Triangle

Course overview

Do you have a flair for language and a passion for communication? The Translation Studies MA could be your step into a translation or interpreting career. Alternatively, if you already work in this field it could equip you with the skills to take it to the next level.

You may choose from two pathways; translation or translation with interpreting. This allows you to focus on building the skills most relevant to your preferred practice.

Both pathways allow you to gain a theoretical understanding and solid practical experience. You'll also be introduced to a variety of computer-assisted tools. These will become invaluable additions to your translator's toolbox.

Languages supported, choose up to three (in addition to English);

  • Arabic
  • French
  • German
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish

Please note, not all languages are available in all modules.

Applicants hoping to study translation who have Chinese (Mandarin) language skills may be interested in either Chinese/English Translation and Interpreting MA or Translation and Localisation Studies MA.

Hear from our staff

"At Nottingham, we offer a very well rounded Translation Studies MA. We cover everything from interlingual translation to translation across languages as well as audio visual translation in the form of subtitling for deaf audiences and audio description for blind audiences.

Also, we train students to use translation management software, the idea behind this is to give them a head start when they start applying for jobs." 

- Alex Mével, Associate Professor in Translation Studies. Read more from Alex, including who would be well suited to this course.

Why choose this course?

Gain specialist skills

Develop your skills as a translator

Excellent facilities

Hone your skills and gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art Translation and Interpreting suite.

Learn from experts

Most our teaching staff have extensive industry experience

Build a portfolio

Use your translation project to build a portfolio to share with employers

Zoo Academy software

Free access to professional workflow simulation tools

Course content

The MA is structured around core modules in:

  • Translators Toolbox
  • Practical Translation
  • Subtitling for Deaf Audiences
  • Audio description

For the "with Interpreting" pathway, Introduction to Interpreting is also compulsory. Students taking Introduction to Interpreting will automatically be put on the "with Interpreting" pathway.

Optional modules allow the acquisition or extension of skills in the relevant language pair, or development of existing expertise. These modules are taught in either Autumn or Spring semester, and therefore run either from the end of September to December, or from late January to May.

The remaining time (Summer) is allocated to the preparation and submission of a Targeted Translation/Interpreting Project (core for all), for submission by the end of September. If appropriate arrangements can be made, the project may take the form of a practical exercise undertaken during a placement with a public body or charity.

Modules

All students

Translator's Toolbox 20 credits

Computer-assisted translation is an area of extreme growth and it’s vital that translators and interpreters have a good understanding of the tools available to them. This module will introduce you to the key concepts, terms and components, such as, term base, translation memory and translation editor in practice-based workshops.

Practical Translation 20 credits

This module will enable you to combine translation theory and practice through workshops to maximise skills development. Workshops are based on translation of different text types where relevant critical and genre-specific approaches are introduced. This module will prepare you for life as a language professional and/or translation practitioner.

Subtitling for Deaf Audiences

Gain a grounding in subtitling for D/deaf members of the audience. You'll get to grips with professional tools and professional conventions (for spotting, splitting, presentation, reading speed etc.) with a view to open up professional avenues.

Audio description

Discover accessibility practices in the field of audiovisual translation, with a particular focus on audio description (AD). You'll focus on the theory and practice(s) of different aspects of AD. The linguistic, technical, and cultural specificities of AD will be examined in detail. You'll become familiar with professional tools, workflows and standards.

Because the module focusses on AD produced for members of the audience on the blindness spectrum, part of the module is also dedicated to helping you understand blindness, visual impairments, and the needs of members of the audience on the blindness spectrum. The working language will be English, and whilst you will be given the opportunity to work between languages, it should be noted that for practical purposes, the focus of the module will be largely intralingual.

Targeted Translation Project

This module requires you to demonstrate practical translation skills through translation of a text or series of texts.

The commentary, which is 12-15,000 words,  should demonstrate how and why the translator uses the theories s/he has learned to guide the translation and illustrate in detail the skills and techniques s/he has applied in solving the problems occurred during translation. You will work under the guidance of a supervisor. Options for the project include translation, localisation or subtitling.

Interpretation pathway

You will be expected to take this module:

Introduction to Interpreting 20 credits

We’ll introduce you to a variety of different techniques and help you start building the key skills required to ​begin your exciting journey of becoming a successful interpreter. You’ll explore simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, putting your findings into practice with your classmates. We’ll also explore some of the obstacles interpreters face and teach you how to navigate around them.

Through lectures, skills-based classes and time spent practising your newly-acquired skills (using the online platform for interpreters and/or in the interpreter’s booth) you ​should see an improvement to your listening, concentration and memory skills.

By the end of the module you’ll have gained a solid ​introductory understanding of interpreting skills and will feel confident and capable when putting them into practice in the easy level interpreting tasks. ​This module could become a first step towards your further training to become a professional interpreter!

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 02 August 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Introduction to Localisation 20 credits

This module will help you understand the key differences between traditional translation and localisation. We'll introduce you to localisation tools and their use in a variety of contexts, such as academic, practical and business.

