: Serving the Needs of Linguistic Minority Groups in the City of Birmingham by Alexandra Roupakia.
  • Translating Behaviour in the Late Qing Period: A Case Study of Lin Shu and His Translation of Robinson Crusoe by Chan Iut Va
  • Investigating the Issue of Translation Policy in a Multicultural Urban Setting: Birmingham  by Dominika Brzezina.
  • The Subtitling of Film and the Strategies used in the Translation of Humour: An Evaluative Overview by Anastasia Doulakaki.
  • Comparison and Contrast of Two Greek Translations of Tennesse Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire by Fotini Sagmatapoulou.
  • *Anthologies of Modern Greek Poetry Translated into English (1974-2000): What the Introductions Say by Anna Tsapoga.
  • Winnie the Pooh's Most Grand Adventure and Its Multi-media Translations into Greek by Sotiroula Yiasemi.
  • Translating Culture-Specific References: A Study on Lu HSun's " The True Story of Ah Q" and Its English Translation by Siu Mui Yim
  • Assessing Acceptability of a Translated Linguistics Book , by Ida Dewi.
  • The Representation of Gender in Shakespeare's King Lear. A Critical Analysis of the English Text and Three Greek Translations , by Dimitra Kouskoubekou.
  • * Media and Translation: The Influence of Cultural Views on the Translation of Newsweek into Japanese , by Chie Otani.
  • Translation and Media: A Comparative Analysis of Cosmopolitan and its Greek Translation , by George Papaioannou.
  • Translation Issues and Cultural Diversity in English - Greek Specialist Magazines , by Chrysanthi Pelekou.
  • A History of Early Translation into Japanese: How the Translations Made in the Meiji Era Contributed to the Modernization of Japan , by Atsuko Takano.
  • Translation Strategies for Dealing with Cultural Issues in Two Kimiiru Bible Versions and the Theological Implications of the Translation , by John Ataya.
  • Translating Humour. A Comparative Analysis between English and Greek , by Emmanouela Fanouraki.
  • The Translation of Metaphors in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger by Alexandra Geka.
  • The Art of Translating Poetry - A Focus on Processes , by Kiriaki Mela
  • A Discussion on the Translation of Slang and Taboo Words in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction , by Ioannis Melissopoulos.
  • An Analysis of Cohesive Patterns in an English text and its Japanese Translation , by Miki Nakamura.
  • Textual Issues in Translation. An Analysis of the Opening Section of a German Annual Report and its English Translation , by Konrad Schafer.
  • News on the World Wide Web and Translation , by Man Yee Tai.
  • Theme and Topic Translation: From English into Chinese , by Feng-Mei Chao.
  • Intertextuality in Two of Cavafy's Poems and Their Translation into English , by Antigoni Kantrantzi.
  • Transferring Dialect: An Analysis of Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting and its Greek Translation , by Eirini Koufaki.
  • Information Selection and Cohesion: A Case Study of Thai Translations of English International News Broadcast on Channel 5 TV News , by Usana Larbprasertporn.
  • European Parliamentary Debates: Interpersonal Choices and Translation , by Giovanna G. Marcelli.
  • Gender and Translation. How Women are Represented in Language , by Yoshiko Shimizu.
  • Translating Salina into English: Loss and Compensation , by Intan Safinaz Zainuddin.
  • Across Culture - Taking the Translation of Food, Modes of Address and Animals as Examples in the Chinese version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland , by Fu-Chi Chen.
  • Training Interpreters: An Evaluation of USM Interpreting Courses , by Leelany Ayob.
  • Wordplay in English and Italian. Written Adverts and the Implications for Translation , by Maria Antonietta Armao.
  • Transferring Drama: A Study of Two Translations of Harold Pinter's Old Times into Greek , by Evangelia Chaidemenou.
  • Cohesion: A Translation Perspective , by Adamantia Karali.
  • The Role of the Court Interpreter , by Evan Nga-Shan Ng
  • Transitivity and the Translation Process: An Examination of the Shifts that Occur in Translation from Italian to English , by Lorraine Quinn-Adriano.
  • Loss and Compensation in Translation: An Analysis of a Japanese Text and Its Translations , by Tomoko Kudo.
  • The Translations of Metaphors in Newspaper Articles (English <=> Greek) , by Dimitra Sorovou.
  • The Translation of Address Forms from New Testament (Greek into Dobel) by John Hughes.
  • A Study of Compensation: A Comparative Analysis of Two Spanish Translations of Ulysses , by Gema Echevarria.

Glendon at York University

Welcome to Master in Translation Studies!

Undertake a learning journey in translation that is key to the circulation of knowledge, literature and information across the planet. In our multicultural and multilingual academic community — ideally set in Toronto, the most diverse city in the world, — you’ll collaborate with dynamic professors who are experts in many languages and various research areas, including literary translation and reception, translation theories, political texts and ideology, crowd sourced translation, ethics in Translation and Interpreting studies, space and mobility, epistemologies of communication, visual arts, communication policy and surveillance. Whether you want to increase your specialization or pursue advanced studies in the growing academic field of translation studies, you will earn skills to set you apart in the workplace. 

Learn about program details

Quick Links

Skills you'll learn, hands-on experiences, admission requirements, student supports & programs, meet your professors, news & events.

  • Learning and improving research practices 
  • Working independently and collaboratively with people from different disciplines and cultures 
  • Becoming an independent thinker 
  • Applying research findings to translation practice and professional settings 
  • Developing the best practices of oral and written communications  

As a Master in Translation Studies graduate, you are well-equipped to become a leader and changemaker. You can choose to pursue grad studies or obtain additional qualifications. Here are a few examples of possible career paths:  

  • Translation in the public and private sectors 
  • Management 
  • Teaching 
  • School or university administration 
  • Research 
  • Community interpreting 
  • Intercultural communication 

Apply the concepts and theories you’re studying to real world challenges. Engage in guided practical experiences in the classroom, workplace, community and abroad. These are some opportunities for Master in Translation Studies students. 

  • Attend the School of Translation’s monthly conference series to hear about translation projects and research 
  • Volunteer at the annual Glendon Graduate Conference in Translation Studies  
  • Participate in research activities (writing workshops, research meetings, collaborative projects with the language industry, etc.) 

The Master in Translation Studies is open to students who have completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Translation or another discipline who have some experience in translation and / or interpreting. All applicants except graduates from Canadian translation programs must write and pass an entrance examination in English.  

An Honours BA (i.e., four-year degree) or equivalent in Translation with a minimum of a B average in the last two years of full-time equivalent study,  including: - course(s) in terminology and documentation - a course in translation theory - a minimum of 6 credits in translation practice courses.

Note: If an applicant is missing one (exceptionally two) of the required three-credit courses, he/she will be required to take it concurrently with graduate courses.

An honours degree or equivalent in another discipline, with a minimum of a B average in the last two years of full-time equivalent study PLUS an average of B in a series of undergraduate courses taken as a qualifying program.

Demonstrated competence, to the satisfaction of the Admissions Committee, in two languages, one of which must be English.

The Qualifying Program consists of  five  translation half-courses (15 credits) offered by the School of Translation at Glendon College. Applicants must pass the Qualifying Program entrance exam and then select courses in consultation with the School. Two courses are required from all students:

  • TRAN 3270 3.0 – Theory of Translation/ Théorie de la traduction/Teoría de la Traducción
  • TRAN 2280 3.0 – Documentation et terminologie/Documentation and Terminology (English/French bilingual section) or Documentation and Terminology (non-language specific section taught in English)

The other three courses are chosen in consultation with the Chair of the School of Translation. As Glendon offers programs in English-French and English-Spanish translation, the choice of courses will depend on the student’s language combination, academic background, and translation-related interests. A set of courses is available also for students with other language combinations. In addition to the two courses above, Qualifying Program students will select three courses from the following:

  • GL/TRAN 2250 3.0 Comparative Stylistics/Stylistique comparée
  • GL/SP 3550 3.0 Comparative Stylistics for Spanish-English Translation
  • GL/COMS 2902 3.0 Idea, Opinion, Argument: Rhetoric for Academic Settings (writing-intensive)
  • Translation practice courses, EN-FR: GL/TRAN 2210, 2220  AND/OR  3210, 3220, 4235
  • Translation practice courses, EN-SP: GL/TRAN 3545  AND/OR  GL/SP/TRAN 4910, 4915, 4920
  • GL/TRAN4250 3.0 Techniques of Revision in Translation/Techniques de la révision en traduction
  • GL/TRAN/HUMA 4636 3.0 History, Societies & Translation I (writing-intensive)
  • GL/TRAN/HUMA 4638 3.0 History, Societies & Translation II (writing-intensive)
  • Any other writing-intensive 3.0 credit course taught in English at Glendon

To register in these courses, students must be admitted to the School of Translation as visiting (non-degree) students.

The Qualifying Program may require one or more semesters, depending on the candidate’s previous experience in translation and on the number of similar courses he or she may have taken in another university, which may be counted as equivalent. This must be approved by the Graduate Program Director.

Students whose language combination is not EN-ES or EN-FR are encouraged to demonstrate that they have taken translation practice courses in their language combination prior to applying to the MA in Translation Studies.

Note:  A minimum average of “B” in the Qualifying Program is required to be considered for admission into the MA Program. Students are advised to consult with the Graduate Program Director well before applying for admission to the MA in Translation Studies. Students must apply for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies upon completion of the Qualifying Program.  Taking the courses required for the Qualifying Program does not guarantee admission to the MA Program.

Program Requirements

OPTION 1: 4 COURSE + THESIS

Candidates for the MA Degree by Thesis must complete four courses and write a thesis based on original research. The thesis must be successfully defended at an oral examination. Examples of MA theses defended in the program can be found in under Research.

OPTION 2: 6 COURSES + MAJOR RESEARCH PAPER

Candidates for the MA Degree by Research Paper must complete six courses and submit a Major Research Paper on a well-defined topic. The MRP is assessed and marked by the student’s Research Supervisor and by another member of the program.

OPTION 3: 8 COURSES

Candidates for the MA degree by coursework must successfully complete eight courses, or equivalent, chosen from those offered by the program.

NOTE: MA Thesis and Major Research Papers must conform to expectations for academic writing, academic integrity guidelines and FGS submission guidelines. 

View full academic requirements for graduate programs

The thesis is expected to be approximately 120 pages long (+ the bibliography)

The thesis must:

  • be the result of an in-depth, original research project conducted within the period of graduate study at York.
  • demonstrate a clearly stated problem, framework, literature review, and methodology.
  • include an extensive bibliography.

Candidates conducting research involving human participants must fill out the ethics review protocol for approval and submit it along with their MA thesis proposal—research with human participants cannot begin until the university Ethics Review Committee has approved the protocol submission.

Students interested in this option should first identify a Research Supervisor who will help them develop a thesis proposal (see template). Once approved by the supervisor, the proposal is submitted to the Graduate Program Director and approved by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Once completed, the thesis must be defended before a committee comprised by the supervisor, two members of the graduate program and an outside reader.

York University awards a prize to the best three MA theses defended each year (all graduate programs considered) .

More information on Thesis and Dissertation

MAJOR RESEARCH PAPER

The Major Research Paper is expected to be approximately 50 pages (+ the bibliography)–longer than a final research paper for a graduate course.

The MPR must be based on the student’s original work conducted within the period of graduate study at York. It can be on a new topic or it may be an extension of a paper written for a course.

Students interested in this option should first identify a Research Supervisor, then submit a topic and a proposal to the Graduate Program Director for approval.

Candidates conducting research involving human participants must submit the ethics review protocol along with the MRP proposal—research with human participants cannot begin the graduate program must approve the ethics review protocol.

Once completed, the MRP is assessed on the final submission and an oral presentation conducted with the Research Supervisor and the second member of faculty.

Glendon Campus prides itself on being a supportive community that goes the extra mile to ensure you get the help you need. See some of the resources Translation Studies students use the most. 

ma dissertation translation studies

You’ll learn from and get to know approachable professors, who are prominent members of the international translation studies community and actively working and researching in the field. 

ma dissertation translation studies

Marie-Christine Aubin

York Hall C233 416-736-2100 x 88306 [email protected]

ma dissertation translation studies

Andrew Clifford

York Hall 121 736-2100 x 88339 [email protected]

ma dissertation translation studies

María Constanza  Guzmán

York Hall 209 416-736-2100 x 88325 [email protected]

ma dissertation translation studies

Lyse Hébert

York Hall 135 416-736-2100x.88241 [email protected]

Theresa Hyun

Vanier College, 228 416-736-2100 Ext: 77101 [email protected]

Susan Ingram

Vanier College, 242 416-736-2100 Ext: 77023 [email protected]

Aurelia Klimkiewicz

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Julie McDonough Dolmaya

[email protected]

Philippe Theophanidis

[email protected]

Nelida Chan

Miriam Compagnoni

Valérie Florentin

Lorraine Janelle

Brian Mossop

Dominique Picouet

Salah Basalamah

Elena Basile

Hélène Buzelin

Marco Fiola

Marta Marín-Dòmine

Joshua Price

Sherry Simon

Adriana Şerban

Sehnaz Tahir Gürçaglar

Xiaoping Song

Get involved on campus and in the community to meet fellow students and boost your Glendon experience.  The 13th Annual Glendon Graduate Conference in Translation Studies Glendon Campus, York University, Toronto April 14-15, 2023 (Hybrid format) TRANSLATION AND UNHEARD VOICES https://www.glendon.yorku.ca/transconf/

See all News

ma dissertation translation studies

Suivez-nous

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Translation: Translation Studies MA

London, Bloomsbury

There is a growing demand for highly trained translators in private and public sectors, and this degree will give you the skills needed to thrive in this field. The Translation: Translation Studies MA enables you to advance your practical translation and technology skills while focusing on a specific language. Taught at UCL, you’ll learn from renowned specialist translation experts and enjoy regular workshops with leaders from the translation industry.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications open

  • Entry requirements

A minimum of a first or high upper second-class Bachelor's degree (average 65%) in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Students should only translate out of a language in which they have an advanced level minimum and should only translate into a language in which they have native-level proficiency (language combinations subject to availability).

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Translation: Translation Studies MA allows you to focus on a specific language, gaining practical experience of translation and the critical and analytical skills required for research and employment. You will also choose from a range of translation modules covering theoretical and technological topics. The dissertation project provides a bespoke opportunity to showcase your translation interests and abilities in an extended annotated translation.

Optional advanced translation modules are available to students in the following languages: Dutch, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Scandinavian languages, and Spanish. We also offer optional modules with language-specific strands (subject to availability). The individual modules listed below outline the available languages and usually include a wide range of European languages as well as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian. We are also able to offer Ukrainian (subject to availability - please contact the MA director).

Who this course is for

The programme is particularly suitable for graduates with a language and culture degree who wish to develop practical translation skills alongside an understanding of theoretical aspects of translation, for professional development or further research in this field. A sound knowledge of at least one language other than English is essential.

What this course will give you

Located in the heart of multicultural London, UCL provides a uniquely rich environment for studying and researching translation in all its facets. Students are taught by specialist translation staff with a diverse range of research interests including literary translation and theatre translation.

The MA is truly interdisciplinary with access to experts in an unrivalled variety of languages and disciplines from across Europe and further afield. This allows students to customise the programme in relation to their language competencies and other academic and professional interests.

UCL translation students are highly valued by the translation industry, with workshops and networking events organised during the year.

The foundation of your career

Former students have gone on to work as translators for companies such as KPMG, SDL International and Alpha CRC; some have set up their own translation businesses. Graduates also acquire transferable skills that lead them into careers in publishing, media, finance, fashion, PR and education; examples include our graduates who are now working for Newsweek, the British Library, Morgan Stanley, Sainsbury's and Deloitte.

Employability

The programme provides graduates with a range of vocational skills that enable them to pursue careers in the fields of translation and interpreting. There is an ever-growing demand for highly-trained commercial, literary and other types of translators in the private and public sectors and in international organisations in Britain and abroad. Other career paths include the media, publishing and education.

Our location offers students access to special collections in modern languages and culture at UCL and other world-class libraries nearby such as Senate House and the British Library. 

These resources, besides their collections of books, articles, videos, sound recordings and non-public online resources, offer a wide range of seminars, lecture series and other opportunities to exchange ideas. Other libraries and research centres within walking distance of campus include the British Museum, Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies, Institute of Historical Research and The Warburg Institute.

UCL Careers also offers a range of services, providing access to skills development, recruitment and networking events.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical translation exercises, case studies, tutorials and private study, depending on the options chosen.

The third term is devoted to revision sessions and the dissertation project. A 15-credit module is equivalent to 150 hours of study and a 30-credit module is equivalent to 300 hours. This includes contact time, private study and the undertaking of coursework assignments.

Students are assessed by a variety of methods. The core modules are assessed by essays and coursework. Optional modules are assessed through unseen and written examination, coursework, translation projects and essays. Teaching sessions are interactive, with a limited amount of lecturer presentation and an emphasis on student participation and critical discussion.

For a full-time postgraduate course, we recommend around 20-25 hours of independent study per week. The majority of our courses have around 10-12 hours' teaching time spent in lectures and seminars.

For a part-time postgraduate course, your contact hours would usually be 5-6 hours per week across 2-3 days and we recommend around 10-12 hours of independent study per week. Those undertaking language modules may have additional contact hours.

There is minimal teaching during Term 3, which focusses on the dissertation and assessment. 15-credit modules involve 150 learning hours and for 30-credit modules, 300 hours. Approximately one-third of the hours is allocated for the assessment exercise. The remainder is divided between class time and self-directed study. Hours expected to be dedicated to private reading far exceed the hours of class attendance.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) is also available.

You will undertake modules to the value of 180 credits, including two core modules and the dissertation module. Optional modules are chosen from a wide offering in consultation with the programme director, to ensure your workload is balanced between terms.

During the academic year, you will take compulsory modules designed to work as a postgraduate-level foundation and provide you with the specific skills to research, write essays and support the dissertation. You will also choose from a wide range of optional modules from the suggested list (see Optional modules). In addition to your taught modules, you will start formulating your dissertation proposal. This work will continue into Term 3 and across the remainder of the academic year. You will develop your dissertation outline and structure with support from your supervisor.

