Course description
Introduction
This course is intended for people wishing to undertake translation from one Main Language only into English (mother tongue), and also study selected linguistics modules.
The course aims to:
- provide the opportunity for translators to engage in true interdisciplinary language study, covering both translation skills and the analysis of language structure and function;
- deepen linguistic awareness and understanding of the nature of language in general and of translation (both process and product) in particular;
- further enhance competence in both source language and mother tongue, including developing an ability to identify and operate in a variety of language styles and registers; and
- equip you with the necessary skills for professional employment in the field of translation (familiarity with both technical and specialised registers, editing skills and work experience)
Course Content
The translation component of the course is primarily focused on working from one Main Language into English (mother tongue). However, there are opportunities for studying other languages. Provided you meet the appropriate pre-requisites, you may take one or two half modules in a Subsidiary Language (translating into English). This enables you to focus on your main language whilst also broadening study and providing variety.
You will also have the opportunity to improve your competence in your source language via options such as Introduction to Interpreting Skills. The selection of linguistics modules promotes your understanding of language in context (eg Written Discourse Analysis and Sociolinguistics) as well as your knowledge of the issues raised in language understanding at a more theoretical level. At the same time, there are modules in linguistics which are directly related to the theory and practice of translation (eg Translation Theory and Computer-Assisted Translation). For the MA, you choose the Project module (undertaking a substantial translation) or the Thesis module (undertaking research into a translation-related topic).
Core modules:
Main Language (translation from source language into English mother tongue)
Project or Thesis
Written Discourse Analysis
Options, choose from
Computer-Assisted Translation
Creole Linguistics
Developing Professionalism for Translators
Editing Skills (languages to be confirmed)
Field Study
Introduction to Interpreting Skills (languages to be confirmed)
Principles of Economics and Finance
Principles of Science and Technology
Sociolinguistics
Subsidiary Language (translation into English mother tongue)
Translation Theory
Teaching and Assessment
Assessment, through a varied combination of coursework and formal exams, takes place at the end of the module. Some translation exams take place using word processors.
Associated Careers
Graduates will be well-equipped to proceed to postgraduate studies at MPhil or PhD levels, or seek employment as translators with companies, whether specialising in translation, industry, commerce or the media.
