University College Cork

Translation Studies

Why Choose This Course

The course allows you to combine up-to-date training in contemporary developments in translation theory, text analysis and computer aided translation tools with intensive language-specific practical translation training in a range of different languages.

Course Outline

The MA in Translation Studies provides expert training in the linguistic and intercultural knowledge and communication skills required to become a professional translator. Drawing on wide-ranging expertise in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, the course currently allows you to focus on translation between one or more of the following languages and English: French, Spanish, Italian, Irish, Portuguese, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean. Through hands-on practical language classes, the course builds the high-level language competence necessary to work in a broad range of fields, such as business, commerce, publishing, tourism and journalism.

In addition it offers up-to-date training in the research methods and tools used by contemporary translators, providing a comprehensive grounding for further postgraduate research. As well as offering recent language graduates the opportunity to refine professional language skills, the course also caters for practising translators who want specialist knowledge of developments in translation studies, translation technology and language resources.

The MA in Translation Studies delivers state-of-the-art training in all of the areas necessary to become a professional translator. Core lectures and seminars on Contemporary Translation Theory and Practice (LL6018) and/or Theory and Methodology of Advanced Translation (FR6501) provide an introduction to contemporary developments in translation theory, different approaches to text analysis and computer-aided translation tools.

These are complemented by generic and language-specific research seminars and training modules, which cover contemporary research methods, up-to-date careers guidance, skills for researching specialist fields and advanced oral and written presentation skills. The remaining core element of the course is dedicated to specialist weekly practical language classes, focused on developing professional translation and intercultural communication skills in each of the languages taken on the course. Because of this emphasis on intensive language-specific practical translation training, the MA in Translation Studies has been divided into different streams which require students to choose their language specialism when they apply.

The range of subjects includes Methodology of Simultaneous and Consecutive Interpreting (FR6502); Intercultural Communication: Theory and Practice (GE6009); Questions of Adaptation and Adoption: Re-Writings/ Re-Viewings/Re-Readings (GE6020); ICT of the Localisation Industry (LL6013); Translation and Professional Communication Skills (LL6014).

The MA has 17 different streams and applicants should choose their specific stream at the application stage. For further details and descriptions of the current core and optional modules available on each of these streams, please click HERE

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally have an Honours primary degree in languages or language-related area studies with at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in the language / language pair being taken in the MA or, for students with native proficiency in a/the language named in the strand(s) for which they are applying, they should normally have an Honours primary degree with at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a relevant discipline (Applied Languages, Linguistics, Philology or another discipline in which they wish to specialise as a translator).

Students with a 2H2 will be considered, subject to adequate proof of language proficiency as assessed by the programme coordinators. They may also be required to present themselves for an interview.

Students choosing Irish may be required to take an informal language test before being accepted.

Candidates choosing the Asian Studies stream should normally hold an honours primary degree with 2.1 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area together with the following practical language qualifications in the language(s) they wish to take as part of the programme: Chinese Language candidates should hold a HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) Level 5 certificate (or certified equivalent); Japanese language candidates should have the Japanese level equivalent to Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2; Korean language candidates should have the Korean level equivalent to TOPIK II (Test of Proficiency in Korean), level 5-6.

For all applicants whose first language is not English an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent is required. Further information on English Language Requirements can be found at http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/

Applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may also be considered following a review of their individual qualifications and experience by the course committee. Admission of such applicants will be subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.

The MA has 17 different streams and applicants should choose their specific stream at the application stage. For full details of the streams, please see here

English Language Requirements

Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university approved English language requirements available here.

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements, please find our grades comparison by country here.

International/non-EU applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure please visit our how to apply pages for international students. In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above.

For more information please contact the International Office.

Duration

1 year Full-time; 2 years Part-time.

The MA in Translation Studies course is one year full time or two years part time. The taught element (or Part I) takes place on the main UCC campus from September to April. Depending on your chosen language combination, you can expect around 12-15 principal contact hours per week during term time, with most of the core hours delivered between 4 and 6pm on week days. Guided self-study and small-group practice will be an important part of the practical translation training.

As well as the taught elements of the course, you are expected to complete a 12,000 to 15,000 word dissertation. The research dissertation element of the course (Part II) is supported by one-to-one tutorials.

Number of credits

90 credits

Careers or further progression

Skills and Careers Information

Because of its focus on fostering high level professional communication skills in a range of different languages, the course will help you develop the linguistic and intercultural competence necessary to work in a broad range of fields, such as business, commerce, publishing, tourism and journalism. You will also receive specific careers training related to the jobs in translation and interpreting.

Further enquiries

For further information on a specific stream

French: Dr Hannah Silvester E: hannah.silvester@ucc.ie

German: Mr. Dragan Miladinovic E: dragan.miladinovic@ucc.ie (or d.fitzgibbon@ucc.ie)

Irish: Dr. Isobel Ni Riain E: i.niriain@ucc.ie; Dr. Aidan Doyle E: a.doyle@ucc.ie;

Italian: Dr. Daragh O'Connell E: daragh.oconnell@ucc.ie

Portuguese: Dr. Sofia da Silva Mendes: s.dasilvamendes@ucc.ie

Spanish: Dr Helena Buffery E: h.buffery@ucc.ie

Chinese: Dr. Carlotta Sparvoli E: carlotta.sparvoli@ucc.ie

Japanese: Dr. Till Weingartner E till.weingartner@ucc.ie

Korean: Dr. Kevin Cawley E k.cawley@ucc.ie

MA in Translation Studies
Programme Director: Dr. Margot Spencer
Email: m.spencer@ucc.ie
Telephone: +353 21 4903227

Subjects taught

The MA has 17 different streams and applicants should choose their specific stream at the application stage. Further details available on course webpage (link below)

Assessment method

Assessment

Marks for Part I of the course are derived from continuous assessment of essays, presentations, practical translation work, take-home or online assignments, timed class tests, translation projects, terminology projects and interpreting tests. Full details and regulations governing assessments for the course are contained in the online Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules

Application date

Applications for academic year 2020/2021 are open.

EU Applicants: UCC operates a rounds closing date system for the majority of postgraduate taught courses, which means offers are made four times a year on a rolling basis. Some courses have one specific closing date, please check your course prospectus page for this information.

The UCC rounds closing dates for postgraduate taught courses are below. Applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible.

Deadline for receipt of full applications:
For all completed applications received by January 10th 2020
Offers will be made by January 24th 2020

For all completed applications received by March 2nd 2020
Offers will be made by March 16th 2020

For all completed applications received by May 1st 2020
Offers will be made by May 15th 2020

For all completed applications received by July 1st 2020
Offer will be made by July 15th 2020

Late applications may be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for any courses that have remaining capacity.

Non-EU Closing Date: 15 June
Non-EU Applicants: Information for Non-EU applicants may be found on the International Office Website https://www.ucc.ie/en/international/