Program Overview

MA Translation and Professional Practice

The MA Translation and Professional Practice is a postgraduate course designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become professional translators. The course is offered with a combination of English and one of the following languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish.

Overview

The course introduces students to techniques and technology used by professionals in the translation industry. Hands-on training includes working with native speakers of the chosen language and becoming familiar with the latest technologies used in the field. Students will also learn aspects of the business side of the translation profession, enabling them to access the translation industry.

Areas of Special Study

• Principles of translation
• Technologies of translation and post-editing
• Audiovisual translation
• Subtitling
• Intercultural communication
• Translation portfolio

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2.2 degree or international equivalent in any discipline taught in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish.
• Students with a lower-class degree may be considered if they have translation, linguistics, or interpreting experience.
• Any offers made for this course are subject to satisfactory performance at a remote interview.

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

Structure

The course structure includes the following components:

1. Principles of Translation and Interpreting: Examines the issues that face professional translators and interpreters alongside theoretical concepts and considerations.
2. Translation Portfolio I: Students engage in weekly translation of texts belonging to different domains and genres.
3. Technologies of Translation: Hands-on experience of the key technologies that aid translation today.
4. Audiovisual Translation: Introduction to the key theoretical concepts and professional practices in audiovisual and multimodal text translation.
5. Translation Portfolio II: Students continue to develop their translation skills in different domains and genres.
6. Technologies of Translation II and Post Editing: Gain hands-on experience of Computer Aided Translation tools.
7. Subtitling: Principles and Practice: Develop understanding of the subtitling process and learn to use professional subtitling software.
8. Intercultural Communication: communicating across languages and cultures: Investigate communication patterns in different cultures and languages.
9. Dissertation: A 16,000-word dissertation allowing students to focus in-depth on their chosen topic.
10. Professional Skills for Translators and Interpreters: Guidance on preparing for technical translation work and understanding how to research terminology.

Teaching

• Postgraduate students typically attend a two-hour teaching event for each module every week.
• Seminars usually have about 20 students.
• Teaching methods include lectures, demonstrations, and learning by teaching others.
• A weekly seminar delivered by industry professionals supports academic input.

Assessment

• The eight one-term modules are assessed by coursework.
• Students are also assessed on their dissertation.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• Ł11,025
• An optional annual trip to Brussels costs an additional Ł250.

International Fee

• Ł23,875
• The optional annual trip to Brussels costs an additional Ł250.

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

What's Next

The University holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year, providing an opportunity to tour the campus, find out more about studying at Essex, and meet students and staff.