You will undertake modules to the value of 180 credits, including two core modules and the dissertation module. Optional modules are chosen from a wide offering in consultation with the programme director to ensure your workload is balanced across the two years if studying part-time.

In Year 1, you will take compulsory modules designed to work as a postgraduate-level foundation module and to provide you with the specific skills to research, write essays and support the dissertation. These modules set the foundation for the whole MA, preparing you for further learning and for your dissertation.

In Year 2, you will take optional modules to develop a broader understanding of theoretical, technological and language topics, as well as developing key concepts learnt in Year 1. You will also formulate and develop your dissertation outline and structure with support from your supervisor. You will then spend the summer of Year 2 researching and writing your dissertation on a topic to be determined in discussion with your supervisor.

Compulsory modules

Optional modules.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MA in Translation: Translation Studies. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Translation: Translation Studies.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

21 May 2024

TransCluster (216-220 Foster Court, Gower Street) - Open day

Translation Studies MA/MSc Information Session

18:00 — 19:00

Are you interested in an MA/MSc in Translation at CenTraS@UCL? Join us on campus for an open evening, even if your language pair is not listed on the website.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

All full time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £1,000 for this programme. All part-time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £500.

Additional costs may include expenses such as books, stationery, printing or photocopying, or conference registration fees and associated travel costs.

The department strives to keep additional costs low. Books and journal articles are usually available via the UCL library as hard copies or via e-journal subscriptions.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees .

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Translation: Translation Studies at graduate level
  • why you want to study Translation: Translation Studies at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your personal, academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Centre for Multidisciplinary and Intercultural Inquiry

Centre for Multidisciplinary and Intercultural Inquiry

[email protected]

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Translation Studies (MA)

  • Duration: 1 year
  • Mode: Full time

Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day .

Why study this course

This programme offers core training in the theory and practice of translation.

Gain core training in the theory and practice of translation and work in a language that suits you.

Work in a language that suits you

Study translation methodologies alongside one or two languages (Japanese and Chinese may not be studied together).

Carry out a placement

You will have the opportunity to carry out work placements, honing your practical skills and gaining valuable experience.

Tailor your research

You will develop research skills related to your specialist area of interest, preparing you for the dissertation or translation project.

Prepare for your translation career

This course is ideal for students who wish to pursue a career as professional translators in the public and private sectors.

Our MA in Translation Studies offers core training in the theory and practice of translation. Its design was informed by various protocols and best practice guidelines for the study of translation, to ensure it meets the standards and expectations of the contemporary translation service and industry.

The aim is to provide you with a full understanding of the development of the discipline of translation studies and of the translation industry, allowing you to pursue specialist or vocational interests within a general framework.

We’ll introduce you to the main theoretical issues of translation studies which will allow you to demonstrate how they have a bearing on your specialist area of study, be that the practical translation of literary, legal, medical or administrative texts, or the academic study of translation e.g. its theory and history, or the complex, cultural transactions it involves.

You’ll gain an awareness of the problems of understanding and interpretation raised by the practice of translation and explore them in relation to key theoretical approaches. As a result, you’ll develop analytical, practical, evaluative, aesthetic and expository skills that will serve to address these problems in both applied and theoretical contexts.

The programme also offers grounding in different forms of specialised translation, including interpreting, computer-assisted translation and subtitling. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain experience of different aspects of the translation industry through a series of guest lectures by leading practitioners and tailored placements with a range of national and international employers.

We’ll encourage you to develop research skills specifically related to your specialist area of interest in order, as appropriate, to prepare the theoretical and methodological groundwork for a dissertation or for an annotated translation project. You’ll also develop skills in the balanced interpretation of the cultural and linguistic contexts for the practice of translation, helping you to understand the practical implications of political and cultural arguments in the context of translation studies.

ma dissertation translation studies

When I started this course, a new world of study opened up to me. As the year progressed, it became clear that it wasn’t my dream to become a full-time translator, so I focused my efforts on translation in business and administration, and science and technology. I now work as a sales engineer and love my job! I travel and use my language and technical skills meeting with clients; connecting with them on a deeper level than if we were speaking English.

Where you'll study

School of Modern Languages

One of the most dynamic modern languages schools in the UK. We actively engage with a range of stakeholders to promote the benefits of multilingualism.

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Admissions criteria

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.

With your online application you will need to provide:

  • A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as humanities, language, literature, translation studies, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
  • A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.

If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your linguistic skills and competences for the programme in the context of a written language test and interview.

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.

Selection process

We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer. If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, you will be invited to take part in an interview or a written language test.

Find out more about English language requirements .

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

  • access to computers or devices that can store images
  • use of internet and communication tools/devices
  • freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
  • contact with people related to Cardiff University.

Course structure

This year-long course offers a balanced combination of theory and practice modules.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2024/25 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2024.

Part one consists of two compulsory module, and there will also be a range of optional modules.

Part Two of the course requires either a research-based dissertation of approximately 20,000 words or an annotated translation project comprising a translation of approximately 8,000 words in the source text and 12,000 words of reflective commentary.

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

Learning and assessment

How will i be taught.

You will be taught via lectures, seminar preparation and participation, independent reading, preparation of essays and presentations, feedback on essays and presentations, and revision for examinations.

How will I be assessed?

These programmes are assessed mainly by essays and examinations. Other forms of assessment include seminar presentations, class tests, reflective writing, Annotated Translation Project (ATP) and Dissertation.

How will I be supported?

You will be allocated a personal tutor at the start of the course. You will retain this tutor throughout the two years.

All modules make extensive use of Learning Central, our Virtual Learning Environment, where you will find your course materials.

You will be given the chance to reflect on your abilities and performance through the Personal Development Planning module, available on Learning Central, through the Professional Development module that forms an integral part of the third semester experience, and through personal tutor meetings.

You will be given written feedback for written coursework assignments, and generic class feedback for exams. 

What skills will I practise and develop?

Knowledge and Understanding

  • Understand how the boundaries of knowledge and practice are advanced through Translation Studies research, and be able to deal with complex issues in translation both systematically and creatively, while demonstrating originality in addressing and solving problems.
  • Demonstrate a specialist knowledge of the latest scholarly research in the area of Translation Studies, as well as show an ability to reflect upon empirical and theoretical issues in a sophisticated manner; demonstrate conceptual understanding of, and evaluate critically, current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline.
  • Display a comprehensive understanding of translation strategies and techniques applicable to your own research or advanced practical scholarship.

Intellectual Skills

  • Evaluate translation theories and methodologies, developing critiques of them and, where appropriate, proposing new hypotheses or strategies.
  • Demonstrate an ability to appreciate and offer balanced assessments of arguments and theories, and present the findings and conclusions in the assessment essays and, as appropriate, the dissertation.
  • Demonstrate an ability to evaluate arguments and theories through reflective commentary in the practical translation exercises completed in Part 1 and, as appropriate, in the Part 2 annotated translation project.

Practical Skills

  • Analyse arguments in your written assignments and, as appropriate to the part two assessment pathway chosen, demonstrate a capacity for independent research in the choice and execution of your dissertation topic.
  • Deploy appropriate translation strategies to produce translations, which meet professional standards.
  • Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in translation practice and critical reflection.

Transferable Skills

  • Demonstrate skills of communication and reflection through participation in seminars and through the creation of an independent translation portfolio.
  • Apply skills of independent research and/or practice to small and large-scale projects.
  • Evaluate evidence and sources in the context of a substantial and original research project.
  • Use IT e.g. the Internet, databases, translation software to develop translation skills.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to Lifelong Learning through engaging in the process of Personal Development Planning.

Tuition fees for 2024 entry

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.

Learn how we decide your fee status

Fees for home status

Students from the eu, eea and switzerland.

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2024/25 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees .

Fees for island status

Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man .

Fees for overseas status

More information about tuition fees and deposits , including for part-time and continuing students.

Financial support

Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.

Additional costs

Living costs.

We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff .

Master's Scholarships

An award open to UK students intending to study one of our taught master’s degrees.

Postgraduate loans

If you are starting your master’s degree in September 2024 or later, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study at Cardiff University.

Alumni Discount

The alumni discount is available for Cardiff University graduates who are planning to start an eligible master's in 2024/25.

Careers and placements

The programme is aimed at students wishing to pursue a career as professional translators in both public and private sectors as well as in international institutions (such as the European Community and the United Nations) or those who are interested in translation as a basis to pursue a PhD in such disciplines as translation studies, comparative literature, cultural studies or history.

Our graduates enter a variety of professions: freelance translation, in-house translation for a large corporation, PhD study, Government administration, University administration, a range of roles in large trans-national organisations such as the United Nations World Health Organisation.

As part of the optional Training Placement module, you will have have the opportunity to carry out work placements, honing your practical skills and gaining valuable experience.

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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.

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MA Translation Studies

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  • Modern Languages and Cultures
  • Translation Studies MA

Masters applications for 2023 entry are now closed.

Applications for September 2024 will open on Monday 25 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2024 start. View our programmes »

  • Provides excellent professional training for careers in the language services industry as a rigorous foundation in the academic field of Translation Studies
  • Expertise in a host of languages, including Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Kurdish, Russian and Spanish
  • Opportunity to do a translation work placement or project
  • Access to bespoke, free English-language support through INTO University of Exeter
  • Dedicated space for study and collaborative work in a refurbished Language Centre

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Discover MA Translation Studies at the University of Exeter.

ma dissertation translation studies

Top 150 in world subject rankings for Modern Languages

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

ma dissertation translation studies

Top 15 in UK subject rankings for Modern Languages

The Complete University Guide 2024

ma dissertation translation studies

100% of our Modern Languages and Linguistics research has internationally excellent impact

Based on research impact rated 4* and 3* in REF 2021

ma dissertation translation studies

Taught by published translators and experienced practitioners, plus specialists in the use of machine translation and computer-assisted translation tools

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a UK 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in English, Linguistics, Translation or a similar subject. Exceptions may be made if you are already working within the translation industry.

Chinese (Mandarin) 

Must be your mother tongue, or you must be able to demonstrate a native-equivalent knowledge of Chinese, in addition to clear interesting translation theory and practice. The programme is also available to prospective students with advanced English-language competency from such fields as Accounting, Business and Engineering.

European/ Arabic/Kurdish

You should have native or near-native knowledge of the language you wish to translate into, otherwise known as your target language. In addition, you will need to demonstrate a clear interest in translation theory and practice. Please see our English language requirements web pages for details of the level of English we require.

Entry requirements for international students

Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements .

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile E . Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

My tutors on the MA Translation Studies programme are knowledgeable and experienced and not only give me support all the time, but also give me new perspectives to help with translation. I found it so interesting to do translation tasks using Computer Assisted Tools such as Trados.

I have enjoyed every moment of my time with translation students both in and outside classes. Communicating with my classmates, who come from different cultures (e.g. British, Italian, Irish, Polish, Spanish), has been such a joy and has made me more open-minded. In addition, my Greek career mentor was super nice, professional and shared with me his real-world experiences so that I was able to have a better understanding of the language services industry.

I am now working for the University as a part-time intern to undertake some translation and marketing tasks and it is very exciting to gain hands-on experience.

Read more from Wang (surname) Dan, from China

Wang (surname) Dan, from China

Course content

The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned 'credits'. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

Students on the MA Translation Studies take a selection of modules amounting to 180 credits in total. This includes a compulsory Translation Dissertation (60 credits) and two compulsory modules: Translation Theory (30 credits) and The Practice of Translation (30 credits). The remaining 60 credits are chosen from our optional modules, see below.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

120 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules

a You have the option to study a 15 credit module, SMLM154 - Translation Work Placement/Project, to provide the experience of learning about translation as a profession through work and gain hands-on knowledge of the field of translation and the language services industry by means of a work placement of project.

You could find work placements as an in-house translator, project manager, translation checker, among others; or may also choose to be engaged in translation projects for the local, regional, or global language services field. Students take full responsibility for finding and organising their work placement or project (either in the UK or abroad), with preparation, support and approval provided by the University.

Compulsory modules

Optional modules, 2024/25 entry, uk fees per year:.

£12,000 full-time; £6,000 part-time

International fees per year:

£24,300 full-time; £12,150 part-time

Scholarships

For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.

Find out more about tuition fees and funding »

Teaching and research

Our MA Translation Studies programme is designed to bring together method and practice with a strong focus on practice in how you are both taught and assessed. We offer study in numerous languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian, German, Kurd, Russian, Spanish.

Learning and teaching

You will learn from academic experts in Translation Studies and Translation Professionals through a mix of small hands-on workshops specific to your language specialism and larger integrated lectures, where you will learn collaboratively with other students working with a variety of language pairs. You will also have a personal tutor to help guide you throughout your programme of study.

Students might craft a pitch to sell their literary translations to a real-life publisher, with a current student securing the translation rights to a literacy text. Students will also get the opportunity to practice creating translation quotes for interacting with clients (or as project managers). For instance, our Spanish students have worked this year interpreting at a conference on combatting gender violence in developing countries.

The University Library on the Streatham Campus offers a broad collection of foundational works and academic journals in Translation Studies, in both print and electronic forms. All modules have robust Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) pages, which contain additional resources for students in Translation Studies. 

Our MA Translation Studies students have a dedicated space for study and collaborative work in the newly refurbished Foreign Language Centre. This reserved space also gives you access to computers with translation memory software and Computer-assisted Translation (CAT) tools including SDL Trados 2017, MemoQ, Star Group Transit and Omega-T.

The biennial Translation Festival—the only festival of the kind in the UK-- (Michelle Bolduc & Eliana Maestri), takes place in Exeter City Centre and on campus, features authors and translators, interactive translation workshops, attracting not only the university community but also members of the public and school children.

Research Centres

Our department operates a variety of Research Centres across all subject disciplines, including the Centre for Translating Cultures , and you will have full access to the University Library which includes specialist holdings from St Jerome and John Benjamins’ Translation Studies Library.

It was a big decision to quit my job and move to another country for further study. I chose Exeter because it is one of the best universities in the UK for Modern Languages. The Translation Studies course is a combination of theory and practice.

All the lecturers are professional and supportive and as well as lectures there are language-specific workshops where tutors give advice on translation in specific topics. One of our modules The Translation Profession has given me experience of using CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools, which is very useful whether you want to be a freelancer or work for a translation company.

Read more from Xueyu

ma dissertation translation studies

To succeed in the translation industry, you will need a range of practical expertise as well as excellent language skills. Our MA in Translation Studies will give you the tools you need whether you choose to work in the industry or pursue a PhD.

With our industry-recognised qualification you will have the skills specified in EU standards for translation and a variety of career paths will be open to you.

Our graduates have become freelance translators with their own businesses; they have found employment as in-house translators and project managers in translation companies as well as in international businesses; they have also entered other language-related professions, including publishing, journalism, public relations or language teaching. In addition, they have chosen to pursue further advanced study in doctoral programmes.

You will gain:

  • The ability to communicate – whether directly with clients, with agencies, or with employers
  • Confidence in competing for work and negotiating your terms and conditions
  • An understanding of company-specific guidelines for workflow and text presentations
  • Project Management and people management skills – which are vital if you go on to manage other translators
  • Organisational, analytical, research and IT skills

Graduate destinations

You will practise all of these career focused skills through our modules and discuss them in tutorials. At the same time our regular visiting speakers will impart to you their valuable experience from their own careers.

Some of our more recent graduates have gone on to a variety of different roles such as:

  • In-house translators in Translation companies, or in the Translation Department of Multinational companies ranging from Luxury Brands to Legal Firms
  • Project Managers at major translation companies across the globe
  • European Summary Translators for media companies
  • Self-employed Freelance Translators
  • University Lecturers

PhD study at Exeter

A number of our graduates have secured funding for their PhDs in Translation Studies and related areas.

Careers and employment support

While studying at Exeter you can also access a range of activities, advice and practical help to give you the best chance of following your chosen career path. For more information visit our   Careers webpages .

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Module details

School of Modern Languages and Cultures

Ln904 dissertation in translation studies.

This module constitutes the final dissertation for students enrolled on the MA in Translation and Cultures (60 CATS) . It aims to enable students to develop their understanding and gain practical experience of the process and skills required to undertake a supervised translation and/or research project. Through a combination of independent research and targeted support and feedback sessions, it will help students to produce a coherent and logically argued piece of writing that demonstrates knowledge of and critical ability in a chosen area, commensurate with the accomplishment of an MA degree.

  • Dr Anna Lanfranchi
  • Dr Qian Liu
  • Dr Sijing Lu
  • Dr David Orrego-Carmona
  • Dr Caroline Summers
  • Dr Olga Castro (on leave T1 and T2)
  • Dr Will Amos (on leave T2 and T3)
  • Dr Mila Milani (currently on maternity leave)

Students will then choose one of three dissertation models with which to complete their 15,000-word dissertation:

  • translation with commentary (normally comprising up to 1/2 translation and 1/2 commentary);
  • a comparative commentary on existing translations;
  • a dissertation on a topic related to translation and/or transcultural studies and/or intercultural difference.

Although students may choose to study any of the above languages (indeed including references to other materials/languages where relevant), students providing their own original translation are expected to translate into their first language .

This module will allow students to:

  • Plan and write a dissertation that evaluates and synthesises written and optionally also audio-visual materials in a sustained piece of individual, academic research on a chosen topic which has been approved by the Module Leader
  • Develop independent and advanced critical research and project management skills Critically engage with and integrate theory and method in their chosen field of study
  • Research issues in translation and transcultural studies, including recent approaches, current problems and potential future developments
  • Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of specific translation practices and the role of translation, the translator and translation studies more broadly in resolving linguistic and cultural challenges in communication
  • Develop an advanced awareness of the role of translation, the translator and translation studies in various areas of cultural production, activities and exchange (i.e. audio-visual media, publishing, localisation etc.), depending on the chosen area of study.

Submission dates for LN904 in 2023/24: TBC September 2024, 11.59am.

Please refer to the Moodle page of LN904 for more detailed information about the MA dissertation.

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Translation and adaptation studies ma.

Part of: Comparative Literature and English

MA Translation and Adaptation Studies offers a comprehensive programme for students to explore a broad range of theories and practices. Its combined focus on translation and adaptation – unique within the UK – widens the scope of Translation Studies to address movement not only between languages but also between different media.

