Objectives
Since 1985, this internationally recognised programme has prepared students to work as professional translators, terminologists and project managers, specialising in the translation of business/economics and scientific/technical texts. You will study translation practice in small groups with a focus on professional standards, alongside core modules on translation issues. There is a wide range of options to choose from (subject to demand) ranging from computer-assisted translation tools to creative writing. Languages currently on offer (subject to demand): Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish, all paired with English. Learning from professionals and academics in a supportive environment, you will be entering a highly specialised programme, preparing you for a growing professional market as well as for the exciting research opportunities in this expanding field. Professional translators bring their real-world experience and standards into the classroom as tutors. Experienced academic staff with excellent research records help you to develop a broad understanding of the current and future challenges of translation. Regular seminars in our Professional Aspects of Translation series - held throughout the year - provide additional insights from a range of experienced professionals. Work on the dissertation begins towards the end of the Spring semester and is normally completed over the summer.
Course description
MA/PGDip in Translation Module overview
Compulsory Modules
Translation Issues 1
This module provides students with a framework for understanding important aspects of translations and translating, drawing on key concepts from text linguistics, semiotics and text processing, as well as terminology studies.
Translation Issues 2
This module focuses on the major approaches to translation studies. It offers students the opportunity to develop a framework for analysing and discussing translation activity. The issues discussed in class are organised chronologically, examining the most recent trends in translation studies, and thematically, offering a problem-focused strand (equivalence, register, humour and so on).
Applied translation modules available in various pathway combinations:
Economics/Business Translation (language-pair specific)
This module provides students with no previous experience of specialist translation in economics/business with the opportunity to reach an acceptable professional level of translation competence. It combines regular translation practice in smaller groups with lectures on the underlying principles of economics and applied economics.
Scientific and Technical Translation (language-pair specific)
This module provides students with no previous experience of specialist translation in science/technology with the opportunity to reach an acceptable professional level of translation competence. It combines regular translation practice in smaller groups with lectures on underlying principles of science and technology.
European Union Texts: Translation (Greek only)
This module provides students with no previous experience of specialist translation in European Union texts with the opportunity to reach an acceptable professional level of translation competence. It combines regular translation practice in smaller groups with lectures on the European Union. Offered in Greek only.
Ab Initio Language for Translation Purposes
This module provides students with the chance to study a new language for translation purposes. It is particularly useful for students with only one foreign language who wish to add to their portfolio of translation languages. At the end of the module, students will have the basis for further professional development in the chosen language.
Dissertation This module allows students to specialise in an aspect of the programme of particular interest by writing a topic-based dissertation, doing a translation with commentary or compiling an electronic termbase with a commentary. Successful completion of the module requires close collaboration with a supervisor and good planning and organisation skills.
Optional modules
A range of options to suit different interests is available subject to demand.
Programme length
9 months full-time for Diploma, 12 months full-time for MA. Part-time study is not normally available on this programme.