Localisation Practice 20 credits

In this module you will participate in real-life localisation projects, to learn advanced IT skills, translation technology, marketing strategies, business execution and language service administration.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 02 August 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Native English speakers

You may choose to continue your language studies in one language or even start a new one ab initio through two 10-credit modules, one in each semester. 

 

Language modules 10 credits

Whether you’re interested in opening up career opportunities around the world, giving your studies a boost by gaining access to research in other languages or simply planning to travel after your studies, developing foreign language skills will help you stand out from the crowd. We offer nine languages and you can start as a beginner or at a more advanced level; Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish

You may also choose from the following foreign language-related modules:

  • Language and Language Learning
  • Culture of Arabic Language
  • Teaching and Learning Foreign Languages
  • Exploring Intercultural Awareness

Find out more about learning a language alongside your studies

Non-native English speakers

You will usually be expected to take the following module:

English for Language Professionals 20 credits

Further develop your English language skills focussing on areas which are important for language professionals:

  • lexis, structure and functions
  • receptive and productive skills
  • textual aspects
  • situational constraints, pragmatics and register
  • relevant cultural background
  • corpus research methods for register, genre and discourse analysis.

You’ll also discover a range valuable sources of information and guidance which will benefit you throughout your career.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 02 August 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Tutorials
  • Supervision

You will be taught in a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. Where relevant, you'll also use professional tools, translation software, and work in our dedicated translation and interpreting suites.

How you will be assessed

  • Essay
  • In-class test
  • Dissertation
  • Presentation

You'll usually be assessed by coursework (Translating Texts, Audiovisual Translation, Introduction to Translation Theory), or by in-class exams (for Introduction to Interpreting and Translator’s Toolbox).

You'll also complete a dissertation or a Targeted Translation Project.

Contact time and study hours

You'll have 6 to 8 contact hours every week during term time, and are expected to undertake independent study (in the form of reading, preparing for classes, writing assignments) for 25-30 hours/week.

Many of our academics across the department have been awarded Lord Dearing Awards over the last five years. These recognise outstanding student learning and are based on nominations from students and other academics.

Lord Dearing Award winners: Erica Brasil, Pierre-Alexis Mével, Heike Bartel, Jose Rino Soares, Tara Webster-Deakin, Marilena Minoia, Manuel Lagares Alonso.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 (or international equivalent) in an arts, humanities or social science subject
Additional information
  • Native speakers of English: you should hold an honours degree in the foreign language you wish to study at MA level, at 2:1 or above or an international equivalent.
  • Non-native speakers of English: if English is the intended target language, near-native proficiency is required.
  • Dual non-native speakers: should demonstrate near-native proficiency in one language and be very proficient in the other.

Languages offered: Arabic, French, German, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish

Applicants hoping to study translation who have Chinese (Mandarin) language skills may be interested in either Chinese/English Translation and Interpreting MA or Translation and Localisation Studies MA.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
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Where you will learn

Translation Suite

Our translation suite provides students with a space to learn to work in an integrated translation environment (ITE) which is essential for professionals in the language service industry today.

All work stations are installed with industry-standard translation software which supports the wide range of translation technology modules we provide, including computer-aided translation, localisation and audio-visual translation.  

Interpreting Booth

Where you will learn

Interpreting Booth

Our interpreting suite boasts a fully-functioning conference room and 8 individual interpreting booths. Equipped with the latest conference interpreting technology, our facility is built to the same specifications as those used by the UN and European Parliament in Brussels. The interpreting suite is the designated learning space for a full range of interpreting training activities, providing students with the opportunity and technology to acquire a comprehensive interpreting skillset.

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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Arts learning support

Where you will learn

University-wide facilities

Technology: MyNottingham app; full campus wi-fi; personal laptop repair; online, face-to-face and telephone support. 

Libraries: extensive print and online resources; 24/7 opening; study support; laptop loans; assistive technology

Manuscripts and Special Collections: rare and specialised documents, books, photos and posters used for teaching and research. Collections include Soviet War posters, DH Lawrence, rare medical records and much, much more!

Fees

Qualification MA
Home / UK £9,250
International £22,600

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, we do not anticipate any extra significant costs, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies, which you would need to factor into your budget.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Many of our postgraduates have taken up academic posts in higher education institutions in the UK and abroad. Others have embarked upon careers in curriculum design, interpreting and translation, publishing and research.

Career progression

90.9% of postgraduates from the School of Modern Languages and Cultures secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £25,028.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

ZOO Academy

Our partnership with ZOO Academy means that you get free-of-charge access to ZOOdubs and ZOOsubs as part of your degree. ZOO Academy tools are used to simulate professional workflows. Becoming proficient in their use will optimise your employability in the field of audiovisual translation.

 

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" The teaching talent on offer for this degree is fantastic. The course is run by Dr Pierre-Alexis Mével, a leading academic in the field of audiovisual translation. Each module is taught by an expert of their field, and so I felt that I had a lot to gain by choosing to complete my Master’s degree at the University of Nottingham. "
Daniel Hirst graduated in 2016 and has founded his own translation company, DHMS Translation

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This content was last updated on Friday 02 August 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.