Study options

  • Full-time September 2024 | 1 year

What you'll study

The MA in Translation and Adaptation Studies offers a comprehensive programme for students to explore a broad range of theories and practices within these two distinct but related fields. Its combined focus on translation and adaptation – unique within the UK – widens the scope of Translation Studies to address movement not only between languages but also between different media, creating an opportunity for innovative work within these fields. It is also a thoroughly global programme: the teaching staff, which includes prizewinning translators, offer expertise in theories and practices of translation from all over the world, including China and the Middle East, and linguistic expertise in Arabic and Chinese as well as Catalan, French, Spanish, German, Russian, and Portuguese. Depending on staff availability, we may additionally offer linguistic expertise in Hindi and Urdu.

At the heart of the programme are three compulsory elements: a module which introduces students to modern translation theory, from linguistic approaches to recent postcolonial critiques; a module to introduce them to the theory and practice of Adaptation; and a dissertation, constituting either a research thesis or an extended translation/adaptation and commentary. Beyond these elements, the programme is distinguished by its flexibility, offering pathways for students based on their expertise and career goals. Those interested primarily in translation, for instance, might supplement the compulsory modules with an option in translation and literary theory. Those who have a second language to an advanced standard may also choose the option in practical Translation Skills, in which students can build a portfolio of their own translation work. Similarly, for those more drawn to adaptation, an applied module in adaptation through scriptwriting is available.

Semester One – Two core modules (60 credits total) Core module: Translation Theory I: Theories, Problems, Terms (30 credits) This module explores the major concepts, theories, and debates that structure the modern field of Translation Studies. It introduces students to a broad range of research within translation studies, from linguistics-informed approaches to critical explorations of the ethics and politics of translation practice. In keeping with the global emphasis of the MA programme, students will explore translation theory from the Global South in addition to the classic texts of the Anglo-European canon.

Core module: Adaptation in Theory and Practice (30 credits) This module begins with an examination of theories of adaptation in relation to translation studies before moving on to explore the adaptations of a series of classic works on the page, stage and screen. Encompassing forms and media such as ballet, photography, film and television alongside literature, the module will focus on the ways in which adaptations target new audiences and address the cultural values of their source texts in the light of current sensibilities in relation to race and gender.

Further options to be added as necessary, and students may also choose an option from other MA programmes within the Faculty, for instance in Linguistics or Film. Semester Two – students choose two modules (60 credits total) Optional module: Translation Theory II: Translation, Empire, and Law (30 credits) invites students to investigate the place of translation in systems of law and governance, particularly in colonial and postcolonial contexts. Structured around five key concepts - empire, law, violence, resistance, and justice - it delves deeply into their definitions and implications through readings of key texts in translation history and in postcolonial and critical theory, as well as select literary and legal texts in translation.

Optional module: Practical Translation Skills (30 credits) This module equips students with the skills and experience needed for practical and professional translation. Through readings, discussions, and translation workshops, students will develop techniques for translating across a range of literary and technical genres, building a portfolio of polished original translations which can be used in professional contexts. They will also be guided through the process of submitting work for competitions and for publication.

Optional module: Screenwriting: Prose to Film (30 credits) This module offers practice in adapting prose writing to film screenplay. It is a creative writing module and adaptations will be written based on a range of story sources. Workshops, readings and screenings will support the understanding of story development and practices for adaptation.

Translation and Adaptation Studies Dissertation (60 credits) Either: 10,000-word MA research dissertation within the field of Translation and Adaptation Studies, Or: A 10,000-word (total) translation or adaptation of a chosen text, accompanied by a critical commentary (included in word count)

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Compulsory/Core modules

Translation studies i: problems, theories, terms.

Translation Studies I: Problems, Theories, Terms explores the major concepts, theories, and debates that structure the modern field of Translation Studies. It introduces students to a broad range of research within translation studies, from linguistics-informed approaches to critical explorations of the ethics and politics of translation practice. In keeping with the global emphasis of the MA programme, students will explore translation theory from the Global South in addition to the classic texts of the Anglo-European canon.

Adaptation in Theory and Practice

This module begins with an examination of theories of adaptation in relation to translation studies before moving on to explore the adaptations of a series of classic works on the page, stage and screen. Encompassing forms and media such as ballet, photography, film and television alongside literature, the module will focus on the ways in which adaptations target new audiences and address the cultural values of their source texts in the light of current sensibilities in relation to race and gender.

Compulsory/Core Elective modules

Translation and adaptation research dissertation.

In coordination with a supervisor, students will select a research topic for advanced study. They will collect and analyse literary and cultural texts and theoretical materials.. They will produce a 10,000 word dissertation that synthesizes various aspects of the knowledge they have obtained throughout the degree and demonstrates their ability to conduct and present high-quality research.

Translation and Adaption Studies Practice Project

In coordination with a supervisor, students will select a text to translate or adapt, and provide a commentary. Students will choose a text from any literary or cultural genre and translate it into a second language, or adapt it into another form. Building on practical translation and adaptation skills gained in earlier modules, as well as research and linguistic skills developed throughout the programme, they will produce a precise, creative translation/adaptation and accompanying critical commentary on the text. The word count is divided roughly equally between translation and commentary.

Elective modules

This unique MA programme is designed to welcome students interested in both the academic and creative elements of Translation and Adaptation Studies. The training it provides in a range of academic and vocational skills will prepare students for successful careers not only in literary, academic and professional translation but also in creative and professional fields from media and publishing to finance, PR, the arts, education, and academia.

Where you'll learn

About the school, school of languages, linguistics and film.

The School of Languages, Linguistics and Film explores global culture and communication through a vibrant interdisciplinary environment with five distinct but interconnected areas of academic excellence. Our multilingual community brings together brilliant minds from across the world to share a wealth of expertise – from practical film-making and contemporary literature to experimental neurolinguistics and 11 different modern languages – so that students can become truly global citizens.

Our School’s five Departments are united by the common threads of communication and culture, opening the doors to new worlds of opportunity. Both a single and richly varied entity, our School’s work enables creative thinking that goes beyond national, linguistic and cultural boundaries. We combine research excellence with an unrivalled commitment to social justice and social mobility, true to the Queen Mary spirit, achieving the previously unthinkable through our School’s unique mix of bright minds.

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Career paths

Fees and funding, full-time study.

September 2024 | 1 year

  • Home: £11,950
  • Overseas: £24,000 EU/EEA/Swiss students

Unconditional deposit

Overseas: £2000 Information about deposits

Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award

There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.

  • Scholarships and bursaries
  • Postgraduate loans (UK students)
  • Country-specific scholarships for international students

Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:

  • Advice for UK and EU students
  • Advice for international students

Entry requirements

Degree requirements.

A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in in a Humanities or Social Sciences subject.

Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.

International

Afghanistan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Master Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90%; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80%; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70%; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Albania We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Algeria We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licence; Diplome de [subject area]; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures; Diplome de Docteur end Pharmacie; or Diplome de Docteur en Medecine from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Angola We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Grau de Licenciado/a (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 17 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 15 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 13 out of 20

Argentina We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo/ Grado de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6.5 out of 10

Armenia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 87 out of 100 UK 2:1 degree: 75 out of 100 UK 2:2 degree: 61 out of 100

Australia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) or Bachelor Honours degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: High Distinction; or First Class with Honours UK 2:1 degree: Distinction; or Upper Second Class with Honours UK 2:2 degree: Credit; or Lower Second Class with Honours

Austria We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 1.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: 2.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5.0

The above relates to grading scale where 1 is the highest and 5 is the lowest.

Azerbaijan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90%; or GPA 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 80%; or GPA 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 70%; or GPA 3.5 out of 5

Bahamas We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from the University of West Indies. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours

Bahrain We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or 90 out of 100 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0; or 80 out of 100 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.3 out of 4.0; or 74 out of 100

Bangladesh We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.2 to 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 to 3.3 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.3 to 2.7 out of 4.0

Offer conditions will vary depending on the institution you are applying from.  For some institutions/degrees we will ask for different grades to above, so this is only a guide. 

Barbados We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from the University of West Indies, Cave Hill or Barbados Community College. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours*; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0** UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours*; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0** UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours*; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0**

*relates to: the University of West Indies, Cave Hill.

**relates to: Barbados Community College.

Belarus We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9 out of 10; or 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 7 out of 10; or 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 5 out of 10; or 3.5 out of 5

Belgium We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80% or 16/20*; or 78%** UK 2:1 degree: 70% or 14/20*; or 72%** UK 2:2 degree: 60% or 12/20*; or 65%**

*Flanders (Dutch-speaking)/ Wallonia (French-speaking) **German-speaking

Belize We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from the University of West Indies. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours

Benin We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Maitrise or Masters from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Bolivia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Bachiller Universitario or Licenciado / Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85%* or 80%** UK 2:1 degree: 75%* or 70%** UK 2:2 degree: 65%* or 60%**

*relates to: Titulo de Bachiller Universitario

**relates to: Licenciado / Titulo de [subject area] 

Bosnia and Herzegovina We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7.5 out of 10

Botswana We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 5 years) or Master Degree from the University of Botswana. UK 1st class degree: 80% UK 2:1 degree: 70% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

Brazil We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Título de Bacharel / Título de [subject area] or Título de Licenciado/a (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8.25 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6.5 out of 10

The above grades assumes that the grading scale has a pass mark of 5.

Brunei We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours

Bulgaria We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 5.75 out of 6.0 UK 2:1 degree: 4.75 out of 6.0 UK 2:2 degree: 4.0 out of 6.0

Burundi We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85%; or 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 75%; or 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 60%; or 12 out of 20

Cambodia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80%; or GPA 3.5 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 70%; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 60%; or GPA 2.35 out of 4.0

Cameroon We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree; Licence; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce; Diplome d'Ingenieur de Conception/ Travaux; Doctorat en Medecine/ Pharmacie; or Maitrise or Master 1 from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20; or GPA 3.6 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Canada We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Bachelor Honours Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.6 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Chile We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo (Professional) de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 6.5 out of 7 UK 2:1 degree: 5.5 out of 7 UK 2:2 degree: 5 out of 7

China We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 85 to 95% UK 2:1 degree: 75 to 85% UK 2:2 degree: 70 to 80%

Offer conditions will vary depending on the institution you are applying from.  

Colombia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.60 out of 5.00 UK 2:1 degree: 4.00 out of 5.00 UK 2:2 degree: 3.50 out of 5.00

Congo, Dem. Rep. of We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies or Diplome d'Etudes Speciales from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20; or 90% UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20; or 80% UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20; or 70%

Congo, Rep. of We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diplome d'Etudes Superieures or Maitrise from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Costa Rica We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachiller or Licenciado from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7.5 out of 10

Croatia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Advanced Diploma of Higher Education Level VII/1 (Diploma - Visoko obrazovanje) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.5 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3 out of 5

Cuba We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/ Ingeniero from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5

Cyprus We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8 out of 10; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 7.0 out of 10; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 6.0 out of 10; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Czech Republic We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 1.2 out of 4 UK 2:1 degree: 1.5 out of 4 UK 2:2 degree: 2.5 out of 4

The above relates to grading scale where 1 is the highest and 4 is the lowest.

Denmark We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 12 out of 12 (2007 onwards); or 11 out of 13 (before 2007) UK 2:1 degree: 7 out of 12 (2007 onwards); or 8 out of 13 (before 2007) UK 2:2 degree: 4 out of 12 (2007 onwards); or 7 out of 13 (before 2007)

Dominican Republic We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 95/100 UK 2:1 degree: 85/100 UK 2:2 degree: 78/100

Ecuador We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado / Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90%; or 9/10; or 19/20; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80%; or 8/10; or 18/20; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70%; or 7/10; or 14/20; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Egypt We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 85%; or GPA 3.7 out of 4 UK 2:1 degree: 75%; or GPA 3.0 out of 4 UK 2:2 degree: 65%; or GPA 2.5 out of 4

El Salvador We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 5 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6.5 out of 10

Eritrea We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Estonia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree; University Specialist's Diploma; or Professional Higher Education Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.5 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 3.5 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 2 out of 5

The above grades assumes that 1 is the pass mark. 

Eswatini We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80% UK 2:1 degree: 70% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

Ethiopia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Fiji We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from one of the following institutions: Fiji National University, the University of Fiji, or the University of South Pacific, Fiji. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.0 out of 5.0*; or overall grade A with High Distinction pass**; or GPA 4.0 out of 4.5*** UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.33 out of 5.0*; or overall grade B with Credit pass**; or GPA 3.5 out of 4.5*** UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.33 out of 5.0*; or overall grade S (Satisfactory)**; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.5***

*relates to Fiji National University

**relate to the University of Fiji

***relates to the University of South Pacific, Fiji

Finland We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree/ Kandidaatti/ Kandidat (minimum 180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution; or Bachelor degree (Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto/ Yrkeshögskoleexamen) from a recognised University of Applied Sciences. UK 1st class degree: 4.5 out of 5; or 2.8 out of 3 UK 2:1 degree: 3.5 out of 5; or 2 out of 3 UK 2:2 degree: 2.5 out of 5; or 1.4 out of 3

France We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licence; Grade de Licence; Diplome d'Ingenieur; or Maitrise from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 12 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 11 out of 20

Gambia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80%; or GPA 4.0 out of 4.3 UK 2:1 degree: 67%; or GPA 3.3 out of 4.3 UK 2:2 degree: 60%; or GPA 2.7 out of 4.3

Georgia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 91 out of 100; or 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 81 out of 100; or 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 71 out of 100; or 3.5 out of 5

Germany We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 1.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: 2.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5.0

Ghana We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class UK 2:1 degree: Second Class (Upper Division) UK 2:2 degree: Second Class (Lower Division)

Greece We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Degrees from recognised selected institutions in the University sector or Degrees (awarded after 2003) from recognised Technological Educational Institutes. UK 1st class degree: 8 out of 10*; or 9 out of 10** UK 2:1 degree: 7 out of 10*; or 7.5 out of 10** UK 2:2 degree: 6 out of 10*; or 6.8 out of 10**

*Relates to degrees from the University Sector. **Relates to degrees from Technological Educational Institutes.

Grenada We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from the University of West Indies. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours

Guatemala We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado / Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% UK 2:1 degree: 80% UK 2:2 degree: 70%

The above grades assumes that the pass mark is 61% or less.

Guinea We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Master; Maitrise; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures; or Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Guyana We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Graduate Diploma (Postgraduate) or Masters degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Honduras We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado/a / Grado Academico de Licenciatura (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90%; or 4.7 out of 5; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80%; or 4.0 out of 5; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70%; or 3.5 out of 5; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Hong Kong We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours

Hungary We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor degree (Alapfokozat) or University Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevel) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.75 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5

Iceland We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8.25 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7.25 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6.5 out of 10

India We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 75% to 80% UK 2:1 degree: 60% to 70% UK 2:2 degree: 50% to 60%

Offer conditions will vary depending on the institution you are applying from.  For some institutions/degrees we will ask for different grades to above, so this is only a guide.  

For India, offers may be made on the GPA scale.

We do not consider the Bachelor of Vocation (B. Voc.) for Masters entry.

Indonesia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Sarjna I (S1) Bachelor Degree or Diploma IV (D4) (minimum 4 years) from selected degree programmes and institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.6 to 3.8 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 to 3.2 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.67 to 2.8 out of 4.0

Offer conditions will vary depending on the institution you are applying from and the degree that you study.

Iran We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 17.5 to 18.5 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 15 to 16 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 13.5 to 14 out of 20

Iraq We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85 out of 100 UK 2:1 degree: 75 out of 100 UK 2:2 degree: 60 out of 100

Ireland We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Honours Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours UK 2:1 degree: Second Class Honours Grade I UK 2:2 degree: Second Class Honours Grade II

Israel We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% UK 2:1 degree: 80% UK 2:2 degree: 65%

Italy We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Laurea (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 110 out of 110 UK 2:1 degree: 105 out of 110 UK 2:2 degree: 94 out of 110

Cote D’ivoire (Ivory Coast) We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diplome d'Ingenieur; Doctorat en Medicine; Maitrise; Master; Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies; or Diplome d'Etudes Superieures Specialisees from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Jamaica We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from the University of West Indies (UWI) or a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or First Class Honours from the UWI UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0; or Upper Second Class Honours from the UWI UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0; or Lower Second Class Honours from the UWI

Japan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: S overall* or A overall**; or 90%; or GPA 3.70 out of 4.00 UK 2:1 degree: A overall* or B overall**; or 80%; or GPA 3.00 out of 4.00 UK 2:2 degree: B overall* or C overall**; or 70%; or GPA 2.3 out of 4.00

*Overall mark is from the grading scale: S, A, B, C (S is highest mark) **Overall mark is from the grading scale: A, B, C, D (A is highest mark)

Jordan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85%; or GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 75%; or GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70%; or GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0

Kazakhstan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 3.8 out of 4.0/4.33; or 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 3.33 out of 4.0/4.33; or 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 2.67 out of 4.0/4.33; or 3.5 out of 5

Kenya We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours; or GPA 3.6 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: Second Class Honours Upper Division; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: Second Class Honours Lower Division; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Kosovo We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7.5 out of 10

Kuwait We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.67 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.67 out of 4.0

Kyrgyzstan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5; or GPA 3.7 out of 4 UK 2:1 degree: 4.0 out of 5; or GPA 3.0 out of 4 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5; or GPA 2.4 out of 4

Laos We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Latvia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (awarded after 2002) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6 out of 10

Lebanon We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree; Licence; or Maitrise from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% or Grade A; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or 16 out of 20 (French system) UK 2:1 degree: 80% or Grade B; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0; or 13 out of 20 (French system) UK 2:2 degree: 70% or Grade C; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.0; or 12 out of 20 (French system)

Lesotho We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours Degree (minimum 5 years total HE study); Masters Degree or Postgraduate Diploma from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 80% UK 2:1 degree: 70% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

Liberia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80% or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70% or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Libya We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 85%; or 3.7 out of 4.0 GPA UK 2:1 degree: 75%; or 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA UK 2:2 degree: 65%; or 2.6 out of 4.0 GPA

Liechtenstein We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 5.6 out of 6.0 UK 2:1 degree: 5.0 out of 6.0 UK 2:2 degree: 4.4 out of 6.0

Lithuania We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Luxembourg We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Macau We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (Licenciatura) (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Macedonia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diploma of Completed Higher Education - Level VII/1 or Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Madagascar We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Maîtrise; Diplome d'Ingenieur; Diplôme d'Etat de Docteur en Médecine; Diplôme d’Etat de Docteur en Chirurgie Dentaire; Diplôme d'Études Approfondies; Diplôme de Magistère (Première Partie) – also known as Master 1; or Diplôme de Master – also known as Master 2 from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Malawi We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 80% or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 70% or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 60% or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Malaysia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: Class 1; or 3.7 out of 4.0 CGPA UK 2:1 degree: Class 2 division 1; or 3.0 out of 4.0 CGPA UK 2:2 degree: Class 2 division 2; or 2.6 out of 4.0 CGPA

Maldives We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (awarded from 2000) from the Maldives National University. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Malta We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Bachelor Honours Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class Honours; or Category I UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class Honours; or Category IIA UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours; or Category IIB

Mauritius We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: Class I; or 70% UK 2:1 degree: Class II division I; or 60% UK 2:2 degree: Class II division II; or 50%

Offer conditions will vary depending on the grading scale used by your institution.

