Interpreting

Overview

This MA in Interpreting is designed to provide students with:

- In-depth knowledge and understanding of the contexts and practices of professional interpreting, enabling students to develop the skills upon which professional interpreter competence is predicated

- Advanced expertise in their language pairs

- In-depth knowledge of the language-services market place

- Appropriate opportunities in professionally-based practice



Course Details

The programme introduces students to the contexts and environments in which professional interpreters work and to the research techniques and modes of practice required by these contexts. Delivered through a combination of seminars, workshops, guided private study, a programme of visiting speakers and appropriate professional practice, the structure of the programme enables students to work at the highest professional level. For 2025 entry, Chinese-English and Arabic-English are offered. Please contact the programme convenor Dr. Chen-En Ho (c.ho@qub.ac.uk) if you need further details about language pairs.



Dissertation

The dissertation will either be an extended essay on an aspect of interpreting theory and practice; or a case study documenting an extended interpreting engagement.



Professional Accreditations

Students who complete the additional module Principles in Community Interpreting are eligible for the award of a OCN Level 4 certificate in Principles of Community Interpreting.

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.



Year 1

Core Modules

• Principles and Practices of Interpreting (40 credits)

• Public Service Interpreting (20 credits)

• Commercial Interpreting (20 credits)

• Simultaneous Interpreting (20 credits)

• Dissertation (60 credits)

• Consecutive Interpreting (20 credits)



Optional Modules

• Profession & Placement Module (0 credits)

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum of 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline.



A 2.2 Honours degree below 55% (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) may be acceptable with relevant professional experience. Applicants with qualifications below 2.2 Honours degree standard may be considered if they can demonstrate a minimum of three years relevant professional experience.



If you would like further informal advice, please contact course convenor Dr Chen-En Ho c.ho@qub.ac.uk.



Please contact the programme team for information on the language pairs offered for 2025 entry (students must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in both languages).



International Students

Please see International Student's link below.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 15th August 2025 for courses which commence in late September.



In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder.



Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

1 year full-time.



Teaching Times: Mornings and afternoons. Occasional optional weekend training sessions.



Contact Teaching Hours

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

0 (hours maximum)

Lectures/Seminars 2-4 hrs per week. Tutorials 6-8 hrs per week.



Medium Group Teaching

0 (hours maximum)

Additional tutorial workshops 2-4 hrs per week.

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

Introduction

Careers in interpreting and translation can be both highly intellectual and extremely rewarding in a practical sense. In addition to international organisations, interpreters and translators can find employment in a range of roles in diverse companies or work as freelancers for agencies and/or direct clients. Professional interpreting and translation skills are valued in many areas of employment, notably banking and finance, politics, NGOs, publishing, libraries, arts venues, management consultancy, law, and jobs in engineering and manufacturing, due to their international client base. Interpreters and translators are also required in a wide range of other activities and lines of work, including aiding police investigations and other security services, supporting migrant communities, conference proceedings, sports events, and governmental communications.

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/