Translation (MA)

Overview

The MA in Applied Translation is designed specifically for starting or advancing a career in translation. It is open to qualified graduates and translators, who are seeking a professional qualification in specialised translation to enhance their career. The programme aims to equip students with the required knowledge and skills to succeed in today’s world where the need for qualified translators able to communicate complex, specialised material has never been greater.

The course has a vocational emphasis on specialist translation, focusing on areas such as Law, Politics, Medicine, Business, IT Media, Subtitling and Localisation and is underpinned by work placement. The degree offers the opportunity to translate using the following languages to and from English, translating into mother language: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Applying and entry

PLEASE NOTE There is no official closing date for this course, but you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only consider your application if there are places available on the course.

Tel: 020 7133 4202
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk

Candidates should normally have:

• A 2.1 first degree in translation, interpreting, modern languages or related fields (a 2:2 first degree may also be considered). We will also accept applications by translators with substantial experience
• Excellent/native proficiency in mother language
• Near-native proficiency in the first foreign language
• Good command of the second foreign language (if applicable)
• For non-native speakers of English one of the following qualifications:
  - IELTS 6.5 minimum with a minimum score of 6 in all component parts
  - TOEFL (old exam) 630 minimum
  - TOEFL (new exam) 267 minimum
• Two references, one of which must be academic
• 1st degree mark transcript

Course contents

You will take the following modules plus a dissertation (a research paper on translation).

Non-language-specific introductory modules:

• Theoretical Trends in Translation
• Characteristics of Non-literary Translation
• Translation Tools and the Translator

Practical specialised modules:

• 3 individually supervised translation projects
• Subtitling (optional module)
• Localisation (optional module)
• Introduction to Conference interpreting (optional module)

MA Dissertation (research project)

Read more details about the course structure and the modules

Assessment
A variety of methods: translations, commentaries, essays, portfolios, placement report and MA dissertation.

Careers

Work placement

An opportunity to gain on hand work experience with one of the translation service providers in London or abroad.

Career opportunities

Graduates are employed in translation agencies, the industry or governmental institutions or work on freelance basis. Some opt for further study (PhD).

Accreditation of one translation module may exempt from one of the three papers of the Institute of Linguists’ Diploma in Translation.

Student profiles

What the students say

Read a student profile: Esme Knights