Introduction

In today's dynamic commercial and industrial world, technical and scientific communication is playing an ever more important role. The need for qualified and skilled translators able to deal with often highly complex technical material has never been greater, and the challenges facing translators in these specialist areas seem increasingly demanding.

To help meet the needs of both industry and the translating profession, an international, innovative Masters in Applied Translation Studies has been developed by the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University) in partnership with the Institut Libre Marie Haps (Brussels) and the School of Translation and Interpreting of Hogeschool Maastricht (The Netherlands). It is currently run jointly by the London Metropolitan University and the Institut Libre Marie Haps.

This MA programme has proved an exciting development in the field of professional training of translators. An extensive range of language combinations is offered together with a strong vocational emphasis on specialist, non-literary translation. This is underpinned by the work placement which enables students to implement and test the theoretical understanding gained during the course. The collaboration between the two principal institutions offers a unique opportunity for student mobility and ensures that international perspectives and developments are embedded in the course.

At present the languages available are as follows although, subject to demand, staff expertise and availability, further combinations may be possible.

Arabic
Dutch
English
French
German
Greek
Italian
Japanese
Mandarin
Portuguese
Polish
Russian
Spanish

Develop Your Career Potential

The programme is designed specifically for those interested in commencing or advancing a career in translation in the international arena of business, government or industry. It has succeeded in attracting students from around the world and is open to those who are suitably qualified and who may have recently graduated, and to translators who are seeking a professional qualification in translation to enhance their career development.

The MA Applied Translation Studies Programme

The MA Applied Translation Studies is a well-established programme which is offered on a full time basis over one year, or a part-time basis over two years. In full-time mode, it is possible to undertake the programme with only the first fifteen weeks requiring attendance at the chosen institution. In part-time mode attendance is required in the first year. During this period, students complete Core Modules 1 and 2, whilst the supervision required for the other modules can be provided at distance. The course starts in September.

In offering this programme via the unique collaboration of the two partner establishments, we aim to offer an academically challenging programme of study with a strong practical dimension which:

specialises in non-literary translation focusing on areas as diverse as law, politics, science, technology, medicine, business, tourism, media and the arts
requires English and one or more of the languages on offer in each institution in any given year
offers students an academic understanding of the practice of translation, combining academic research, translation practice, and critical evaluation of working methodologies
includes a work placement module, which may be taken abroad, with a professional translation agency
offers tuition not only by translation/terminology experts but also by subject area specialists
encourages international student mobility.

For more information regarding modules and programme structure, go to Programme Structure

MA Applied Translation Studies

Page last updated : : 03 Jun 2008