Mexico We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado/ Titulo (Profesional) de [subject area] from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.0 to 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.0 to 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7.0 to 7.5 out of 10

Offer conditions will vary depending on the grading scale your institution uses.

Moldova We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (Diploma de Licenta) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6.5 out of 10

Monaco We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Mongolia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.6 out of 4.0; or 90%; or grade A UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.2 out of 4.0; or 80%; or grade B UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.8 out of 4.0; or 70%; or grade C

Montenegro We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diploma of Completed Academic Undergraduate Studies; Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies; or Advanced Diploma of Higher Education from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.5 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Morocco We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Diplome d'Ecoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion; Diplome de Docteur Veterinaire; Doctorat en Medecine; Docteur en Medecine Dentaire; Licence; Diplome d'Inegeniuer d'Etat; Diplome de Doctorat en Pharmacie; or Maitrise from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 13 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 11 out of 20

Mozambique We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Grau de Licenciado (minimum 4 years) or Grau de Mestre from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Myanmar We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80% or GPA of 4.7 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: 70% or GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: 60% or GPA of 3.5 out of 5.0

Namibia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours Degree or Professional Bachelor Degree (NQF level 8 qualifications) - these to be awarded after 2008 from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80% UK 2:1 degree: 70% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

Nepal We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 80%; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 65%; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 55%; or GPA of 2.4 out of 4.0

Bachelor in Nursing Science are not considered equivalent to UK Bachelor degrees.

Netherlands We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 7 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 6 out of 10

New Zealand We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) or Bachelor Honours Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: A-*; or First Class Honours** UK 2:1 degree: B*; or Second Class (Division 1) Honours** UK 2:2 degree: C+*; or Second Class (Division 2) Honours**

*from a Bachelor degree **from a Bachelor Honours degree

Nigeria We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.50 out of 5.00; or GPA 6.0 out of 7.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.50 out of 5.00; or GPA 4.6 out of 7.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.80 out of 5.00; or GPA 3.0 out of 7.0

Norway We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: Overall B grade with at least 75 ECTS (of 180 ECTS min overall) at grade A or above. UK 2:1 degree: Overall B grade UK 2:2 degree: Overall C grade

Oman We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Pakistan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.0 to 3.8 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 2.6 to 3.6 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.0 to 3.0 out of 4.0

Palestine, State of We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80% or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70% or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Panama We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado / Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 91% UK 2:1 degree: 81% UK 2:2 degree: 71%

Papua New Guinea We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: Class I UK 2:1 degree: Class II, division A UK 2:2 degree: Class II, division B

Paraguay We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado / Titulo de [professional title] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out fo 5

Peru We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Grado Academico de Bachiller or Titulo de Licenciado/ Titulo (Professional) de [subject area] from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 17 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Philippines We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions or Juris Doctor; Bachelor of Laws; Doctor of Medicine; Doctor of Dentistry/ Optometry/ Veterinary Medicine; or Masters Degree from recognised institutions. UK 1st class degree: 3.6 out of 4.0; or 94%; or 1.25 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 3.0 out of 4.0; or 86%; or 1.75 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 2.5 out of 4.0; or 80%; or 2.5 out of 5

The above 'out of 5' scale assumes  1 is highest mark and 3 is the pass mark.

Poland We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licencjat or Inzynier (minimum 3 years) - these must be awarded after 2001 from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.8 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: 4.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: 3.8 out of 5.0

The above grades are based on the 2 to 5 scale, where 3 is the pass mark and 5 is the highest mark.

Portugal We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licenciado (minimum 180 ECTS credits) or Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 14 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 12 out of 20

Puerto Rico We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90/100 or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 80/100 or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 70/100 or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Qatar We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or GPA 4.4 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0; or GPA 3.6 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0; or GPA 2.8 out of 5.0

Romania We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.75 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8.0 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7.0 out of 10

Russia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5

Rwanda We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours Degree (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85%; or 17 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 70%; or 15 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 60%; or 13 out of 20

Saudi Arabia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.75 out of 5.0; or GPA 3.75 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.75 out of 5.0; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 5.0; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Senegal We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Maîtrise; Master II; Diplôme d'Études Approfondies (DEA); Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Specialisées (DESS); Diplôme d'État de Docteur en Médecine; Diplôme d'Ingénieur; Diplôme de Docteur en Chirurgie Dentaire; or Diplôme de Pharmacien from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16/20 UK 2:1 degree: 14/20 UK 2:2 degree: 12/20

Serbia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Advanced Diploma of Higher Education from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Sierra Leone We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (Honours) or a Masters degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: First Class honours; or GPA 4.7 out of 5; or GPA 3.75 out of 4 UK 2:1 degree: Upper Second Class honours; or GPA 4 out of 5; or GPA 3.25 out of 4 UK 2:2 degree: Lower Second Class Honours; or GPA 3.4 out of 5; or GPA 2.75 out of 4

Singapore We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) or Bachelor Honours degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.3 out of 5.0; or GPA 3.6 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.8 out of 5.0; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 3.3 out of 5.0; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Slovakia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (180 ECTS credits) (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 93%; or 1 overall (on 1 to 4 scale, where 1 is highest mark) UK 2:1 degree: 86%; or 1.5 overall (on 1 to 4 scale, where 1 is highest mark) UK 2:2 degree: 72%; or 2.5 overall (on 1 to 4 scale, where 1 is highest mark)

Slovenia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Univerzitetni Diplomant (180 ECTS credits) (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 9.5 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 7 out of 10

Somalia Bachelor degrees from Somalia are not considered for direct entry to our postgraduate taught programmes. Holders of Bachelor degrees from Somali National University can be considered for our Pre-Masters programmes on a case by case basis.

South Africa We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: NQF Level 8 qualifications such as Bachelor Honours degrees or Professional Bachelor degrees from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 75% UK 2:1 degree: 70% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

South Korea We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.2 out of 4.5; or GPA 4.0 out of 4.3; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.5 out of 4.5; or GPA 3.3 out of 4.3; or GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.5; or GPA 2.8 out of 4.3; or GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Spain We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo Universitario Oficial de Graduado en [subject area] (Grado) or Titulo Universitario Oficial de Licenciado en [subject area] (Licenciatura) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8.0 out of 10; or 2.5 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 7.0 out of 10; or 2.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 6.0 out of 10; or 1.5 out of 4.0

Sri Lanka We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (Special or Honours) or Bachelor Degree (Professional) (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.5 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Sudan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Honours degree from a recognised institution or Bachelor degree in one of the following Professional subjects: Architecture; Dentistry; Engineering; Medicine/Surgery from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 80% UK 2:1 degree: 65% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

Sweden We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (Kandidatexamen) or Professional Bachelor Degree (Yrkesexamenfrom) (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: Overall B grade with at least 75 ECTS at grade A or above (180 ECTS minimum overall); or at least 65% of credits graded at VG overall UK 2:1 degree: Overall B grade (180 ECTS minimum overall); or at least 50% of credits graded at VG overall UK 2:2 degree: Overall C grade (180 ECTS minimum overall); or at least 20% of credits graded at VG overall.

Switzerland We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor degree (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 5.5 out of 6; or 9 out of 10 UK 2:1 degree: 5 out of 6; or 8 out of 10 UK 2:2 degree: 4.25 out of 6; or 7 out of 10

Syria We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 85% UK 2:1 degree: 75% UK 2:2 degree: 65%

Taiwan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from selected institutions. UK 1st class degree: 85 to 90% UK 2:1 degree: 70 to 75% UK 2:2 degree: 65 to 70%

Tajikistan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Specialist Diploma or Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5

Tanzania We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.4 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.5 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.7 out of 5.0

Thailand We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.40 to 3.60 out of 4.00 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.00 to 3.20 out of 4.00 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.40 to 2.60 out of 4.00

Offer conditions will vary depending on the institution you are applying from.

Trinidad and Tobago We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or First Class Honours from the University of West Indies UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0; or Upper Second Class Honours from the University of West Indies UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.4 out of 4.0; or Lower Second Class Honours from the University of West Indies

Tunisia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Licence; Diplome National d'Architecture; Maitrise; Diplome National d'Ingeniuer; or Doctorat en Medecine / Veterinaire from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 16 out of 20 UK 2:1 degree: 13 out of 20 UK 2:2 degree: 11 out of 20

Turkey We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.40 to 3.60 out of 4.00 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 2.80 to 3.00 out of 4.00 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.30 to 2.50 out of 4.00

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.60 out of 4.00 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.00 out of 4.00 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.50 out of 4.00

Turkmenistan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Diploma of Higher Education (awarded after 2007) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 3.5 out of 5

Turks and Caicos Islands We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (accredited by the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0; or 80% UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.3 out of 4.0; or 75% UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.7 out of 4.0; or 65%

Uganda We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 4.4 out of 5.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 4.0 out of 5.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 5.0

Ukraine We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 10 out of 12; or 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 8 out of 12; or 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 6 out of 12; or 3.5 out of 5

United Arab Emirates We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

United States of America We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: GPA 2.5 out of 4.0

Uruguay We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 10 to 11 out of 12 UK 2:1 degree: 7 to 9 out of 12 UK 2:2 degree: 6 to 7 out of 12

Uzbekistan We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90%; or 4.7 out of 5 UK 2:1 degree: 80%; or 4.0 out of 5 UK 2:2 degree: 71%; or 3.5 out of 5

Venezuela We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Titulo de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 81% UK 2:1 degree: 71% UK 2:2 degree: 61%

Non-percentage grading scales, for example scales out of 20, 10, 9 or 5, will have different requirements. 

Vietnam We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 8.0 out of 10; or GPA 3.7 out of 4 UK 2:1 degree: 7.0 out of 10; or GPA 3.0 out of 4 UK 2:2 degree: 5.7 out of 10; or GPA 2.4 out of 4

Yemen We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters (Majister) degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 90% UK 2:1 degree: 80% UK 2:2 degree: 65%

Bachelor Degrees from Lebanese International University (in Yemen) can be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes - please see Lebanon for guidance on grade requirements for this.

Zambia We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Masters Degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 75%; or GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 UK 2:1 degree: 65%; or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 UK 2:2 degree: 55%; or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Zimbabwe We normally consider the following qualifications for entry to our postgraduate taught programmes: Bachelor Degree (minimum 4 years) or Bachelor Honours degree from a recognised institution. UK 1st class degree: 75% UK 2:1 degree: 65% UK 2:2 degree: 60%

English language requirements

If you got your degree in an English speaking country or if it was taught in English, and you studied within the last five years, you might not need an English language qualification - find out more .

The minimum English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate degree programmes within the School of Languages, Linguistics and Film are:

7.0 overall including 7.0 in Writing, and 5.5 in Reading, Listening and Speaking.

The 2 year full-time MA English Language Teaching and MA English Language Teaching with Integrated Pre-Masters  requires 5.5 overall with 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. 

100 overall including 27 in Writing, 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening and 20 in Speaking.

The 2 year full-time MA English Language Teaching and MA English Language Teaching with Integrated Pre-Masters requires 72 overall with 17 in Writing, 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening and 20 in Speaking. 

76 overall including 76 in Writing, and 59 in Reading, Listening and Speaking.

The  2 year full-time MA English Language Teaching and MA English Language Teaching with Integrated Pre-Masters  requires 59 overall with 59 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.  

Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE) III with a minimum of Merit in Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking.

The 2 year full-time MA English Language Teaching and MA English Language Teaching with Integrated Pre-Masters requires Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE) II with a minimum of Pass in Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking. 

185   overall  including 185 in Writing, and 162 in Reading, Listening and Speaking.

The 2 year full-time MA English Language Teaching and MA English Language Teaching with Integrated Pre-Masters requires 162 overall with 162 in Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking. 

The 2 year full-time MA English Language Teaching and MA English Language Teaching with Integrated Pre-Masters requires 162 overall with 162 in Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking.

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa .

Postgraduate Admissions

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Translation Studies MA

Train to become a translator on this MA. Specialise in your chosen language and get qualified for your career in this competitive field. Advance your practical language, translation and technology skills whilst developing your understanding of professional practises, and networking with industry experts. 

Key information

  • 1 year full-time
  • 1 year full-time by distance learning
  • 2 years part-time
  • 2 years part-time by distance learning
  • 3 years part-time by distance learning
  • September 2024
  • January 2025

Course information

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Whether you're a university graduate or a practising translator, you can further your knowledge and career with our flexible and industry ready MA Translation Studies degree course. 

Advance your practical language, translation and technology skills whilst developing your understanding of professional practices, and networking with industry experts. 

You'll benefit from the rich research experience and industry collaborations of teaching staff, who'll provide you with the most up to date theoretical knowledge and working practices, to best prepare you for your career in translation.

This is a flexible course – you can study around your existing professional and personal commitments by choosing between full-time, part-time, campus-based or distance learning options. 

You can also work towards one of the following exit awards, depending on the number of credits and length of your study:

  • MA in Translation Studies (180 credits)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Translation Studies (120) credits
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Translation Studies (60) credits

When you graduate, you'll be qualified to work as a translator in the UK or abroad, or to pursue further studies, such as a PhD. You can start this course in September or January (distance learning option only).

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.

Course highlights

  • Specialise in translation between English and your choice of eight languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian or Spanish
  • Gain free access to translation software's MemoQ and Ooona, the most widely used software tools in the profession
  • Choose to have your dissertation supervised by an industry professional, who'll act as an advisor and an insight to the industry
  • Combine the newest theories with the most current industry practices to prepare you for your career in translation
  • Benefit from the rich research experience of teaching staff and their collaborations with major translation stakeholders, including the European Language Industry Association (ELIA) and the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) 
  • Network with industry professionals as part of your course, and through internship and job opportunities

Student smiling at camera

I have access to translation technologies and certificates to go with them, boosting my profile to employers. I have been able to visit many countries over Europe as part of my studies at Portsmouth and have achieved a more advanced knowledge of French and German than I thought possible.

David Jackson, MA Translation Studies student

Contact information

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Full-time (on campus or distance learning)

Core modules, dissertation/major project - 60 credits you’ll complete a small-scale research project and write it up within a substantial academic dissertation thesis or an applied work-based project report, showcasing your grasp of design, methods, ethics, organisation and planning.  .

With academic guidance, you'll choose your own literature or empirical topic within a field of study that fits the parameters of your intended Master’s exit award.

You'll bring together everything you’ve learned to design and evaluate ethical methodologies, conduct systematic research, and communicate your ideas professionally in your dissertation or report.

Critical Approaches to Specialised Translation - 30 credits Elevate your specialised translation abilities through critical theory and practical experience on this module.  

You’ll learn how to tackle the complex, nuanced art of converting specialised texts across different cultures and languages.

You’ll absorb best practices for overcoming inherent challenges around precision, terminology and target audience.

You’ll also explore pragmatic models of the translation process, spanning text analysis, research, writing, editing and reflection.

Optional modules

Multimodal translation - 30 credits highlight the role translators play in promoting access to audio-visual content on this module, such as via audio description, captioning and fan subtitling..

You’ll study monomodal and multimodal text types and authentic contexts in which they’re routinely translated and meditated, responding to the needs of diverse audiences.

You’ll also look at different aspects of interpreting, including the challenges of online interpreting, and the demands made by different sectors, ranging from health services and the law to conference interpreting.

Translation Project - 30 credits Produce a professional-level translation project in your chosen language through this module.  

Choosing a topic aligned with your goals, you'll independently manage the translation process end-to-end and address a range of practical and professional issues throughout your project – from assessing market demand and time to resource management and billing.

Translation Technologies - 30 credits Gain hands-on expertise with essential translation technologies used by professionals in this practical module.

Through guided projects, you'll develop your ability in using software for glossary development, computer-assisted translation, machine translation, and subtitling. Critically evaluating software capabilities and design, you'll understand how to strategically incorporate technologies into your work and enhance your technical skills.

Professional Aspects of Translation - 30 credits Build essential professional translation skills on this module, hearing from real expert translators in the industry.  

They’ll teach you how to craft your niche, portfolio and online presence to stand out in the global translation marketplace.

You’ll learn best practices for project management, quality assurance, productivity, finance and legal considerations, and think about your own next steps in your translation career.

Professional Portfolio - 30 credits For this module, you’ll create your own portfolio around your academic passion and professional aspirations.

With expert guidance, you’ll choose a topic aligning with your specialisation, experiences and goals, and critically analyse, discuss and evaluate it in depth.

You’ll use primary and/or secondary data and/or practice to reach your own defined objectives.

Project Management - 30 credits Learn the essential skills for language services project management on this module, ideal for a career in a large translation company or SME, or as a freelance translator.

You’ll gain insight into all aspects of project management, from communication to customer service, and technology to finance.

You’ll develop the skills needed to become a project manager in the language services industry, and critically reflect on the key characteristics that an efficient project manager needs.

Part-time (2 years - on campus)

Part-time (2 years - distance learning), translation technologies - 30 credits gain hands-on expertise with essential translation technologies used by professionals in this practical module.  .

Through guided projects, you'll develop your ability in using software for glossary development, computer-assisted translation, machine translation, and subtitling.

