MA-PGDip in Monolingual Subtitling and Audio Description
ObjectivesThis programme is dedicated to media access for people with sensory disabilities. It focuses on monolingual subtitling (captioning) for the deaf and hard-of-hearing and audio description, a form of narrative translation for blind and partially sighted people. Learning from professionals and academics in a supportive environment, you will be entering a unique programme - the only UK Masters programme which is dedicated to monolingual subtitling and audio description, preparing you for a growing professional market, as well as for the exciting new research opportunities which are currently arising in these emerging audiovisual disciplines. Professional subtitlers and audio describers who are active in the market bring their real-world experience and standards into the classroom as tutors. Experienced academic staff with excellent research records in various areas of translation studies help you to develop a broad understanding of the current and future challenges of audiovisual translation. Modules are practice-based and embedded in the context of a sound linguistic, cultural and semiotic framework. Regular seminars in our Professional Aspects of Translation series - held throughout the year - provide additional insights from a range of experienced professionals. The programme offers 24/7 access to computer labs and the latest professional audio description and subtitling software. Work on the dissertation begins towards the end of the Spring semester and is normally completed over the summer.
Entry requirementsTypical entry requirements Entry is open to applicants with excellent linguistic skills in English and a good undergraduate degree (Second class honours or equivalent) in English, modern languages, journalism, applied linguistics or a similar subject.
Academic titleMA/PGDip in Monolingual Subtitling and Audio Description
Course descriptionMA/PGDip in Monolingual Subtitling and Audio Description Module overview
Compulsory Modules
Intralingual Audiovisual Translation (Subtitling for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing: SDH)
In this module students will learn how to produce intralingual subtitles in order to meet the needs of SDH viewers. The focus will be on acquiring skills for analysing the various components of audiovisual materials (speech, sound, text), developing strategies for transferring audio information to written form and learning to create subtitle files, using professional subtitling software.
Audio Description (AD)
In audio description, additional narrative is inserted in films, TV programmes or theatre performances to describe actions, body language and other essential details in order to increase the comprehension and enjoyment of audiovisual contents for blind and partially sighted people. In this module students will learn how to produce effective audio descriptions, using professional AD software.
Audiovisual Translation Issues
In this module students will learn about the various forms of audiovisual translation such as subtitling, dubbing, voice-over and audio description, their development, their major challenges, as well as their overall relationship to translation.
Applied Linguistic Principles
Drawing on pragmatic models of communication, this module will help students to develop an understanding of how verbal language and other modes of communication are used for the creation and comprehension of meaning.
Dissertation
Students have the opportunity to specialise in an aspect of the programme by writing a topic-based dissertation, or doing a subtitling/audio description project with commentary. Successful completion of the module requires close collaboration with a supervisor and good planning and organisation skills.
Optional Modules
In addition to the compulsory modules, you will be able to select optional modules according to your specific interests. You may learn a new language for translation purposes or complement your skills in audiovisual translation through the study of other aspects of translation and creative writing.
Programme length
9 months full-time for Diploma, 12 months full-time for MA. Part-time study is not normally available on this programme.