Irish Language Translation, Interpreting & Professional Language Skills

Overview

The MA in Irish Language Translation, Interpreting and Professional Language Skills at Ulster University’s Magee campus is a one‑year, full‑time programme designed for those already proficient in Irish, offering advanced language and translation training including tools like MemoQ and modules in translation genres, syntax, phonology and computer‑aided translation. Launched in response to growing demand, this MA equips graduates to take roles in domestic and European institutions as translators, interpreters, editors, lexicographers, and language‑planning professionals. Graduates are highly successful: many alumni have secured national and international translation positions across sectors including public bodies, business communications, legal translation, tourism, and EU institutions.

F/T Programme

Year one

Cruinneas Gramadaí agus Stílíocht san Aistriúchán 1

Cruinneas Gramadaí agus Stílíocht san Aistriúchán 2

Aistriúchán Ríomhchuidithe

Seánraí an Aistriúcháin

Tráchtas Aistriúcháin



P/T Programme

Year one

Cruinneas Gramadaí agus Stílíocht san Aistriúchán 1

Cruinneas Gramadaí agus Stílíocht san Aistriúchán 2



Year two

Aistriúchán Ríomhchuidith

Seánraí an Aistriúcháin

Tráchtas Aistriúcháin

Applicants must hold a degree with Irish as the main component with at least 2:2 Honours standard or equivalent or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Students without Irish as the main component of their degree are expected to have reached a minimum standard equivalent to level B2 on the Common European Framework for Languages and may be required to undertake a pre-entry interview and/or written tests to verify their degree-level Irish language proficiency. Applicants must also provide evidence of competence in written or spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Those applicants seeking entry with advanced standing, (eg. transfer from another institution) will be considered on an individual basis.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

F/T Attendance

This course is offered on a full-time basis (1 calendar year).



P/T Attendance

This course is offered on a part-time basis (2 years) with teaching occurring in blocks and online.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

It is estimated that 700 new jobs will be created within the EU in Irish translation/interpretation over the next 5-6 years. This exciting new MA programme is in response to the need for translators, editors and lexicographers to work in both domestic and European institutions, and will equip students with advanced language skills currently in demand in the Irish Language sector and in the European Union. Irish graduates from this programme will have career prospects in translation/interpretation for business and communications, in the legal sector, as well as in translation for the public sector and in tourism, and in the ever growing fields of both lexicography and language planning, in particular with 'Foclóir Gaeilge/Béarlan Fhorais.'