Critically evaluating software capabilities and design, you'll understand how to strategically incorporate technologies into your work and enhance your technical skills.

Part-time (3 years - distance learning only)

Changes to course content.

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Why study a Master's in Translation Studies?

Meet students and lecturers from our MA Translation Studies course, and discover how studying translation can boost your employment prospects.

Dr Begoña Rodríguez: MA Translation Studies is a well-established course. Students come to our course because of its flexibility, so you can study our course on campus and distance learning.  Elke: I signed up for a distance learning course because I felt it gave me maximum flexibility in terms of organising my daily life. So I'm working, I have family commitments, so I found this the best option to do.  Kayleigh: I'd have to say my favourite part of the course were the professors, as well as translation technologies.  Brianna: The instructors, all really nice people. They love to tell you about the current trends in the industry and support you and they're just very honest about what sort of things you can expect after your programme and they really prepare you for that.  Dr Begoña Rodríguez: On the course, we cover subjects such as translation, theory and practise, but also we have cutting-edge teaching, which is backed up by our research in translation technologies and professional aspects of translation. We are in touch with many translation companies and language service providers.  Raisa: The Association of Translation Companies, a UK-based industry. We've looked at legal translation, are some of the recent projects that Portsmouth students have done for the ATC and what the students get from that is, of course, an amazing industry contacts and their work published by the ATC.  Dr Begoña Rodríguez: Students that do translation can move into any language-related job. Translator and interpreting roles, or even teaching or even lecturing roles.  Elke: I'm working for a company doing technical translation. If I hadn't done the Master's, I wouldn't have been able to apply for this job, let alone be considered for my current position.  Brianna: I really did feel supported while I was here. I did use wellbeing services a couple of times and the academic tutors as well and they were all very, very helpful.  Elke: The tutors were always available for questions, if there was anything. I was very happy with that.  Kayleigh: That's why I stayed in Portsmouth for my undergrad to my postgrad, because the support is like a family unit, like a family little bubble and it's very nice.  Dr Begoña Rodríguez: I'm passionate about translation and I've always loved to pass down the knowledge to my students.  Raisa: I think the University of Portsmouth, MA Translation course is a really great foundation. It's really versatile. There are lots of different facets, the language learning, the language skills and finding about how the industry works.  Dr Begoña Rodríguez: Portsmouth is by the sea. It is very easy to travel in Portsmouth, you can walk, you can cycle but even if you don't come to Portsmouth, we have an excellent pastoral support, administrative support that all our online students all over the world will benefit from.  Raisa: The language services industry is hugely interesting because there are so many different roles that you can take. I've been in the industry for two decades now and I've never had a dull day. 

Careers and opportunities

Careers this master's prepares you for.

Once you complete your Translation Studies MA you'll have the rich academic knowledge and industry know-how to start or advance your career in translation.

This well networked course benefits from collaborations with field experts, including the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). These ongoing relationships help shape the content of the course and provide you with the right training for you to graduate with the skills you need to thrive within the industry.

You'll also have the option of progressing to doctoral level in your specialised area of translation. We're on hand to give you help, support and advice, whatever you decide to do next.

The MA in Translation studies provides a sound foundation on which to build a career in the translation industry. Most tutors are practising translators who can provide invaluable insights into the practicalities of profession.

Jesús Aguilera, MA Translation Studies student

Graduates of this course have gone onto areas such as:

  • Translation project management
  • Translation
  • Freelance Translation
  • Copywriting

Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:

  • Association of Translation Companies (ATC)
  • Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)
  • Wessex Translation

Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.

9 reasons to do a Master's

Placements and industry connections

Placements are not a compulsory part of the MA Translation Studies degree course, however there are a number of opportunities available for you to gain industry experience and liaise with professionals in translation.

Through collaborations with major stakeholders in the UK and Europe, including the European Language Industry Association (ELIA) and the Association of Translation Companies (ATC), you can attend webinars, seminars and other events. Here you'll network with academics and professionals to bring the realities of the profession to the classroom.

You can even choose to have your dissertation supervised by an industry professional, who will act as an advisor and gatekeeper to the industry. Providing you with access to information, data and translation experts to help you get the most from your dissertation whilst networking and building your industry experience.

MA Translation Studies graduate, Taegan Jones Skinner, wrote her dissertation in association with the Association of Translation Companies (ATC), exploring the effect of the well-documented UK decline in foreign language learning on language service companies’ access to native English translators. The dissertation has been published on the ATC website , and the recommendations made could go on to affect policy making. 

How you'll spend your time

We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.

We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to spend in on-campus or in online lectures and seminars and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change.

Course structure

This Master's degree will take: 1 year (full-time study) 2 years (part-time study) 3 years (part-time study)

You can expect

  • Up to 3 hours of teaching time every week (lecture, seminar or workshop) for each module you study.
  • 24–30 hours of independent study each week if you study full-time, or 12–15 hours each week if you study part-time.

In the last 3 months of the course you'll be focusing on your dissertation or major project.

Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.

You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree. If you choose campus based study, your teaching time will be blended (a mix of online and face-to-face), with between two and six hours of face-to-face contact a week, depending on the modules you choose.

Teaching methods on this course include:

  • 1 to 1 tutorials 
  • online learning materials
  • blended learning

You’ll be assessed through:

  • translations and commentaries
  • presentations

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Meet your course leader

Only to be used in relation to Begona's work and research.

Dr Begoña Rodríguez

I'm a trained translator and interpreter, and my career has included translation and proofreading freelance work, specialising in legal translation and translation of children’s stories. 

I was Portsmouth Coordinator for the National Network of Translation (NNT) and a founding member of the ELIA Exchange UK team. I have also been involved in several research and knowledge exchange projects and organiser of professional translation workshops and seminars. I also sit on two national Executive Committees: APTIS and am acting as national representative for Translation and Interpreting of UCML.

I was also the lead of the European Master's of Translation - a prestigious accreditation label under the aegis of the European Commission representing the MA in Translation Studies at Portsmouth (2014-2021).

Read my full profile

September start

The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.

January start

Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.

January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.

See key dates

Graduation Class of 2021

Joining us as an international student

You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.

Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in. 

Information for international students

Supporting you

Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of  support via video, phone and face-to-face  from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Personal tutor.

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.

Learning support tutors

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques

Academic skills support

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • academic writing
  • note taking
  • time management
  • critical thinking
  • presentation skills
  • referencing
  • working in groups
  • revision, memory and exam techniques

Wellbeing and mental health support

Our online  Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service , in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

Disability advice and additional support

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our  specialist team  can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Library support

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

Support with English

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses  to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme  to improve your English further.

Student group discussion

Global Café

You can meet students from all over the world at the Global Café on Wednesday afternoons. Learn about other's cultures and practise speaking in each other's languages while making new friends and getting to share your own culture.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees (september 2024 / january 2025 start), uk, channel islands, and isle of man students.

  • Full-time (on campus): £10,400
  • Part-time (on campus): £5,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • Full-time (distance learning): £10,400
  • Part-time (distance learning – 2 years): £5,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • Part-time (distance learning – 3 years): £3,470 per year (may be subject to annual increase)

EU students

(including Transition Scholarship )

International students

  • Full-time (on campus): £17,900
  • Part-time (on campus): £8,950 per year (subject to annual increase)

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Funding your studies

Find out more how to fund your studies , including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs , including what your tuition fees cover. 

If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government postgraduate loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students  and our  international student scholarships .

Loans, scholarships and bursaries

Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.

Female Master's student

Funding for international students

Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.

international business students

Fees and funding for Master's courses

Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.

Postgrad students on campus

Additional costs

These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:

  • Accommodation:  Accommodation options and costs can be found on our  accommodation pages .
  • Recommended reading:  You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
  • General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
  • Final project transport or accommodation:  where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs , including what your tuition fees cover.

Entry requirements

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

September 2024 / January 2025

Uk qualifications, qualifications or experience.

  • A minimum of a second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
  • Applicants whose main language is English require advanced knowledge of at least one other language (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian or Spanish).
  • Applicants applying for the distance learning course may be subject to assessment if their language competency is not evidenced by their qualifications/application.

Non-UK qualifications

If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.

To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for  your country  and view the UK equivalent of your qualification. 

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.

You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:

  • you have a UK degree
  • you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
  • you are a national of a majority English speaking country

Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our  English language requirements .

If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a  pre-sessional English programme  before you start your course.

How to apply

Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.

There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full. 

If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.

You can find more advice about applying in our  Master's application checklist . International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.

Extra information for international students

I'm an international student.

If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.

You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check  your country  page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the  how to apply page of our international students section .

If you don’t meet the  English language requirements  for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a  pre-sessional English programme  before you start your course.

Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.

Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) .

Ready to apply?

September 2024 start, start this course in september 2024.

Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year

Apply now (Part-time) – 2 years

Distance learning

Apply now (Part-time) – 3 years

January 2025 start

Start this course in january 2025, i'm a current portsmouth student, or a recent portsmouth graduate.

If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2023, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:

  • a shorter application form to complete
  • access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
  • a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses 

Learn more about fast track

After you apply

Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.

You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.

Learn more about how we assess your application .

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our  Student Contract  (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.

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Translation Studies

Alternative text

  • September 2024

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Durham City

Course details

The MA in Translation Studies is a specialist course that will provide you with the professional skills to translate between a wide range of languages and English and equip you with an understanding of translation as an academic discipline with its own cultural and historical heritage. The course prepares graduates to become professional translators and intercultural communicators or to go on to academic research in the subject.

The languages you will be able to choose from include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.

The course has been developed around modern theories and strategies and is enriched by the input of professional translators and research-active staff. There are modules in language, the use of translation technology, linguistics, professional skills, subtitling, professional ethics, project management, and intercultural awareness. For Chinese there is also interpreting.

The course can be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two years and is based in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures in the centre of Durham.

In support of your studies, you will have access to a wide range of technical facilities, technical expertise and software, including an interpreting suite for Chinese interpreting, and specialist eye-tracking and key-stroke logging equipment for process research projects. You can gain practical experience from the work placement scheme and will also benefit from the programme of master classes with professional translators and visiting speakers.

We are a partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists which acts as an assessor and moderator for the course’s specialised translation exams, and offers the opportunity to gain a CIoL qualification as part of the course.

The focus of the course is effective intercultural communication and we are proud of the vital work our graduates do in fostering international understanding.

Course structure

All the MA programmes offered by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities consist of three components:

a Major Research Project  to the value of at least 60 credits

  • Core Modules  to the value of 0-90 credits, depending on the programme
  • Elective Modules,  making up the total number of credits to 180; some of these modules will be defined as Recommended Electives for particular programmes.

Students studying the MA in Translation Studies can choose from one of three 60-credit Major Research Project options as follows: 

  • Translation Studies Dissertation (15,000 words)
  • Extended Translation Project (10,000-word translation, 5,000-word commentary)
  • Two Standard Translation Projects in different languages or directions (5,000-word translation 2,500-word commentary)

You will also be required to take the following 30-credit core module:  

Translation Theory, Research and Practice  will examine various theories and issues of translation such as text type, target audiences and translation strategies, matching theoretical points with practical translation examples to give you a sound understanding and insight into key aspects of modern theories in translation. The module will also improve your understanding of the processes involved in translation and the main assessment criteria for good translation practice. It will also teach the research skills needed to complete the course and for future research at a higher level. You will also be given instruction and hands-on experience with computer assisted translation tools that are essential for a professional translator.

Additionally, you will take either one or two  Specialised Translation  modules  (30 credits each),  choosing from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian or Spanish. These, which include different text-types and subject areas, aim to provide you with the necessary grounding and training to translate in both directions between your chosen language(s) and English. They give you the experience, ability and confidence to translate independently between languages.

Depending on the precise combination of core modules chosen above, students may have up to  60 credits  of  elective modules  available from across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities so that your total number of credits adds up to exactly  180.

The Recommended Electives aimed specifically at Translation Studies students include:

  • Consecutive Interpreting (Chinese<>English)
  • Simultaneous Interpreting and Sight Translation (Chinese<>English)
  • Subtitling & Advanced CAT Tools
  • Translation Ethics and Intercultural Project Management
  • Translation Work Placement
  • Translation Practica: Processes and Products

Additional Language Option:

MA students can choose to take, in addition to their main course, a 20 credit language module at MLAC’s Centre For Foreign Language Study. This offers a wide range of European, Middle Eastern and East Asian languages at levels from complete beginner to advanced. Students who choose this option will gain an additional 20 credits, i.e. 200 credits in total. Details can be found here . 

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The course is delivered through a mixture of seminars, workshops, lectures, group projects, research seminars and individual tutorials. The balance between these learning sessions will depend on your study programme, which you can direct towards either training in professional translation or an in-depth examination of the practices, theories and global impact of translation.

Optional modules for the former will include specialised language or language-oriented subjects while the modules for the latter will take a broader view of translation across a mix of cultures and timespans.

There will be a shift from taught hours to more independent study and work experience in the third term, meaning you will complete a research-focused dissertation or a vocational-related translation project.

You will also be expected to attend master classes and lectures by visiting speakers, which are seen as an integral part of the course.

Assessment 

Assessment is rigorous and carried out through translations, essays, reports and a final dissertation or translation project plus commentary; one-to-one supervision is provided for the dissertation / project.

Translation modules are assessed by a portfolio of work featuring two 1,000-word texts in terms one and two respectively and a 1,000-word translation commentary, providing a sample of the variety of text-types with which you will have engaged during the module.

You will also complete a final timed translation of a general text, following the conventions of professional standards for translators

Entry requirements

Applicants must have an upper-second class bachelor degree or equivalent in a relevant area.

Students with a different academic background but significant professional experience in translation are also invited to apply. In such cases, we reserve the right to assess students’ preparation for our course through a test.

Students should possess at least level C1, and preferably C2, of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or equivalent for non-European languages) – in their chosen language(s) – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish– and in English. In some circumstances, we may require students to provide proof of language competency.

English language requirements

Fees and funding

Full time fees, part time fees.

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated) .

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation .

Scholarships and Bursaries

We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities. 

Career opportunities

School of modern languages and cultures.

Our approach to learning and research encourages a freedom of thinking and expression about language and cultures that provides sought-after skills and a worldview that will be attractive to top employers.

In an environment of globalisation, the ability to display a knowledge and understanding of the diverse world we inhabit and to understand and communicate effectively is crucial.

Following graduation, we offer the option of building on your research activity at a higher academic level and progressing into teaching with roles at universities across Europe, the USA, Australia and the Middle East a viable option.

If your aspirations lie more towards developing a professional career, our qualifications offer a weather of opportunities with recent graduates taking up positions in university administration, translation, analytics, museum curating, rare bookselling and the French film industry.

For further information on career options and employability, student and employer testimonials and details of work experience and study abroad opportunities, please visit our  employability web pages.

Department information

The School of Modern Languages and Cultures is a world-class centre for teaching and research in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hispanic, Italian, Japanese and Russian Studies. We provide an outstanding environment for research activity, adopting an open and flexible approach to study.

Support and guidance are given by the committed subject experts that can be found in our academic team. They are passionate about their specialisms, which cover the relevant languages, literature, cultural history, cinema and visual culture, and translation.

This significant reservoir of knowledge is reflected in the diversity of the topics being researched in the School. Key areas of in-depth study activity range from Translation Studies and Film Studies through to Science and the Humanities, and Gender and Sexuality.

Our postgraduate community is vibrant and active and is fully involved with events both within the School and within wider University postgraduate groups. Our research postgraduates are involved in organising major conferences and lead research seminars as part of their learning experience.

Language provision at Durham consistently ranks within the top five performing Schools in the UK according to university league tables. We feel this reflects our deep commitment to research that nurtures cultural understanding and inspires a love of languages and forsters an understanding of different cultures in an era of increasing globalisation.

For more information see our  department pages.

  • 2nd for Italian Studies in The Times and  Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
  • 5th for Asian Studies in The  Complete University Guide 2024
  • 5th for Iberian Languages in The  Complete University Guide 2024

For a current list of staff, please see the School of Modern Languages and Cultures pages .

Research Excellence Framework

  • 8th in the UK  for research power ( REF 2021 )

The School is located on Elvet Riverside, which is close to the ancient Elvet Bridge and within easy walking distance of the University colleges, the Students’ Union and the historic centre of the city of Durham.

Learning facilities include language laboratories, computer classrooms and a large study area. There are also satellite and recording facilities for viewing programmes in all the major taught languages.

The University's fully equipped Centre for Foreign Language Study is housed in the same building, and members of the Languages and Culture School have access to its facilities.

Similarly, the Translation Zone provides a place to meet translators, learn how we teach translation and attend seminars and master classes.

Find out more:

Apply for a postgraduate course (including PGCE International) via our online portal.  

  • Applicant Portal (not PGCE unless International)
  • Admissions Policy

The best way to find out what Durham is really like is to come and see for yourself!

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  • Date: 01/09/2023 - 31/08/2024
  • Time: 09:00 - 17:00

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Translation MA, PGDip

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

From tourism and advertising to international business communication, people with high-level translation skills are needed in almost every industry. You’ll learn what it takes to enter the field, as well as push forward into further academic study.

Translation MA, PGDip , 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Course information.

UK fee £10,700

International fee £19,700

Taught by Modern Languages

  • 20% alumni discount
  • International student information

Course director Dr Ahmed Elimam [email protected]

Course enquiries +44 (0)116 252 2620 [email protected]  

Modern Languages website

Course description

This course will prepare you for work in the translation professions and provide the ideal foundation if you want to progress further in the academic discipline of Translation Studies. You will practise translating between English and a language of your choice, as well as gaining a thorough grounding in the academic discipline of Translation Studies.

The course will equip you with advanced research skills and research paradigms relevant to investigations of translation contexts, processes, products and producers. You will study in-depth the history and theory of translation and develop the skills to critically analyse current issues being debated within the discipline.

Our focus on research topics, skills and methods in Translation Studies prepares you for your final dissertation and will equip you with the essential skills needed for entry into the translation professions.

As well as the translation professions such as text translating and editing, subtitling and localisation, our course prepares you for opportunities in careers such as tourism, journalism, copy writing and international business communication. Our MA programme is also suited for progression to study at PhD level.

Available language combinations

The MA in Translation is available for English in combination with most other languages. If you wish to study a language that is not listed below you are advised to enquire before applying:

We also run pathways in Arabic and Chinese in our MA in Translation.

