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.



Course Structure

The degree is structured to allow students to deepen their understanding of key aspects of translation theory and/or choose to concentrate on more practice-based activities. Delivered through a combination of seminars, workshops, guided private study, a programme of visiting speakers and appropriate professional practice, the structure of the degree will enable students to work towards both of these objectives, or to focus more intensively on one of them. In addition to the elements for which they are enrolled, students are encouraged to audit as many other elements of the programme as they wish.



Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (3 years) basis. Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester. Full-time students typically complete three modules per semester.



The MA Translation is awarded to students who successfully complete six taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 15,000 word research or practice-based (translation and commentary) dissertation (60 CATS points).



Students must pass all taught modules before proceeding to the Dissertation.



Professional Accreditations

Students who complete the elective module Principles in Community Interpreting are eligible for the award of an 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

• Dissertation (60 credits)

• The Business of Translation (20 credits)

• Preparing for the Dissertation (10 credits)

• Theory and Practice of Translation (30 credits)



Optional Modules

• Profession & Placement Module (0 credits)

• Technical Translation (10 credits)

• Translating for Performance (10 credits)

• Meaning, Sense, Translation (10 credits)

• Translation, Media, and Society (10 credits)

• Principles of Community Interpreting (20 credits)

• Literary Translation (10 credits)

• Audiovisual Translation (10 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 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.



The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the link below for more information.

http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB



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.

Essays

Annotated translations

Research projects

1 year (Full Time), 3 years (Part Time).



Teaching Times

Classes typically take place 13.00-18.00 on Mondays and Tuesdays. Additional, non-compulsory elements may be held at other times.

Entry Year: 2025/26

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/