ObjectivesThe course aims to: - train language specialists (new graduates as well as mature or experienced students) to a professional level in translation; - familiarise you with up-to-date information and terminology in both the mother tongue as well as the source languages in relation to the various specialised fields covered by the course; and - give you insights at the practical level into the various aspects of a career in professional translation and, at the academic level, into the actual process of translation.
Entry requirementsThis course is for native speakers of English. You are required to have a first degree either in modern languages or other subjects. You may be tested at the discretion of the course team. Mature linguists without a degree, but with sufficient working experience in translation, are invited to apply.
Academic titleMA Technical and Specialised Translation
Course descriptionIntroduction
The course aims to:
- train language specialists (new graduates as well as mature or experienced students) to a professional level in translation;
- familiarise you with up-to-date information and terminology in both the mother tongue as well as the source languages in relation to the various specialised fields covered by the course; and
- give you insights at the practical level into the various aspects of a career in professional translation and, at the academic level, into the actual process of translation.
Successful completion of this course will enable you to:
- produce accurate and commercially acceptable translation of a general or specific nature from two of the designated main languages into English, your mother tongue, applying (where possible) insights drawn from the formal study of linguistics and translation theory;
- after completion of the relevant module, act as revisers and editors of translation; and
- research new specialised areas for the purposes of translation, as required, in a professional context.
Course Content
This course, intended for native speakers of English only, covers translation into English of technical and institutional texts from two of French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish (the so-called Main Languages). The two Main Language modules constitute the core modules for this course, along with either a Thesis or Project. You may also undertake translation from up to two Subsidiary Languages (also into English). Depending on demand, the range of Subsidiary Languages varies annually from among Danish, Dutch, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish. In addition to the Subsidiary Languages, the course offers a range of translation related modules including Computer-Assisted Translation, Editing Skills, Translation Theory and a work experience module, Field Study. Introduction to Interpreting Skills is also popular.
Core modules:
Main Language (translation from any two of French, German, Italian, Russian or Spanish into English mother tongue)
Project or Thesis
Options, choose from:
Computer-Assisted Translation
Creole Linguistics
Developing Professionalism for Translators
Editing Skills (language(s) subject to annual confirmation)
Field Study
Introduction to Interpreting Skills (language(s) subject to annual confirmation)
Introduction to Technical Writing
Principles of Economics and Finance
Principles of Science and Technology
Sociolinguistics
Subsidiary Language (translation into English mother tongue from a range of languages subject to annual confirmation)
Translation Theory
Written Discourse Analysis
Teaching and Assessment
Assessment takes place at the end of each module; it may take a variety of forms but is, overall, a mix of coursework and exams. Selected translation exams may be sat using word processors.
Associated Careers
Graduates from this course find employment as professional translators in industry and commerce, or on a freelance self-employed basis.