NB. The PGDip has the same modules as the MA, but does not include a dissertation.

Entry requirements

For native speakers of English, attestable ability in another language (Arabic or Chinese for the pathways). An interview and/or a test may be required.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability . If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

International Qualifications

Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Fees and funding

Uk students, starting in september 2024.

  • MA : £10,700
  • PGDip : £7,125

If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

Find out more about scholarships and funding .

Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan?  Find out if you’re eligible.

International Students

  • MA : £19,700
  • PGDip : £13,120

You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).

Careers and employability

Research has shown that graduates in Modern Languages enjoy excellent employment opportunities. Graduates of our MA in Translation Studies have opportunities in careers such as tourism, teaching in higher education, government offices and international business communication.

Many translators work freelance, while others become employees of multinational corporations and organisations, as well as bodies such as the United Nations or the European Union.

A degree in translation is seen as an impressive bonus for promotion within academia, particularly in language education. The MA at Leicester is also particularly suited for progression to study at PhD level.

Our Career Development Service  is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.

Related courses

English literature, applied linguistics and tesol, browse all courses, receive email updates, course structure, core modules.

  • The Development of Translation Studies
  • Research Skills and Methods in Translation Studies 1
  • Research Skills and Methods in Translation Studies 2
  • Current Issues in Translation Research and Practice

Plus your  Dissertation

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Option modules

Choose two option modules from:

  • Interpreting 1
  • Translating Different Genres
  • Audiovisual Translation
  • Translation Strategies

Then choose two option modules from:

  • Technical Translation
  • Interpreting 2
  • Computer Assisted Translation Tools
  • Extended Translation Project

Why Leicester?

Our Centre for Translating and Interpreting Studies is fully equipped with state-of-the-art interpreting booths.

The MA in Translation offers you the opportunity to choose from different options and develop a range of skills, including translating different text types, translating with computer assisting tools, as well as interpreting.

The Modern Language Study Centre offers an open space for study, with PCs, printing facilities, AV equipment and a large library of learning materials in French, Spanish and Italian.

You will be learning from leading theorists and practitioners, since Leicester is a centre for cutting-edge translation theory.

Teaching and learning

Modules are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials using a variety of teaching methods. Your dissertation will be individually supervised.

Assessment is by essay and/or by practical translating tasks and presentations where appropriate. All work submitted for assessment (except for translations from English into another language, but including commentaries on such work) must be in English.

September 2024 start

  • Application deadline : 9 September 2024 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 26 July 2024)
  • Deposit payment deadline : 9 August 2024
  • CAS request deadline : 6 September 2024
  • 70% tuition payment deadline : 6 September 2024

Applying for

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From studying the history of translation from the age of Cicero, to current issues at the cutting-edge of translation studies, I have gained a comprehensive theoretical knowledge, which I’ve been able to implement into my own translation practice.

Bethany, MA Translation Studies

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Translation Center

Useful Links

  • College of Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
  • The Daily Collegian in translation
  • mOthertongue: a multilingual journal of the arts
  • The Massachusetts Review
  • Metamorphoses: A Journal of Literary Translation
  • CPE Continuing and Professional Education

Requirements for MA in Translation

General requirements.

  • Completion of thirty-three graduate credits.
  • Completion of twelve required credits in Translation Studies/Comparative Literature
  • Demonstration of bibliographic skills in Comparative Literature and Translation Studies
  • Fulfillment of course distribution requirements  
  • Successful Defense of a Masters Thesis/Final Project 

The MA Thesis/Final Project

The student may (1) write on an aspect of translation theory; (2) prepare a descriptive studies project (a comparison of several translations of one original text); (3) translate a collection of poems or short stories, a novel, a play; a filmscript; (4) translate a selection of scientific, legal, medical, technical, and/or business texts; or (5) create/translate a media or multi-media project, conduct a field study, or create a translation memory/database. The translation/project is to be accompanied by a substantial introduction (25-30 pages) explaining the decision-making process, and linguistic, cultural, and technical problems encountered.  The essay and/or translation must be of publishable quality; the thesis itself should be between 75-90 pages in length, inclusive of bibliography and notes.

Distribution Requirements

For the purposes of this program, “Concentration” refers to a coherent language/literary/cultural tradition, e.g., Catalan, Chinese, Irish. For the MA in Translation Studies, all Comparative Literature courses counting toward the degree need to have a translation studies component. COMP LIT 581 (Introduction to Interpreting and Translation Research and Practice I) and COMP LIT 751 (Theory and Practice of Translation) are required. Literature in translation courses may not be counted towards the first and second concentration requirements unless special arrangements are made to complete the required readings in the original. Up to three credits of graduate coursework in Comparative Literature may be counted towards the fulfillment of the requirement of a concentration, provided that the student demonstrates significant work in this concentration and has obtained formal written permission from the Graduate Program Director prior to the end of the add-drop period for the course in question. Up to six credits of Special Problems/Independent Study courses may be counted toward the fulfillment of the requirements (with a maximum of three credits towards any one distribution requirement) provided that the student has obtained formal written permission from the Graduate Program Director prior to the end of the add-drop period for the course in questions. In lieu of a thesis, a student may elect to complete a final project (such as a research project, a translation memory, and interactive website in multiple languages, a multi-media project, a field study, or similar translation/interpreting-related project). The final project must be approved by the faculty supervisor and Graduate Program Director. All candidates for the MA present a thesis/project defense of no more than two hours.

New teaching assistants:  a one-credit semester of Teaching Workshop or equivalent (one hour weekly) is required. Download the Comparative Literature Statement of Procedure for graduate programs (PDF) . University entrance requirements and other Graduate School regulations can be found online in the  Graduate School Bulletin .

The University of Edinburgh home

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Postgraduate study

Translation Studies MSc

Awards: MSc

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Translation Studies

I really enjoyed my coursework and the professors – I found them extremely knowledgeable and very approachable. Having been away from university for a while, it didn’t take long for me to feel comfortable, thanks to their dedication to our intellectual wellbeing. With a strong community of students and the support of the professors, I absolutely relished the opportunity to devote myself to learning once more. Mark Bradshaw, former teacher and now full-time project manager, translator and subtitler at Screen Language MSc in Translation Studies, 2018

Upcoming Introduction to Postgraduate Study and Research events

Join us online on the 19th June or 26th June to learn more about studying and researching at Edinburgh.

Choose your event and register

Programme description

Offering students the opportunity to focus on two languages, in addition to English, the University of Edinburgh is the ideal place to study translation.

Our one-year, full-time taught Masters programme will enhance your practical skills in, and theoretical understanding of, translation as an activity. It can also be completed part-time over two years.

How you will learn

The programme combines:

  • core courses
  • optional courses
  • research training
  • practical translation
  • a dissertation

It is taught through a combination of:

  • student-led presentations
  • written exercises

What you will gain

Across all our activities, we encourage critical thinking on language use and translation and an understanding of the factors which impact on the discipline. We will introduce you to key concepts in translation theory and show you how to apply them in translation practice.

This will help you sharpen important professional skills, such as:

  • undertaking research
  • thinking and writing analytically
  • understanding texts in different genres and how to translate them
  • writing commentaries and essays to deadline
  • developing oral and visual presentation techniques
  • using a range of resources

The programme will also broaden your understanding of issues relating to translation, such as gender, institutional power relations, colonialism, and religion.

We offer a wide variety of languages, from Arabic to Norwegian, with the opportunity to focus on two of them, in addition to English.

You can browse the full range of languages offered, and find out about language pairs, on our website:

  • Translation Studies at the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

A member of the RWS Campus-Trados Academic Partner Program, our MSc draws on the expertise of research-active teaching staff from across the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, as well as experts in Translation Studies and visiting speakers.

You will be part of an international community of students and a friendly, close-knit department with an excellent PhD programme, its own seminar series, and good links with the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), and with many industry and cultural partners in the city of Edinburgh.

We are an official Higher Education Language Partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) and a member of APTIS (Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies, UK and Ireland), which aims to improve the quality of translation and interpreting teaching in British and Irish universities. We also partner with IPCITI (The International Postgraduate Conference in Translation and Interpreting).

The University of Edinburgh library holds some two million borrowable volumes and subscribes to the 'Bibliography of Translation Studies'.

Translation and technology

We closely follow the developments in ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI, and how they might influence the teaching of translation. We also look to the language service industry and professional associations to understand how translators use generative AI and what opportunities and challenges these technologies might pose for linguists in the future.

Given the rapid technological development, the focus of our option course Technology and Translation in the Workplace has shifted over the past few years to include the field of machine translation. The Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools we are using, for example, RWS Trados, now not only include translation memory systems, but also incorporate machine translation as a standard component.

We are also exploring browser-based CAT tools where machine translation is a feature, and we examine the impact of these technologies on the workflow and on the role of the translator.

In our teaching, we currently cover ChatGPT, mainly in relation to the ethical and legal issues it poses (for example, data usage or transparency) with a view to incorporating other technologies as and when they become relevant.

Programme structure

Over the duration of the programme, you will take:

  • two core courses
  • two practical translation courses
  • two optional courses

You will choose these from a wide range of subjects. Each course is worth 20 credits.

Core courses

The core courses are:

  • Translation Studies 1, which introduces you to key concepts in translation theory and focuses on their application to translation practice
  • Research in Translation Studies, which provides you with research skills specific to the discipline of translation studies and prepares you for your dissertation

The practical translation courses consist of tutor-led class time and workshops with Translation Studies staff per course, as well as an independent, peer-assessed study component. You will be supervised and assessed in practical translation exercises and graduate with a rich portfolio of translations.

Dissertation

The final element of the programme is your dissertation, a piece of independent research - 15,000 words (worth 60 credits) - written with the advice and support of a designated supervisor.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme you will:

  • develop critical thinking on language use and translation
  • understand the key concepts of the academic discipline of translation studies
  • learn to implement the diverse approaches to translation prevalent within translation studies in the form of various translation strategies
  • broaden and deepen understanding of a variety of issues in relation to translation, such as gender, power relations, and religion
  • acquire important transferable skills

Career opportunities

Our programme is designed to enhance your industry skills in translation, with practical exercises throughout the year, and a strong emphasis on communication and working to deadline.

We have excellent links with the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and are a member of the RWS Campus-Trados Academic Partner Program, providing students with the necessary knowledge, expertise and resources to help prepare for a career in the translation industry.

Completing our MSc will also help you develop and refine your research skills, and theoretical understanding of translation, in ways that will prepare you for further postgraduate study, should you wish to continue your career in an academic environment.

Many of our graduates have gone on to work as freelance and in-house translators, as well as project managers and language teachers. Others work within international companies, and some have continued into doctoral studies.

  • Meet our graduates - Mark Bradshaw

What's the best type of masters programme for you?

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant discipline, plus a research interest or professional experience in translation or another relevant field.

Applicants must have native speaker competence in any languages that they apply to work with other than English.

Please consult the offered language pairings available on the programme website:

  • Translation studies

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

  • Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

  • Entry requirements by country
  • English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

  • UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

  • Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding, featured funding.

If you are working with either French or Spanish on this Translation Studies programme, you may be eligible to apply for a Muriel Smith Scholarship. This award covers tuition fees for a maximum of one year.

  • Find out more about the Muriel Smith Scholarship and other funding opportunities in literatures, languages and cultures

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

  • your programme
  • the duration of your studies
  • your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

  • UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

  • Search for funding

Further information

  • For all admissions enquiries
  • Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
  • Contact: College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office
  • School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures
  • 50 George Square
  • Central Campus
  • Programme: Translation Studies
  • School: Literatures, Languages & Cultures
  • College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

MSc Translation Studies - 1 Year (Full-time)

Msc translation studies - 2 years (part-time), application deadlines.

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through a competitive process.

Please be aware that applications must be submitted and complete, i.e. all required documents uploaded, by the relevant application deadline in order to be considered in that round. Your application will still be considered if you have not yet met the English language requirement for the programme.

Deadlines for applicants applying to study in 2024/25:

(Revised 19 October 2023 to update application deadlines and selection dates)

  • How to apply

You must submit one reference with your application.

If you have practical experience in translation, you should provide one academic reference and one professional reference.

The personal statement in the online application process helps us decide whether you are right for the MSc programme you have selected but. Just as importantly, it helps us decide whether the MSc programme is right for you.

To help us with this, please ensure that you download and complete the Personal Statement Pro Forma, which should then be uploaded to your application as an additional supporting document.

  • Personal Statement Pro Forma

You should indicate the languages you wish to take - a maximum of two - and contact us to check their availability. You will always translate into and out of English. Our programme website details all the languages we currently offer.

  • Browse our languages offered

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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  • PhDs and Research Masters
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Translation Studies (MA)

Course overview, course outline, why choose this course, course fees.

  • Find Out More

Watch course video presentation here .

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway  Postgraduate Applications System . 

Who Teaches this Course

researcher

Requirements and Assessment

Language work, including translation into and from two of Spanish, French, Italian or German, will be assessed throughout the year. Other modules will be assessed through exams and/or by essay. A dissertation must also be submitted.

Entry Requirements

Second Class Honours NQAI Level 8 degree or equivalent, with Second Class Honours Grade 2 or equivalent in each language.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of prior learning (rpl).

In other circumstances, those with a lower degree grade or who have relevant work experience in the field of Translation Studies will be considered. Further information is available on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website.

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake, qqi/fet fetac entry routes, closing date.

You are advised to apply early, which may result in an early offer; see the offer round dates

Mode of study

Ects weighting, course code.

In Semester 1, the programme introduces students to the field of Translation Studies, providing a strong theoretical focus and a history and development of this field through seminars. Alongside this, students develop the skills of translation, focusing on any two of French, German, Irish, Italian and Spanish, and may select from cognate subjects dealing with Intercultural Communication or Translation Methodology and Text. In Semester 2, students continue to work on their translation skills, and subsequently complete a dissertation broadly related to any of the theoretical or social issues broached throughout the year and relevant to the field of Translation Studies, focusing on one of their languages.

As there is a genuine need for professional translators, this postgraduate programme in Translation Studies will be an important qualification for graduates wishing to add specific professional skills to their primary qualification. An important aspect of the programme will be the exploitation of new language technology, utilising the multimedia facilities available on campus.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in a range of fields, including the civil service, teaching, translation and human resources.  Beyond the honing of translation skills, students will develop a range of transferable skills through collaborative tasks and presentations at various stages of the course.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning outcomes, transferable skills employers value.

As a student in the MA in Translation Studies, you will…

  • Develop advanced oral and written communication skills in English and one or two of the following languages: French, Gaeilge, German, Italian or Spanish
  • Receive advanced training on different approaches to translation and subtitling.  
  • Develop proficiency in translation technologies, including Trados and subtitling software.
  • Acquire advanced research skills in evaluating various translation challenges. 

Work Placement

Related student organisations, fees: tuition, fees: student levy, fees: non eu.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2024/25).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa  here . 

Find out More

Dr Mary Mannion E: [email protected] 

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What Our Students Say

Angela

Angela Kennedy |    

For me, the M.A. in Translation Studies is the ideal route to a language-related career. The course's practical elements, including training in interpretation and use of translation software, offer real, hands-on experience. My oral and written skills in both languages are improving consistently, and one also has the opportunity to delve into the more theoretical aspects of translation.

Claire

Claire Murphy |   MA in Translation Studies (Spanish and Italian)

I found the M.A. in Translation Studies a really important way of developing my language skills and language awareness. The combination of practical and theoretical issues provided an important framework for both my dissertation and my subsequent work as a language teacher. Few courses in Ireland allow me to combine my two languages with an intensive study of the field of Translation Studies.

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ma dissertation translation studies

Key information

Home student fees : £12,220 per year Overseas student fees : £25,320 per year

Please note that fees go up each year. See  postgraduate fees  for further details.

