Program Overview

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Applied Translation Studies MA

The Applied Translation Studies MA is a tech-focused translation and localisation course that prepares students to turn their language skills into a real, global career. Students can specialise in several language combinations and learn from experts using real professional software in dedicated translation labs.

Course Overview

Translation today is powered by technology, global communication, and fast-growing digital industries. This course prepares students for that world with training in CAT tools, machine translation, project management, and specialist translation — plus insights from industry professionals. Students will graduate ready to run real translation and localisation projects from brief to delivery, leading to careers in translation, localisation, project or content management, or a strong foundation for further study.

Why Study at Leeds

• Member of CIUTI, the world's oldest and most prestigious international association of university institutes with translation and interpretation programmes, giving students access to high-quality training standards and professional resources.
• Study in the Martin Thomas Translation Labs, equipped with 60+ high-spec PCs and specialist translation and subtitling software.
• Option to study full-time or part-time (24 months) for added flexibility.
• Hands-on training across the language services industry, including CAT tools, machine translation, localisation, and project management.
• Gain professional skills in communication, negotiation, finance, and marketing tailored to translator and project-manager roles.
• Learn industry-standard software such as Trados Studio, Multiterm, Passolo, memoQ, Phrase, OmegaT, Matecat, Verifka, and Xbench.
• Access additional tools including Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Sketch Engine, and PerfectIt.
• Study translation theory and specialised translation to deepen understanding of language, text, and localisation.
• Take part in multilingual group projects, often in collaboration with NGOs and educational partners.
• Build real-world experience in translation, localisation, PEMT, revision, quality assurance, and full project cycles from client brief to delivery and invoicing.

Guaranteed Industry Experience

While studying at Leeds, students will have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme. This gives students the opportunity to build key industry connections and develop invaluable professional and practical skills highly valued by employers.

Course Details and Modules

Students will focus on computer-assisted translation throughout this programme using a wide range of professional software tools. A core module with at least three hours of hands-on practice in computer labs every week will run throughout the year, developing skills through multilingual group projects, which also give students valuable experience of translation project management.

In addition to computer-assisted translation tools, students will also have the option to develop a deeper understanding of machine translation technology and AI applications in translation; alternatively, they can choose to study localisation and its application in the industry, such as game, website, and media localisation.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time.

Year 1 Compulsory Modules

• Methods and Approaches in Translation Studies (15 credits)
• Introduction to Computer-Assisted Translation (15 credits)
• Advanced Computer-Assisted Translation (15 credits)
• Specialised Translation L1 A (15 credits)
• Specialised Translation L1 B (15 credits)
• Localisation and Project Management (15 credits)

Year 1 Optional Modules (Selection of Typical Options Shown Below)

• Introduction to Screen Translation (15 credits)
• English for Translators (15 credits)
• Introduction to Interpreting Skills (15 credits)
• Genres in Translation (15 credits)
• An Introduction to Legal Translation (15 credits)
• Literary Translation (15 credits)
• Machine Translation and AI (15 credits)
• Introduction to Dubbing and Voice Over (15 credits)
• Localisation and Project Management (15 credits)
• Respeaking: Reporting And Live Subtitling (15 credits)
• Dissertation: Translation Studies (45 credits)
• Extended Translations (45 credits)
• Managing Business Across Cultural Contexts (30 credits)
• International Organisations: Context, Theory and Practice (30 credits)
• Specialised Translation, Domains A (additional language direction) (15 credits)
• Specialised Translation, Domains B (additional language direction) (15 credits)

Learning and Teaching

The University uses different teaching methods to help students develop a range of practical skills, as well as a sound theoretical knowledge base. These include lectures and seminars, interactive online resources, and practical classes where students will make the most of the University's facilities.

In addition, the Centre for Translation, Interpreting and Localisation Studies runs a regular programme of Professionalisation Talks with visiting speakers coming from the industry and sharing their experience as practising translators, interpreters, subtitlers, or project managers.

Assessment

Students will be assessed using a wide range of methods. Translation tests are an important element, as are essays and individual and team projects. Students will also be assessed on their individual summer project, which can be either two extended translation pieces or one short research project.

Applying

Entry Requirements

Students will need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a translation-related degree, specialising in one of the following subjects:

• Translation
• Linguistics
• Intercultural studies
• Language and Literature
• Psychology
• Computing and coding
• Artificial intelligence
• Corpus studies
• Film
• Media studies
• International communication
• Politics
• Business studies
• Public administration
• Publishing
• International law

All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why they wish to study this particular course and their career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in all components.

Fees

• UK: £12,500 (Total)
• International: £27,500 (Total)

Scholarships and Financial Support

If students have the talent and drive, the University wants them to be able to study, whatever their financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.

Career Opportunities

A postgraduate qualification in Applied Translation Studies doesn't just sharpen language skills, it gives students the practical IT skills they need for the industry. Students will advance their knowledge and skills in IT, research, communication, and critical thinking, giving them the kind of skill set employers are looking for.

Where This Degree Could Take You

Here's an insight into the job roles some of the University's most recent graduates have obtained:

• Head of Language Department/Deputy Director
• Head of Communications for Google Hardware APAC
• Translation and Localisation Engineer
• Founder of own education company
• Chinese to English Patient Translator
• Arabic to Spanish/French to English Translator
• Technical Translator and Proofreader
• Director of Guidance Counsellor
• Editor and Translator
• Lecturer
• IP Services
• Private Tutor

Study Abroad and Work Placements and Industry Experience

Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance future employability and career prospects.

Work Placements

Make connections, practice skills, and build future confidence with an industrial placement year as part of the course. A work placement can be a great investment in the future, offering the chance to choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas, build industry contacts, and gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in the chosen industry.

Related Courses

• Audiovisual Translation and Localisation MA
• Business and Public Service Interpreting and Translation Studies MA
• Conference Interpreting and Translation Studies MA