Translation

Overview

The MA Translation aims to:

• Enable students to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the prevailing theories and practices of translation through intellectual and interactive enquiry and advanced translation practice;



• Provide grounding in the field of Translation Studies, defined as theory and practice, that will enable students both to undertake independent research and/or to work as professional translators;



• Encourage sophisticated intellectual enquiry and debate with fellow students, academics and professional practitioners, drawn from a range of relevant backgrounds, through interrogation of theoretical models and analysis of practice-based work;



• Encourage students to develop professional translation skills and/or to theorise within the context of the discipline and/or their own practice;



• Provide students with a good knowledge of the translation market place;



• Foster a dynamic and innovative approach to translation as a mode for understanding the socio-political and cultural complexities posed by the movement of peoples and the demands of multi-lingual and multicultural organisations and societies;



• Equip students to use their writing talents to the best of their ability, and to develop as independent translators and self-reflective lifelong learners.

Core Modules

The Business of Translation (20 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

Preparing for the Dissertation (10 credits)

Theory and Practice of Translation (30 credits)



Optional Modules

Technical Translation (10 credits)

Literary Translation (10 credits)

Principles of Community Interpreting (20 credits)

Meaning, Sense, Translation (10 credits)

Audiovisual Translation (10 credits)

Profession & Placement Module (0 credits)

Phonetics and Phonology: Concepts and Practices (20 credits)

Sociolinguistics (20 credits)

Corpus Linguistics (20 credits)

Name Studies (20 credits)

Syntax: Theory and Analysis (20 credits)

Translation and Society (10 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline.



A degree below 2.2 Honours 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 Prof Sue-Ann Harding at s.harding@qub.ac.uk



All applicants should normally have at least an intermediate level of foreign-language proficiency, and we are open to holistic applications from a variety of backgrounds.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 14th August 2026 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), 3 years (Part Time).

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Careers in translation can be both highly intellectual and extremely rewarding in a practical sense. In addition to international organisations, translators can work in a range of roles in diverse companies or as freelance translators working for agencies and/or direct clients. Professional 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.



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/