Program Overview

MA Chinese-English Audiovisual Translation

Overview

The MA Chinese-English Audiovisual Translation is designed to prepare you for work in the fast-growing audiovisual sector of the language industries. The driver for this industry growth is the ubiquitous availability of video content. Audiovisual translation accounts for up to one third of language services activity both in China and internationally.

The programme focuses on technological competence and building practical skills in a range of audiovisual translation modes. The programme also offers a broader grounding in key concepts and audiovisual industry dynamics. You will build your core skills through compulsory units in translation practice and analysis, CAT tools, and audiovisual translation theory. You can then take options in subjects such as subtitling, videogame localisation, audio description, and advanced CAT tools. You will then complete either a research-based or a practice-based dissertation on a topic related to audiovisual translation.

Tutors include specialists in translation technologies, videogame localisation and subtitling. Bristol is a UNESCO City of Film and film and media culture is very lively here. Bristol is also a hub for game developers and publishers. The training offered by the programme is practical and industry-oriented in nature.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time; Two years part-time. Part-time study requires daytime weekday attendance.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline: Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025. Home applicants: 8 August 2025.
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MA

Programme Structure

In the first teaching block, units will include three compulsory units: Translation Practice and Analysis I, Theories of Translation and Computer-Assisted Translation.

You will also take a non-credit-bearing Academic Language and Literacy unit.

In the second teaching block, you will take the dissertation unit and three of the following optional units which have previously included CAT Tools 2, Subtitling, Audio Description and Technologies for Museum Accessibility, Translation Industry, and Games Localisation.

The dissertation can be a practice-based or research-based dissertation but must be on a topic relating to audiovisual translation.

Entry Requirements

• For native Chinese speakers, you will typically need a strong upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any subject.
• For non-native Chinese speakers, you will typically need a strong second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Chinese Studies (or similar), or completion of a full undergraduate or postgraduate programme at a prestigious Chinese institution.
• Non-native Chinese speakers who have not completed a Chinese/Mandarin bachelor's may be required to demonstrate proficiency through a translation test.
• Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time £13,200 per year
• Home: part-time (two years) £6,600 per year
• Overseas: full-time £32,500 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

Career Prospects

This programme is designed to prepare students for future careers. For example, students may go on to be in-house interns or new hires at post-production or localisation companies, or do freelance work. A number of our students each year consider progressing to doctoral study after their MA. Many of the skills are transferable to other careers such as editing, marketing or social media. Audiovisual translation helps students to learn key attributes such as creativity and close attention to detail.