Program Overview

Overview

The MSc Interpreting programme is designed for applicants with a high level of English and Mandarin proficiency who are not afraid of a challenge. This degree builds a highly versatile portfolio of skills that provide an entryway into the world of professional interpreting and related fields such as international business.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time
• Start date: September 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MSc

Programme Structure

In the first semester, students take three core units covering practical translation and interpreting skills; technological and business fluency; and the role of language professionals in international affairs. The expertise of the core teaching team is supplemented by contributions from guest lecturers from across industry and international organisations, allowing students to expand their knowledge in new areas with input from both cutting-edge researchers and professionals.

With a mixture of lectures, seminars, and practical skills workshops, the classroom experience is collaborative and dynamic, and students will develop a professional development plan that tracks progress throughout their studies in subject-specific and transferable skills.

Practical interpretation training covers the whole range of modes, such as consecutive, simultaneous, and liaison interpreting, while also developing enhanced memory and presentation skills. Activities are designed to be engaging and foster peer support. Personal tutoring is a key component, with tutors who are professional interpreters guiding students through their personal development journey.

All students take Simultaneous Interpreting and Augmented Intelligence Technologies in the second semester, accompanied by a choice of two other units specialising in commercial and/or public service interpreting disciplines, with an option to branch out into other related fields such as Film or Games Localisation with optional units drawn from the MA Chinese-English Translation programme.

The final dissertation offers options for traditional research, practice-based projects, or work-study projects involving summer internships.

Entry Requirements

• For native Chinese speakers, a strong upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any subject is typically required.
• For non-native Chinese speakers, 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 is typically required.
• 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.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time £13,200 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.

Alumni Discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

Funding and Scholarships

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students is available.