We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

Afghanistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Master's degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  80% or 3.3/4.0 

Argentina: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Titulo / Grado de Licenciado

Equivalent to 2:ii:  7/10

Information for prospective students from Argentina

Australia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  2:2 or Credit or 65%

Information for prospective students from Australia

Austria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  2.5/5.0 and overall Pass (Bestanden)

Bahrain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  75% or GPA 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Bahrain

Bangladesh: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor’s from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology or Master's degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  60% or GPA 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Bangladesh

Belgium: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Licentiaat or Licencié

Equivalent to 2:ii:  13/20 or 65%

Information for prospective students from Belgium

Botswana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree (5-year) or Master's from University of Botswana

Equivalent to 2:ii:  GPA 3.5/5.0 or 65% or B- or Good

Brazil: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Título de Bacharel / Título de Licenciado (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  7/10 or 70%

Information for prospective students from Brazil

Brunei: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  Lower Second Class Honours with 50% overall

Information for prospective students from Brunei

Bulgaria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  4.3/6

Information for prospective students from Bulgaria

Cameroon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Diplôme d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme d'Études Supérieures de Commerce (5-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  12-13 assez bien (fair); 70-74; or B+

Canada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  GPA 3.0/4.0 or 74-77% or overall B

Information for prospective students from Canada

China Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii:   73% or 2.6/4.0 (C9 unis) 75% or 2.8/4.0 (Double First unis) 80% or 3.25/4.0 (all other unis)

Information for prospective students from China

Colombia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Licenciado / Titulo (4-year) 

Equivalent to 2:ii:  3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Colombia

Croatia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea (Bachelor degree)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  Overall score 3/5

Cyprus: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  6.5/10

Czech Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree (180 ECTS)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  1.75/4.0 or High C 'dobre’ (good)

Information for prospective students from the Czech Republic

Denmark: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  7/12 or 8/13 or grade C

Information for prospective students from the Denmark

Egypt: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  70% or 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Egypt

Estonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bakalaurusekraad / University Specialist's Diploma / Professional Higher Education Diploma

Equivalent to 2:ii:  4.0/5.0

Finland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor / Kandidaatti / Kandidat (180 ECTS credits)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  3/5 or 2/3

France: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Licence or Diplôme from a grande école

Equivalent to 2:ii:  11.5 out 20

Information for prospective students from France

Gambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Master's degree (2-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  GPA 3.0/4.3 or 64% or B

Germany: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree (180 ECTS)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  2.6/5

Information for prospective students from Germany

Ghana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  2:2 (Second Class Lower Division) or GPA 3.25/5.0 or 60%

Information for prospective students from Ghana

Greece: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  6.50/10

Information for prospective students from Greece

Hong Kong: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  Upper second class or GPA 2.7/4.0 or 75% or B Minus

Information for prospective students from Hong Kong

Hungary: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor (Alapfokozat) or Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevél)

Iceland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  7.0 out of 10

India: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  CGPA: 55-60% or 5.5/10 - 6.0/10

Information for prospective students from India

Iraq: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree (Licence/Karshani)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  0.7

Israel: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  70% or C+

Information for prospective students from Israel

Italy: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Laurea (180 ECTS)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  100/110

Information for prospective students from Italy

Japan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  70% or C+ or 3.0

Information for prospective students from Japan

Jordan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  3.0/4.0 or 70%

Information for prospective students from Jordan

Kazakhstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelors (Bakalavr Diplomi) or Specialist Diploma

Equivalent to 2:ii:  GPA 3.0/4.0 or GPA 4.0/5.0 or B

Information for prospective students from Kazakhstan

Kenya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  2:2 or 60%

Information for prospective students from Kenya

Kuwait: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  3.0/

Information for prospective students from Kuwait

Latvia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bakalaura Diploms (Bachelor's) or Profesionālā Bakalaura Diploms

Lebanon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree / Licence

Equivalent to 2:ii:  75% or Grade B-/C+ or GPA 2.8/4.0 or 14/20

Information for prospective students from Lebanon

Liberia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Master's degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  75% or 2.8/4.0

Libya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor Degree from selected institution

Lithuania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelors / Bakalauro (180 ECTS)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  7.5/10

Information for prospective students from Lithuania

Malawi: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Master's degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  70% or GPA 3.0/4.0

Malaysia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  3.0/4.0 or B (Class 2 Division 2)

Information for prospective students from Malaysia

Malta: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  Lower Second Class with 65% or Category IIB

Mexico: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Titulo de Licenciado

Equivalent to 2:ii:  8/10 or 80%

Information for prospective students from Mexico

Morocco: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Licence / Licence d'Etudes Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle

Equivalent to 2:ii:  13/20

Information for prospective students from Morocco

Nepal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Master's degree / Bachelor degree (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  70%

Information for prospective students from Nepal

Netherlands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  6.5/10 or GPA 3.0

Information for prospective students from the Netherlands

New Zealand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  Majority of credited modules B- or above

Nigeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  Lower Second Class or 55% or GPA 3.0/5.0 or 2.5/4.0 or 4.0/7.0

Information for prospective students from Nigeria

Norway: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelors / Bachelorgrad (180 ECTS) or Candidatus /a magisterii

Equivalent to 2:ii:  Grade C (with at least 80 ECTS) at grade B or 3.2

Information for prospective students from Norway

Oman: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Oman

Pakistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor (4-year) / Master's from HEC recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii:  CGPA 2.7 or 65%

Information for prospective students from Pakistan

Philippines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Master’s from recognised institution or Centre of Excellence / Bachelor from prestigious institution or Centre of Excellence

Equivalent to 2:ii: Prestigous Universities: GPA 3.3/4.0 or 1.75/5.0 or Grade B or 83% Recognised Universities: GPA 3.5/4.0 or 2.0/5.0 or Grade B or 87%

Poland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Licencjat or Inżynier (3-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  4.25/5

Information for prospective students from Poland

Portugal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Licenciado (180 ECTS)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  15/20

Qatar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  GPA 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 or 70% or 7/10

Information for prospective students from Qatar

Romania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Diplomă de Licenţă / Diplomă de Inginer / Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat

Equivalent to 2:ii:  8/10

Information for prospective students from Romania

Russia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Diplom Bakalavra or Specialist Diploma

Equivalent to 2:ii:  3.8/5.0

Information for prospective students from Russia

Rwanda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  Lower Second Class Honours or 65-69% or 14/20

Saudi Arabia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 or overall 70%

Information for prospective students from Saudi Arabia

Singapore: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  CAP 3.5/5.0 or 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Singapore

Slovakia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bakalár / Bachelor

Equivalent to 2:ii:  70% or 2.0 overall or C

South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  60%

Information for prospective students from South Africa

South Korea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  GPA 2.7/4.0 or 3.0/4.3 or 3.3/4.5

Information for prospective students from South Korea

Spain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Título de Grado / Título de Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Titulo de Arquitecto

Equivalent to 2:ii:  6.5/10 or GPA 1.75/4.0

Information for prospective students from Spain

Sri Lanka: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor Special Degree or Professional Degree (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  55% or 2:2 or GPA 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Sri Lanka

Sudan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor (5-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  65%+ or B

Sweden: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree / Kandidatexamen / Yrkesexamen

Equivalent to 2:ii:  B (90 credits) and C (90 credits) or Very Good (70 credits) and Good (110 Credits) or C (180 credits)

Information for prospective students from Sweden

Switzerland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Diplom / Diplôme / Lizentiat / Staatsdiplom / Diplôme d’Etat

Equivalent to 2:ii:  Overall 4.5/6 or 7/10 or 2.5/5

Information for prospective students from Switzerland

Syria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Licence / al-ijaza-fi / Bachelor

Equivalent to 2:ii:  70%+ or 'Good'

Taiwan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  68-70% or GPA 2.8/4.0-3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Taiwan

Thailand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  GPA 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Thailand

Tunisia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Diplôme National d'Ingénieur / Diplôme National d'Architecture / Licence / Maîtrise

Equivalent to 2:ii:  12 out of 20

Turkey: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Lisans Diplomasi

Equivalent to 2:ii:  GPA 2.6/4 from the top universities and 3.0/4 from all others

Information for prospective students from Turkey

Uganda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  2:2 (Lower Second) or B or GPA 3.0/5.0

Information for prospective students from Uganda

Ukraine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree or Specialist Diploma

Equivalent to 2:ii:  8/12 or 3.8/5

United Arab Emirates: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  GPA 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/5.0

Information for prospective students from the United Arab Emirates

United States of America: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Information for prospective students from the USA

Vietnam: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree (4-year)

Equivalent to 2:ii:  Overall score of 6.5/10

Information for prospective students from Vietnam

Yemen: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Master's degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  Overall 'Good' (71-77%) or Aden University 80-83% (or 3.0/4.0)

Zambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Master's degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  65% or B or Credit or GPA 1.7/2.5 or 3.3/5.0

Zimbabwe: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii:  2:2 or 65%

Information for prospective students from Zimbabwe

See  international entry requirements  and  English language requirements

Course overview

The MA Translation programme combines training of practical translation skills and/or cultural mediation with teaching of translation theories and methods. It is unique in terms of the range of Asian and African language and cultural specialisations.

This programme enhances students' methodological and practical skills in translation, preparing you for the professional market as (freelance) translators, other language professionals, or cultural mediators, while providing an intellectual perspective on the discipline of translation studies, which could be the foundation for further MPhil/PhD research. Students have access to a wealth of resources for the study and practice of translation available in the SOAS Library and nearby institutions such as the University of London Library, the UCL Library, the British Library, as well as the BBC World Service and many others.

Student experience at SOAS is enriched by a range of research seminars at SOAS’ Centre for Translation Studies (CTS) as well as Student Enterprise activities such as translation work.

Drawing on the expertise of highly qualified teachers and researchers at SOAS, the MA translation programme offers a range of languages to work with, including: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Swahili, and Turkish.

Why study MA Translation at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 1st in London and 9th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for Middle Eastern and African Studies
  • Top 10th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for African and Middle Eastern Studies
  • Modern Languages and Linguistics at SOAS has been ranked 10th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
  • 4th for research environment - with 100% of our research ranked as 'internationally excellent' and 85% as 'world-leading' - and 8th for research outputs in the REF 2021
  • SOAS is a specialist in the studies of Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and South East Asia
  • Access comprehensive cross-regional expertise and gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of these regions in an increasingly globalised world
  • You will be eligible to apply for internships, available to students starting 2023/24

Students take 180 credits , 60 credits from a dissertation and 120 credits from taught modules.

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. 

However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Dissertation in Linguistics (Translation Theory) - 60 credits Open

The dissertation is a core component of all Masters programmes at SOAS. The supervised dissertation research requires the ability to work independently on an original piece of research, to demonstrate familiarity with the relevant literature and present the resulting dissertation in a clear and organised format. The research and writing of the Masters dissertation is a crucial component of Research-based Masters training.? The dissertation has a word limit of 10,000 words and it may take the form of a translation project (60%) with commentary (40%) or a theoretical discussion of translation grounded in an African or Asian language. The dissertation counts for 33% of the overall degree.

Translation Studies and Methodology - 15 credits Open

In this module, students learn key concepts and research method of Translation Studies. The module offers formative and summative exercises in which they learn and practice how to write academic essays about topics in Translation Studies.

Translation Theory - 15 credits Open

This is a core course of the MA in Translation covering the theoretical aspect of the programme by teaching the major concepts, issues and theories of translation. The course will assist students making the connection between translation theories and practice to ensure effective use of the theories learned in the course.

Guided options List A

60 credits from List A

Japanese-English Translation (PG) - 15 credits Open

The module aims to familiarise students with the process and techniques of translating from Japanese into English, developing their skills to a high level of proficiency, and provide them with much practical experience of translation. The module will raise students’ awareness of issues relating to literal and free styles of translation, to targeted readership, to degree of formality, and to cultural implications.

Translating Cultures 2 - 15 credits Open

This module focuses on understanding and applying the concepts of culture, otherness, and cultural translation approached from the perspectives of translation studies, post-colonial, and cultural studies. By taking this module, students can locate themselves in the wider context as translators/interpreters.

Korean-English Translation (PG) - 15 credits Open

This module examines issues surrounding the practice and activity of translation, and offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and methods in translating texts from Korean into English. The syllabus combines practical translation exercises with critical analyses of context, strategies, methods, and their socio-political and cultural implications.

Concepts and Practice of Subtitling - 15 credits Open

This module is made up of two main components: concepts and principles of subtitling and development of scholarship in subtitling research; and a component of practical subtitling project.

Translation Technology - 15 credits Open

This is an essential course for students wishing to pursue a career in professional translation in view of the fact that the use of computer aided translation (CAT) tools and other technologies is now a common practice and even a requirement in the industry. The course is designed to develop students’ knowledge and skills in a practical area in relation to translation as a profession and it also benefits those students who plan an academic career to engage in translation studies.

Introduction to Interpreting Practice - 15 credits Open

This module is to advance skills and knowledge in the interpreting practice. More specifically, it will impart general knowledge in typical areas of interpreting and develop related skills, namely active listening, note-taking, memory retention, oral presentation, public speaking and organizational skills. Students learn to analyze ideas and information conveyed in speeches to relay those ideas from one language into another, facilitating effective communication between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds

Practical Translation: English into Other Languages - 15 credits Open

This module offers training in practical translation from English into a number of languages offered by SOAS, including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Persian, Turkish and Swahili. Students are expected to take one language strand, but may take two.

Practical Translation: Other Languages into English - 15 credits Open

This module offers training in practical translation into English from a number of languages offered by SOAS including Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Turkish and Swahili. Students are expected to take one language strand, but may take two.

Guided options List B

Up to 30 credits from List B

Literature, Politics and National Identity in Modern China (PG) - 15 credits Open

This module will focus on modern Chinese literature from 1917 onward. It provides an opportunity for students from a wide range of academic backgrounds to gain a solid understanding of modern and contemporary Chinese literature.

World Literature (PG) - 15 credits Open

This module will introduce students to the growing field of world literature. It will broadly survey contemporary theoretical discussions in the field through two major entry points: language and translation and movement and identity.

Myths, Legends and Folkways of East Asia (PG) - 15 credits Open

This module introduces students to some of the most prominent themes of East Asian mythology. From mythical culture bearers and warring monkey kings to mischievous fox spirits and perfidy sensing goats, we will examine the origins of various myths, their sources and evolution over time, as well as their historical and cultural significance.

Language, Society and Communication (Masters) - 15 credits Open

This module introduces students to fundamental concepts and approaches in the study of the links between language and society. Using numerous examples, students will learn about the interplay of language with social factors such as class, gender, ethnicity and age, including how language varies and changes.

Cinemas of of the Middle East and North Africa 1 - 15 credits Open

The module will offer a survey of films from the Arab world, Turkey, Iran, and Israel, as well as an overview of the historical development of film in the region and a grounding in the socio-cultural contexts in which films have been produced. Films will be analysed aesthetically, with an awareness of multiple aspects of film technique, and meanings will be interrogated through a number of interdisciplinary and theoretical prisms.

Teaching and learning

The practical translation modules are optional, students who prefer to concentrate on cultural translation, cultural mediation, or translation theory are also welcome.

Learning outcome

  • understand translation processes intellectually
  • understand how theory and practice are related
  • understand how translation methodology can be applied in practice
  • understand how the learning outcomes can be used in industry

Intellectual (thinking) skills

  • cognitive processes of understanding languages and cultures
  • how translation relates to cross-cultual communication and international politics
  • critical analyses of translations

Subject-based practical skills

  • translation skills
  • cross-cultural communication skills
  • language skills
  • openness to understand different value systems

Transferrable skills

  • communication skills
  • understanding of other languages and cultures
  • general IT skills and translation-related IT skills

Learning resources

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

This programme has been granted free access to Phrase , an academic programme designed for universities with translation courses.

Phase website

Scholarships

Graduates of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with skills in written and oral communication, analysis and problem solving.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

  • Africa Matters
  • Amnesty International
  • Arab British Chamber of Commerce
  • BBC World Service
  • British High Commission
  • Council for British Research in the Levant
  • Department for International Development
  • Embassy of Jordan
  • Ernst & Young
  • Foreign & Commonwealth Office
  • Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies
  • Middle East Eye
  • Saïd Foundation
  • TalkAbout Speech Therapy
  • The Black Curriculum
  • The Telegraph
  • United Nations Development Programme
  • UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
  • Wall Street Journal

Find out about our Careers Service .

ma dissertation translation studies

Professor Nana Sato-Rossberg

Professor Nana Sato-Rossberg is the Chair of the Centre for Translation Studies. Her research interests include history of translation studies in Japan, intergeneric translations (manga to film), translation of oral narratives or orality, cultural translation, and the relationship between translation and power.

SOAS Voices

ma dissertation translation studies

Decolonising Bloomsbury: A guided walking tour through London’s colonial legacy

Dr Alia Amir, Research Associate at the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, takes us on a 'decolonising walk' through Bloomsbury, London and reflects on some of the historical landmarks while challenging us to confront colonial histories and envision a more just future.

ma dissertation translation studies

I’m a full-time SOAS student in my fifties. Here’s why I came back to university

Sian shares her motivations for returning to university full-time to learn Persian and her experiences of settling in so far.

ma dissertation translation studies

How to learn a language effectively: Advice from SOAS teachers

Teachers from the SOAS Language Centre share their favourite tips for learning a language and sticking to it, from building confidence and setting goals to getting creative in your everyday practice.

ma dissertation translation studies

Why Studio Ghibli is so popular and how it exports Japanese culture

Masami, a BA East Asian Studies student, delves into factors contributing to Studio Ghibli's international success and how the films may influence global perceptions of Japan.

ma dissertation translation studies

World Kiswahili Day: Here is how we celebrate Swahili every day at SOAS

For World Kiswahili Day, Dr Ida Hadjivayanis shares some of the Swahili activities at SOAS in the past year.

ma dissertation translation studies

Why I chose to study a language while working full-time

Language Centre student Bianca Belli discusses how she balances learning Japanese while working full-time, her plans for her newfound skills and shares the Japanese word she would teach a friend.

Leverhulme Research Leadership Award: Mapping Sumatra’s manuscript cultures

This project’s interdisciplinary team investigates manuscript libraries from the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the first landing point, geographically and historically, of Islam in South East Asia, to better understand the intellectual and writing traditions of the region.

British Academy writing workshop: Amplifying women's voices in Hausa cultural studies

This 4-day British Academy Writing Workshop and 6-months of mentorship sought to amplify the voices of academic women writing about Hausa cultural studies in Northern Nigeria by providing support in revising research in preparation for publication.

British Academy Writing Workshop ‘De-centering knowledge and training opportunities: Supporting the development of the next generation of researchers in African linguistics’

As part of this project we will run two writing workshops in Kenya for Early Career Researchers in linguistics to work with experienced editors, improve writing skills and strengthen scholarly networks.

Variation in Swahili: contact, change and identity

Variation in Swahili: contact, change and identity investigates different ways in which Swahili is spoken, how its varieties are influenced by other languages, and what this means for speakers and their identities.

RISE UP: Revitalising Languages and Safeguarding Cultural Diversity

Re/presenting islam on campus.

Exploring how Islam and Muslims are represented and perceived on UK university campuses.

Creative Multilingualism in World Literatures

Exploring multilingualism’s revolutionary potential and creative force in language, literature, thought and the visual arts.

Multilingual Locals and Significant Geographies

Countering the identification of world literature with English by highlighting the multilingualism and the many factors that contribute to regional and transnational literary fields.

The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to World Literature

A far-reaching and sustained study of key authors, texts, and topics from around the world and throughout history.

Prominent Possessors

Investigating the phenomenon of "prominent internal possessors" from a theoretical and cross-linguistic perspective.

Morphosyntactic variation in Bantu: Typology, contact and change

Exploring linguistic similarities within a sample of Bantu languages.

Crossroads: Investigating the unexplored side of multilingualism

Investigating multilingualism and language contact between three languages spoken at the “crossroads” – a group of neighbouring villages in the Casamance area of Senegal.

ma dissertation translation studies

Bahman Maghsoudlou Film Festival: Ardeshir Mohasses & His Caricatures / Iran Darroudi: The Painter of Ethereal Moments

This fifth session of the Bahman Maghsoudlou Film Festival is a double bill of two screenings.

ma dissertation translation studies

Utafiti: A research workshop for scholars of eastern Africa

Utafiti is an interdisciplinary workshop for early-career researchers working on Eastern Africa.

