MA in Translation Studies

Program Overview

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MA in Translation Studies

Course Details

Course Code:

DC615

Course Type:

Postgraduate

NFQ Level:

• Please see for further information

Delivery Modes:

Full-Time

Duration:

(FT-1 Year)

Overview

The MA in Translation Studies programme at Dublin City University is a one-year, full-time course that provides advanced training in language and translation skills. Completing this programme leads to a postgraduate degree in Translation Studies.

The MA in Translation Studies at DCU is part of the European Masters in Translation (EMT) Network, which is recognised by the European Commission. This makes the MA programme highly prestigious in Europe.

The lecturers teaching in the MA in Translation Studies at Dublin City University are well-known experts in the field of translation studies. Many of them have strong connections to the translation profession and the translation industry.

Our students are recruited by high-profile European public institutions as well as private multinational organisations.

Careers & Further Options

Careers

The technology and translation skills that students acquire in this programme are crucial for a successful career as a translator.

They not only enhance job prospects but also open up opportunities in both large organisations and as independent freelance translators.

Numerous graduates from the MA in Translation Studies programme go on to become professional translators. They may work as freelancers for translation agencies or within the translation departments of large corporations. This programme equips them with the expertise required to excel in these roles.

Graduates may also be eligible for competitive examinations leading to employment in the Translation Divisions of the Institutions of the European Union or other international organisations.

Career Areas

Some graduates follow careers in related fields such as:

• Publishing
• Broadcasting
• Information Technology (IT)
• Bilingual and Irish language media
• Diplomatic Services
• EU and International Advisory bodies
• EU Institutions
• European Institutions
• International Organisations
• Self Employed
• Social Media
• Starting Your Own Business
• Translating and Interpreting

Others opt for careers in the public service, in teaching, at secondary or tertiary level, or undertake research.

Some graduates may wish to continue their studies to doctoral level at DCU or elsewhere. For more information on continuing research in the area of Translation Studies see Research in the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS).

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

For admission to the MA in Translation Studies, successful applicants will have:

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent,
• OR
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.

Language Competence

This Programme requires a high level of Language Competence:

• Applications are invited from graduates normally with at least a Second Class Honours degree in any one (for the one-language route) or two (for the two-language route) of the following language(s): Irish, Chinese, French, German, Japanese or Spanish.
• In addition, applicants should preferably have spent a total of at least 12 months in a country/countries where the language(s) they wish to study are spoken.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.

International Candidates

International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Programme Structure

Semester 1 Core Modules

• Translation Technology
• Computerised Terminology
• Research Methodologies

Semester 2 Core Modules

• Translation Theory
• Simulated Translation Bureau

Autumn Semester Modules

Choose ONE of the following modules

• Dissertation
• Work Placement

Optional Modules

Semester 1 Optional Modules

Choose ONE of the following modules in your chosen language

• Scileanna Gaeilge
• French Economic Translation
• Specialised Translation: Economic (German)
• Japanese Economic Translation
• Spanish Economic Translation
• Chinese Economic Translation

Semester 2 Optional Modules

Choose from the following modules

• Specialised Translation: Technical (French)
• German Scientific/Technical Translation
• Japanese Scientific/Technical Translation
• Spanish Scientific/Technical Translation
• Chinese Scientific / Technical Translation
• Aistriuchan Dli agus Reachtaiochta

Choose from the following modules

• Audiovisual Translation
• Localisation
• Community Interpreting Theory and Practice
• Digital Methods in Language and Discourse

Fees and Funding

Fees

Full time

• EU Status Fee: €7,900
• Non EU Fee: €17,000

Part time

• EU Status Fee Part-time: N/A
• Non EU Fee Part time: N/A

How To Apply

Application Process

All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
• Provide a Personal statement of 500-750 words maximum. The statement should include:
  • Why you wish to study this programme.
  • What in your record and experience makes you suitable for the MA programme.
  • The impact which you expect the MA would have on your future.

Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025
• Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025

Application Queries

For EU applicant queries, please visit postgraduate-taught-admissions or email

For non EU applicant queries, please visit postgraduate or email

Life On Campus

Campus Life

At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.

DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.

They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.

Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

Exceptional Facilities

DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.

These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.

We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.

Campus Life

Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.

There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.

For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.

The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.

On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.

Accommodation

Information about accommodation each of our three campuses can be accessed here.

Student Supports

We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.

• Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
• The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
• Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
• Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.

work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.

Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.

Program Outline

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MA in Translation Studies

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Degree Overview:

• Introduction: The MA in Translation Studies at Dublin City University is a one-year, full-time program that offers advanced linguistic and technical training in translation.
• Objectives: Graduates will be equipped to work as professional translators, ready to join the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge.
• Program Features:
• Focus on practical and professional translation:
The program emphasizes practical application through various training modules, including Simulated Translation Bureau and Translation Practice.
• Strong academic foundation: The program provides a firm grounding in the academic discipline of Translation Studies through modules like Translation Theory and Research Methodologies.
• Advanced technology and skills: The program prepares students for the realities of 21st-century translation by equipping them with the essential technological tools and skills.
• Exposure to contemporary theoretical issues: Students are introduced to contemporary theoretical issues in Translation Studies through dedicated modules.
### Outline:
• Core Modules:
• Translation Technology
• Computerised Terminology
• Translation Theory
• Research Methodologies
• Simulated Translation Bureau
• Specialized Translation Modules:
• Translation Practice: French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese into English
• Translation Practice: English into Irish
• Optional Modules:
• Localisation
• Community Interpreting
• Digital Methods in Language and Discourse
• Dissertation or Work Placement: Students can choose to write a dissertation over the summer or participate in a three-month work placement in Ireland or abroad.
### Assessment:
• Continuous assessment: Throughout the program, students will be assessed through assignments, presentations, and examinations for each module.
• Dissertation or Work Placement: Students who choose to write a dissertation will be assessed on the quality of their research and writing.
Students who opt for a work placement will be assessed on their performance and a written report. ### Teaching:
• Experienced Faculty: The program boasts internationally recognized scholars in the field of Translation Studies, many with extensive connections to the translation profession and industry.
• Variety of Teaching Methods: The program employs various teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials.
• Emphasis on Practical Application: The program emphasizes practical application through hands-on exercises, projects, and simulations.
• Access to Resources: Students have access to a wide range of resources, including the state-of-the-art facilities of the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS) and the University library.
### Careers:
• Variety of Potential Careers: Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including:
• Translation agencies
• International organizations
• Government departments
• Publishing houses
• Media organizations
• IT companies
• Self-employment as freelance translators
• Career Support: The program provides career support through dedicated career guidance, workshops, and networking opportunities.
### Other:
• Irish Language Fees Subvention: DCU may award subvention of up to 50% of fees for applicants studying Irish, based on the quality of applications received.
• TEG B2 Exam: Irish language applicants must pass the TEG B2 exam before being accepted onto the program.
• TEG C1 Exam: Students of Irish will be required to pass TEG C1 before completing their studies.
• Prestigious Program: The program is a member of the prestigious European Masters in Translation (EMT) network, established by the European Commission.
• Research Environment: The program is associated with the Centre for Translation and Textual Studies (CTTS), DCU's University Designated Research Centre, providing a stimulating research environment.
### Contact Information: For further information, please contact:
• Email: sheila.castilho@dcu.ie
• Phone: +353 (0) 1 700 5832

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Full time EU Status Fee €7,700 Non EU Fee. €16,500 Part time EU Status Fee Part-time N/A Non EU Fee Part time N/A