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Interpreting and Translating (Chinese path) at University of Bath - UCAS

University of Bath

Degree level: Postgraduate

Interpreting and Translating (Chinese path) (Taught)

Course options

Course summary

Acquire the skills to become a professional interpreter and translator between Chinese (Mandarin) and English on this practical and respected master’s course. Our MA in Interpreting and Translating course will equip you with a joint qualification in both disciplines. This will prepare you to work as a conference interpreter and professional translator. You’ll learn from highly experienced tutors who work or have previously worked as professional translators and interpreters. Some have interpreted for heads of state and government ministers, and most work for international organisations alongside teaching. You'll benefit from their wealth of experience and contemporary knowledge. A course designed for linguists Bath has offered this master’s for more than 50 years and has built longstanding links with international organisations like the United Nations and European Union. We make use of these links to keep our course up to date with the professional world and to set up external training opportunities where possible. You will have access to our professional-grade interpreting labs. These are equipped with interpreter consoles and microphones, interpreter booths, and online conference facilities. Access to these labs is exclusive to students studying interpreting courses. As well as the labs, you may also use the on-campus TV studio for some units and tasks. What you’ll learn You'll develop key skills in professional translation and both conference interpreting (consecutive and simultaneous) and public service interpreting. To help you achieve these skills, you will:

  • have access to our professional-grade interpreting labs for classwork and independent study. This is exclusive to students studying interpreting courses with us
  • participate in ‘mini conferences’ to put your skills into practice. You’ll take part in debates about political and societal topics, acting as both delegate and interpreter
  • choose from a host of optional and extra-curricular units tailor the course to your own strengths or to explore new areas of study
Gain important career skills and experience Upon completion of this course, you will have acquired:
  • the written and verbal skills to work with varied and challenging texts and speeches to a professional standard
  • experience of working to deadlines and using style guides
  • contacts with potential employers and colleagues from your external training
  • access to our close-knit alumni network of linguists who work in international organisations, private bodies and independent agencies
  • practical translation skills, which you’ll demonstrate during the dissertation/project you complete at the end of the taught part of the course
  • a greater level of intercultural awareness, which is important for working in an international role
Graduate prospects The MA Interpreting and Translating is a vocational course with an excellent international reputation. Many of our graduates have gone on to work in a range of interpreting and translating roles, while others have used the transferable skills gained to pursue further study or careers in teaching, publishing, and design. Recent graduates have gone on to roles such as:
  • Interpreter and Translator, Universal Studios Beijing Theme Park and Resort
  • Freelance/In-House Conference Interpreter, United Nations
  • Relationship Manager, Citi Bank
  • Simultaneous Interpreter, Ping An Insurance
  • Chinese Linguist, Morningside

Assessment method

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Oral assessment
You are expected to spend approximately 35 hours per week studying, with around 10 of those hours being structured classes. Structured classes will be made up of a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, language laboratory sessions, and tutorials. You will work as an individual and as part of small groups.


Entry requirements

You should have a bachelor's honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above. To apply for the Chinese pathway, you must normally have mother tongue competence in Chinese or English. Please note you must meet the English language requirements before applying to this programme. Candidates will be tested to assess their suitability for the course. We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree. If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in an English speaking country you may be exempt from our English language requirements.


English language requirements


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Tuition fees can be found on our web pages and are liable to increase annually. UK and Islands fees are regulated by the UK government and are subject to parliamentary approval. For all other fees, you should budget for an increase of up to 8% for every further year of study. For information on tuition fees visit our web pages: https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/tuition-fees/
Interpreting and Translating (Chinese path) at University of Bath - UCAS