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ma dissertation translation studies

SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art

Object-based study of the arts of Asia, run in association with the British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum. Available in-person and online.

ma dissertation translation studies

MA Anthropology of Global Futures and Sustainability

MA Anthropology of Global Futures and Sustainability at SOAS University of London

ma dissertation translation studies

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MA South Asian Area Studies at SOAS University of London

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Translation Studies MA

The Translation Studies MA covers professional and academic training in English and Chinese languages. Translation Studies is an academically focused pathway of our Translation and Localisation MA.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

  • September 2024

Our Translation Studies MA combines practical training and theory in the fields of translation, interpreting and localisation. You'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to build an academic career in the field of translation studies.

This is a one-year Master's programme that uses English and Chinese as working languages.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

What you'll learn.

You will take compulsory and optional modules that typically include:

  • Research Methods
  • Translation and Interpreting Studies
  • Practical Translating
  • Public Service Interpreting
  • Localisation
  • Subtitle and Video Game Translation

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions .

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Compulsory modules

You will take the following compulsory modules:

  • Translation and Interpreting Studies (10 credits)
  • The Language Industry: Professions, Processes and Society (20 credits)
  • Research Methods in Translating and Interpreting (10 credits)

You will take one of the following modules:

  • Translation Practice and Analysis: English to Chinese (10 credits)
  • Specialised Translation: Chinese to English (10 credits)

You will also take one of the following modules:

  • Dissertation (60 credits)
  • Translating/Interpreting Project (60 credits)

Optional modules

All students will take further optional modules from the following, to bring the total number of credits to 180:

  • Public Service Interpreting (20 credits)
  • Chinese to/from English Subtitle and Video Game Translation (20 credits)
  • Drama Translation for Interpreters and Translators (10 credits)
  • Key Concepts in Corporate and Commercial Law (10 credits)
  • International Marketing (10 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Legal Translation (10 credits)
  • Literary Translation (10 credits)
  • Translator Entrepreneur (10 credits)
  • Translating for a Big Institution. The EU – A Case Study (10 credits)
  • Localisation 1 (10 credits)
  • Localisation 2 (10 credits)

How you'll learn

If you join at Stage 1, you take compulsory modules that typically include:

  • translating
  • simultaneous interpreting
  • consecutive interpreting
  • sight translation exercise
  • information technology for translators and interpreters
  • translation studies

In Stage 2 you take compulsory modules and optional modules. You also complete either a dissertation or a translating/interpreting project.

Depending on your focus, you take further optional modules that cover:

  • a sight translation exercise
  • bi-lateral interpreting
  • English-Chinese subtitle translation
  • literary translation

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Computer assessment
  • Dissertation
  • Professional skills assessments
  • Oral examination
  • Performance
  • Research paper
  • Written examination
  • Written exercise

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

  • module handbooks
  • course materials
  • course announcements and notifications
  • written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

  • personal tutors
  • our University Student Services Team
  • student representatives

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year).

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination

Find out more about:

  • living costs
  • tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

  • How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

  • campus tours
  • on-campus open days
  • virtual open days

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

  • Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

School of Modern Languages Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5867 Email:  [email protected]

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

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Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.

Language Resource Centre

Our  Language Resource Centre  is dedicated to the study of languages. It contains a vast collection of books, journals, and audio-visual tools. It also has computing facilities linked to a digital speech bank.

Other facilities

The  Phillip Robinson Library  has an excellent collection of books and articles. There are resources on translation and interpreting studies, audio-visual translation and localisation. Many of these materials are accessible online via the library’s digital service.

You can practice in one of two dedicated interpreting suites. You will also have access to a senior common room where you can relax, eat or study.

Learn more about the  School of Modern Languages facilities and resources .

  • What You'll Learn
  • How You'll Learn
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Universiteit Leiden

MA Thesis Translation

Admission requirements.

Students can start writing their thesis only after they have successfully completed the MA Thesis seminar Translation in the first semester, culminating in an approved annotated bibliography and thesis proposal.

Description

Aim of the Master’s Thesis A thesis is an academic essay, written by the student in consultation with the supervisor. The thesis must show that the student is capable of summarizing and analyzing existing literature in a critical manner, formulating one or more well-defined and motivated research questions and of conducting independent research.

At the heart of a Master’s thesis lies a research question, together with the answer to that question. Before a research question can be formulated, the student first has to do preparatory reading. The student then suggests an approach to arrive at possible answers to the research question. The research can be done by comparing views found in the literature and/or by collecting and analyzing data.

Submitting the Thesis Proposal Once the student has successfully passed the thesis seminar (i.e. has an approved annotated bibliography and thesis proposal) and been assigned to a supervisor (by the seminar instructors), the final thesis proposal can be submitted to the Board of Examiners using the Thesis Proposal form. The Thesis Proposal form should include the title of the thesis and a description of the topic. The form must be submitted to the Board of Examiners before 15 February . The Board will then inspect the thesis proposal to ensure that it is of an appropriate academic level. They will also appoint a second reader.

Deadline for submission complete draft: 1 June 2024 Deadline for submission final version: 1 July 2024 Deadline for resit: 30 August 2024

Please note that there is no supervision in July and August.

Students with extensions can continue writing without supervision in the first semester of the following academic year and submit before 1 November 2024. After this deadline, students have to start over with a new topic and new supervisor.

Handing in the Thesis

It is advisable to hand in the chapters of the thesis one by one and request feedback from the supervisor. Once the thesis has been approved by the supervisor, the final electronic version can be sent to both the supervisor and the second reader. When doing so, please include the e-mail address [email protected] in cc. Check with the supervisor if there are any specific guidelines regarding formatting and referencing.

In assessing the quality of the thesis, the following aspects play an important role:

The originality of the research question

Explaining the background of the research question

The critical analysis of source materials

Integration of secondary literature into the argument

Language use, structure and style

The degree of independence displayed during the research and supervision process

Also see: Regulations Linguistics

Course objectives

Ability to independently formulate a clear, concise, original and relevant research question that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of central debates and methods in Translation Studies

Ability to critically analyze the selected materials using a well-chosen and well-justified research methodology

Ability to synthesize secondary sources aimed at an advanced academic readership

Ability to write a coherent and consistent discussion that presents clear arguments and conclusions that follow logically from the presented materials

Ability to reflect critically on the research carried out, its limitations, and its contribution to existing and future research

The timetables are available through My Timetable .

Mode of instruction

Independent research and writing

A maximum number of 4 individual meetings of 30 minutes

Feedback is only provided on completed chapters that have been handed in in a timely manner (deadlines are agreed beforehand with the supervisor)

Assessment method

  • MA Thesis (100%)

The thesis has to be at least 6.0 in order to pass. Resits are submitted before 1 September 2024. There is no supervision in July and August.

Reading list

Not applicable.

Registration

Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory. General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website .

For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.

For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Reuvensplaats .

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1.INTRODUCTION TO M.A. DISSERTATION ON TRANSLATION OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE.doc

Profile image of Kieran M A T T H E W A N T H O N Y O'Driscoll

The attached are the four chapters of my Masters dissertation (2005) completed as part of my MA in Translation Studies with Dublin City University. The dissertation deals with the translation, from English into French, of the 'Harry Potter' novels by J.K. Rowling, discussed from the viewpoints of norm theory, translation shifts, multiple causes of translation outcomes, and universals of translation.

Related Papers

Kieran M A T T H E W A N T H O N Y O'Driscoll

ma dissertation translation studies

Chiara DE CARLO

Soheil Bahadory

Linnea Gustavsson-Englund

This paper contrasts J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series in the English original with its Swedish translation, by Lena Fries-Gedin. After an initial presentation of related research, some concepts such as implied narrator, implied reader, as well as intertextuality in translation and dual audience in children’s literature are explained. These concepts are applied to the two bodies of text to examine if they are identical in both the English and the Swedish versions. Some translational strategies are presented, and looking at examples from the texts it is discerned which strategies are being used. The Swedish translation’s use of formal ‘you’ to reflect the quality of inter-character relationships is discussed and examined, and the portrayal of sociolects in the original and translation are compared, concluding that the dialects are transformed into average spoken Swedish, and that adolescent speech is only partially transposed from the English original. There is also a comparison of differences in register, where the mentioned examples show that there is a loss of fluidity in style, and that the tone of the Swedish text is more dated than the English text. Some comparisons to other translations of Harry Potter are made, citing examples from other research, to view the Swedish translation in an international context. A brief comparison of the graphic design differences of layout is discussed, concluding that the Swedish design is likely more appealing to children. https://su.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?dswid=4562&pid=diva2%3A1427221&c=1&searchType=SIMPLE&language=en&query=kralik&af=%5B%5D&aq=%5B%5B%5D%5D&aq2=%5B%5B%5D%5D&aqe=%5B%5D&noOfRows=50&sortOrder=author_sort_asc&sortOrder2=title_sort_asc&onlyFullText=false&sf=all

International Journal of English Language and Translation Studies

The study of translation norms is one of the areas in translation studies which identify regularities of behavior (i.e. trends of relationships and correspondences between ST and TT segments) by comparing source texts and their translations. Norms of translation are mostly done in areas other than religious texts. Therefore, it seems necessary to do a research on religious texts. Textual–linguistic norms govern the selection of TT linguistic material: lexical items, phrases, and stylistic features. To do so, translation strategies adopted by translators were identified through comparing translations and source texts. Translation strategies proposed by Chesterman (1997) are investigated in samples of texts translated by World Ahlubayt assembly, an organization in charge of religious translation in Iran. The texts included seven books from seven translators in World Ahlulbayt Assembly. The strategies investigated in corpus dealt with three linguistic levels: semantic, syntactic and pragmatic strategies and changes done at these three levels. The results showed that syntactic changes were of the highest frequency in all texts. At semantic level, synonymy was the most frequent translation strategy. At syntactic level, clause structure changes and at pragmatic level and explicitness change were the most frequent changes.

Rebecca Kirkman

The Harry Potter series poses particular problems for translators, and their translations raise many questions for us. Do translators aim to produce a text that has the same effect as the original or one that familiarizes children with British culture? Do translators keep the source text’s English names and words or translate them into the target language? How do the translator’s choices affect the reader’s perceptions? How do factors like text type, text function and target group influence translation strategy choices and which techniques can a translator use when translating culture-specific items? My thesis examines the linguistic and cultural issues in the French translation of the Harry Potter novels by investigating how the translator, Jean-Francois Ménard, conveys the British cultural setting of the Harry Potter stories for French readers and translates the invented words, names and places. I identify specific translation problems, and analyse how the translator deals with these, and discuss the ways in which he transfers culture and meaning in producing a readable and entertaining translation for French readers.

The purpose of this article is to discuss the theatrical adaptation by the nineteenth-century writer Jules Verne, of the da Vinci painting 'Mona Lisa', to the stage, in the form of a romantic comedy in verse. The article discusses the similarities between the play and its adapted entities, viz. Da Vinci's life and art works, but, more importantly for adaptation studies, this article highlights the transformation processes or shifts operated by Verne on the artifacts adapted by him, and suggests causal explanations for the nature of the equivalence realized by Verne between adapted and adapting entities, such equivalence being assumed to comprise similarity as well as difference. It is suggested that the reasons for adaptation decisions are mainly located within target culture conditioners, which is in line with current thinking within adaptation studies. The primary cause of the form of an adaptation is the personal, individual creativity and imagination of the adapter - in this case, Jules Verne. This article seeks to achieve consilience between Translation Studies and Adaptation Studies, the latter being seen as both a sub-discipline of the former as well as an autonomous field of study in its own right. This case study also aspires to broadening concepts of translation, in line with the calls by such translation scholars as Tymoczko (2009) and Munday (2009) to continue to extend the areas with which Translation Studies concerns itself as well as to continue to broaden its engagement with other disciplines (in this case study, Translation Studies is seen to enage with such disciplines as adaptation studies and literary studies).

Atbin Atbinus

Everyone has a theory of translation – from the reader of the Penguin Classics translation of Hans Fallada’s Alone in Berlin (2009), who admires Fallada’s style, to the foreign diplomat who, when summoned to the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs in 2007 and reprimanded for expressing a less than positive view of Ireland, blamed his translator. In the first case, the reader assumes that she is reading Fallada’s words and therefore believes a translation to be identical to its source text (ST). In the second, the diplomat knows that it is acceptable to blame the translator in a society that views translation as invariably inadequate and considers translators to be not real professionals.

Wen-chun Liang

Yi Shin Shen

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Comparative literature program senior theses presentations.

COLT Senior Theses Presentations

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Dartmouth Hall 104 4:30 pm

Fabrizio Lopez Cochachi From History to memory: Comparative Discourse of Proust's Le Temps Retrouvé and Michelet's Historire del la Révolution Francaise Advisor Lawrence D. Kritzman

Matthew O. Skrod Representing the Occupation: Subversive Memory and History in Two Postwar French Films Advisors Lawrence D. Kritzman Lucas C. Hollister

Tiffany H. Chang Loving 바 리 데 기 :  A Traveler's Guide to Anthologizing the 여 성   시 인 Advisors: Michelle R. Warren Nancy L. Canepa

Senior concentrator Jorge Ruiz awarded DRCLAS thesis prize

Cherry Tree at Harvard

The David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies (DRCLAS) has awarded senior concentrator Jorge Ruiz the James R. and Isabel D. Hammond Thesis Prize on Spanish-speaking Latin American Studies for his thesis, Old Parties and New Cleavages: Puerto Rico’s Emerging Multi-Party System .

ma dissertation translation studies

His thesis centered on the 2020 election, which saw five parties gain legislative representation – a historic moment given two parties, the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) and the New Progressive Party (PNP), have dominated Puerto Rican politics for half a century. For the first time, neither the PPD nor the PNP won a majority in the Senate – so what explains the unprecedented emergence of a multi-party system in Puerto Rico?

Jorge’s thesis addresses this puzzle by analyzing public opinion data, party platforms, and original interviews with officials from all five Puerto Rican parties. By showing that, although voter preferences and party positions historically revolved around Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States, Puerto Ricans have recently become divided around social and economic issues. Nevertheless, the PPD and PNP failed to take clear positions on these emerging issues, creating an opportunity for new parties to succeed.

Arguing that these findings can be generalized beyond Puerto Rico, Jorge determined that party systems are likely to change when a critical mass of voters form strong preferences along a new political cleavage and established parties fail to adopt positions relevant to these new priorities. This framework provides an alternative to preexisting explanations for party system change, which have traditionally focused on the role of electoral institutions.

The DRCLAS prize committee unanimously voted Jorge as the winner of the prestigious award, noting they were “thoroughly impressed by [his] research and writing.”

The prize, which is recognized with a $2,000 grant, will be celebrated at the annual DRCLAS Certificate, Thesis Prize, and Fellowships Ceremony on May 22.

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Tracing Largely Forgotten History of Major Community

  • For the Media

Julia Tellides discovered the rich Jewish heritage of Thessaloniki two years ago on a Harvard Summer School Study Abroad program.

“It was the first time I heard about there being a large Jewish community anywhere in Greece,” said the graduating senior, a joint history and classics concentrator. “I thought, why have I never heard about this before? If anyone should know about this history, it’s me.”

Tellides, who grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, with a Greek father and Jewish mother, went on to devote her senior thesis to the city’s politically active Jewish residents during a period of upheaval in the early 20th century. Once home to the largest Sephardic Jewish population in Europe, Thessaloniki (traditionally known as Salonica or Salonika) proved a gold mine of Jewish culture and resistance, with Tellides surfacing new insights on the community’s struggle for survival.

“For an undergraduate to have gone into such depth, and with such originality, is remarkable,” said Tellides’ thesis adviser Derek Penslar , the William Lee Frost Professor of Jewish History and director of Harvard’s Center for Jewish Studies .

Greece’s second-largest city, situated 300 miles north of Athens on the Aegean Sea, once served as an economic and cultural crossroads. “It was one of the most important ports in the Ottoman Empire,” Tellides explained. It was also a melting pot where Jews, Muslims, and Christians coexisted in relative peace.

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  1. MA in Literary Translation Studies Dissertation

    All students doing the MA in Literary Translation Studies Studies are required to complete a dissertation of approximately 16,000 words.The MA dissertation offers students the chance to undertake and complete one of two forms of sustained research project: either a) a dissertation of the more conventional variety, where the student undertakes research into an area of translation theory and ...

  2. Recent masters dissertation topics in Translation Studies

    Recent masters dissertation topics in Translation Studies. 'The Influence of Cross-cultural Factors on Interpreters' Roles in the Medical Setting in New Zealand: Revisiting the Code of Ethics (AUSIT) from a Chinese Perspective' - Yi Liang. 'Exploring the Concept of Fidelity in Official English-Chinese Movie Title Translation under ...

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    MA with Thesis. The thesis for the M.A. in Translation Studies is between 20,000 and 25,000 words if the student chooses to do a descriptive, historical, or theoretical topic. If a student elects to do a translation as the thesis, the translation is 10,000-15,000 words (or other appropriate size to be determined by the committee, depending on ...

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  5. Welcome to Master in Translation Studies!

    The thesis must be successfully defended at an oral examination. Examples of MA theses defended in the program can be found in under Research. OPTION 2: 6 COURSES + MAJOR RESEARCH PAPER. Candidates for the MA Degree by Research Paper must complete six courses and submit a Major Research Paper on a well-defined topic.

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    Students on the MA Translation Studies take a selection of modules amounting to 180 credits in total. This includes a compulsory Translation Dissertation (60 credits) and two compulsory modules: Translation Theory (30 credits) and The Practice of Translation (30 credits). The remaining 60 credits are chosen from our optional modules, see below.

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  21. (Doc) 1.introduction to M.a. Dissertation on Translation of Children'S

    The attached are the four chapters of my Masters dissertation (2005) completed as part of my MA in Translation Studies with Dublin City University. The dissertation deals with the translation, from English into French, of the 'Harry Potter' novels by J.K. Rowling, discussed from the viewpoints of norm theory, translation shifts, multiple causes ...

  22. Comparative Literature Program Senior Theses Presentations

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  25. Tracing Largely Forgotten History of…

    CES Senior Thesis Grant Recipient Julia Tellides explored shifts and upheavals of Thessaloniki between two wars. ... the William Lee Frost Professor of Jewish History and director of Harvard's Center for Jewish Studies. Greece's second-largest city, situated 300 miles north of Athens on the Aegean Sea, once served as an economic and ...