ObjectivesThis very successful distance learning programme allows you to take a more professional or a more academic approach to translation at a postgraduate level. We focus on translation between English and Arabic, French, German, or Spanish. You must make up 120 credits in taught modules (September to June), before going on to take the 60 credit Dissertation (September to April). The programme seeks to develop advanced and highly sophisticated communication in the language(s) of your choice, and in particular to develop a reflective approach to translation. It includes both theoretically-orientated modules and training in computer-assisted translation techniques with a bias towards specialised translation.
Entry requirementsYou must hold a UK or equivalent degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate an appropriate level of competence in English. Exemption Accreditation of Learning (AL) may be granted in some cases. If you intend to claim Accreditation of Learning, please discuss this with the Programme Director before you apply.
You will be introduced to current theoretical debates underlying the translation process. These approaches offer an integrated, interdisciplinary, multi-method and multi-level explanation of the phenomenon of translation, and go beyond the traditional reliance on personal experience and anecdotalism.
In addition you may, if you wish, take modules which give training in computer-assisted translation and undertake a corpus-based specialised translation project. This will be of particular interest to those working, or wishing to work, in professional translation in a technical field.
The following modules are available:
-Introduction to the Critique of Translation
-Critique of Translation Arabic/French/German/Italian/Spanish
-Arabic/French/German/Italian/Spanish Core Translation
-German - English Translation in a social context
-Theories of Translation
-Text Linguistics
-Humour and its Translation
-Practising as a Translator
-Virtual Placement
-Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)
-Corpus-Based Specialised Translation (CST)
-Dissertation
You can:
-combine two languages;
-follow a more professional route by taking the Practising as a Translator, Virtual Placement, CAT or CST Project modules;
-take a more academic and theoretical approach by taking the Theories, Text Linguistics or Humour modules;
-combine professional with theoretical modules.
MA students submit a 15,000 word dissertation (60 credits) which provides a framework for reflecting on the translation/textual analysis process, which is essentially hermeneutic. A one-day methodology session gives you training in library research and IT, and helps you to formulate a dissertation proposal. Typical areas of investigation are discourse analysis, text typology, terminology research and the immense variation in texts.
Teaching and learning
All modules are taught via the Blackboard (UWEonline) computer conferencing system. Materials can be accessed and submitted to the system using standard browser software like Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
Assessment
All modules are assessed through coursework or project work. Progression to the MA is only possible when the 120 credits for the Postgraduate Diploma have been gained. Assessment of the MA is by dissertation alone.
To gain the Postgraduate Diploma, you need successfully to have completed 120 credits. For the MA, you need an additional 60 credits, in the form of the dissertation