MA Advanced Interpreting with Specialised Translation (Chinese-English)

Program Overview

This MA program equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel as professional Chinese-English translators and interpreters in the business industry. It emphasizes practical training, familiarizing students with the latest technologies and techniques used by professionals. Graduates will be highly sought after for their expertise in bilateral interpreting, conference interpreting, and specialized translation. The program offers cutting-edge facilities, including a state-of-the-art interpreting lab and multimedia language teaching labs, providing students with an immersive learning experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MA program focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become professional Chinese-English translators and interpreters, particularly for the business industry. The program emphasizes practical training and familiarizes students with the latest technologies used by professionals in their daily work.

Objectives:

• Master the technologies and professional strategies required to become a fully-fledged Chinese-English translator and interpreter for the business industry.
• Develop language skills to deliver professional translation and interpretation.
• Gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies used by professionals.
• Practice all types of interpreting (consecutive, simultaneous, and whisper) required in business settings.
• Acquire knowledge of the commercial world, communication and negotiation skills, and business operations essential for freelance professional translators.

Outline:

Course Structure:

• The program is a one-year, full-time program.
• It is based at the Colchester Campus.
• The program is research-led and continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field.
• The modules listed are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

Components and Modules:

• Component 01: COMPULSORY (15 CREDITS)
• Principles of Translation and Interpreting:
This module examines the responsibilities of professional translators and interpreters, the contexts in which interpreting takes place, and the tools available to assist in translation and interpretation.
• Component 02: COMPULSORY (15 CREDITS)
• Advanced Consecutive Interpreting:
This module focuses on practical activities and tasks to improve interpreting skills between Chinese and English, preparing students for professional work or exams. It includes a mock conference and an optional interpreting internship. It includes an optional field trip to the Centre of Cell.
• Component 04: COMPULSORY (15 CREDITS)
• Conference Interpreting Case Studies:
This module builds upon existing knowledge and develops skills for working as a bilateral interpreter. It includes practice in listening comprehension, organizing interpreting assignments, advanced research skills, and developing bilateral interpreting strategies. It also includes an optional annual trip to London.
• Component 05: COMPULSORY (15 CREDITS)
• Specialised Translation:
This module focuses on translating texts in specialized domains, including literary translation and translation in socio-political, legal, technical, and scientific fields. Students learn to analyze source texts, identify translation challenges, and apply different strategies and techniques.
• Component 06: COMPULSORY (15 CREDITS)
• LA873-7-AU or LA891-7-AU or LA883-7-AU or LG option:
This component offers a choice of modules from the Department of Language and Linguistics or other departments.
• Component 09: CORE (60 CREDITS)
• Dissertation:
This module allows students to conduct a project investigating translation, interpreting, or subtitling. Students work with a supervisor to define research questions, search existing studies, and write an extended report on their findings.

Assessment:

• Eight single-term modules: Assessed by coursework.
• Dissertation: Assessed by a mock translation or interpreting project and an 8,000-word commentary.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: Lectures, demonstrations, and learning by teaching others.
• Weekly departmental seminar: Attended by both staff and students.
• Seminar size: Typically 20 students for English Language and Linguistics modules, and up to 20 students for translation and interpreting modules.
• Faculty: Expert staff with experience in highly technical translation and interpreting projects.

Careers:

• High demand: There is high demand for highly qualified translators and interpreters in both China and the international market, particularly in the commercial industries.
• Career paths: Interpreters and translators working in business industries in mega-cities around the world.
• Support: The University's Employability and Careers Centre provides support in finding work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Other:

• Facilities:
• State-of-the-art interpreting lab with 10 booths for conferences and a lecture theatre with five booths for lectures.
• Two multimedia language teaching labs equipped with computers, audio-visual projectors, and large screens.
• Specialist software for technical translation, interpreting, and subtitling.
• Professional recording studios for video recording and presentations.
• Additional opportunities:
• Weekly multilingual interpreting conferences, field trips, and workshops led by internationally renowned experts from the industry.
• Optional trips:
• Annual trip to London for conference interpreting practice.
• Annual trip to Brussels to participate in seminars delivered by DG Interpretation (DG SCIC) and DG Translation at the European Commission.

Home/UK fee

£10,000

• International fee £21,700