10Feb
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MA in Translation Studies is a specialist course that will provide you with the professional skills to translate between a wide range of languages and English and equip you with an understanding of translation as an academic discipline with its own cultural and historical heritage. The course prepares graduates to become professional translators and intercultural communicators or to go on to academic research in the subject. The languages you will be able to choose from include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. The course has been developed around modern theories and strategies and is enriched by the input of professional translators and research-active staff. There are modules in language, the use of translation technology, linguistics, professional skills, subtitling, professional ethics, project management, and intercultural awareness. For Chinese there is also interpreting. The course can be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two years and is based in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures in the centre of Durham. In support of your studies, you will have access to a wide range of technical facilities, technical expertise and software, including an interpreting suite for Chinese interpreting, and specialist eye-tracking and key-stroke logging equipment for process research projects. You can gain practical experience from the work placement scheme and will also benefit from the programme of master classes with professional translators and visiting speakers. We are a partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists which acts as an assessor and moderator for the course’s specialised translation exams, and offers the opportunity to gain a CIoL qualification as part of the course. The focus of the course is effective intercultural communication and we are proud of the vital work our graduates do in fostering international understanding.
Modules
Core modules: Translation Theory, Research and Practice will examine various theories and issues of translation such as text type, target audiences and translation strategies, matching theoretical points with practical translation examples to give you a sound understanding and insight into key aspects of modern theories in translation. The module will also improve your understanding of the processes involved in translation and the main assessment criteria for good translation practice. It will also teach the research skills needed to complete the course and for future research at a higher level. You will be given instruction and hands-on experience with computer assisted translation tools that are essential for a professional translator. You can opt to take either one or two Specialised Translation modules, choosing from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian or Spanish. These, which include different text-types and subject areas, aim to provide you with the necessary grounding and training to translate in both directions between your chosen language(s) and English. They give you the experience, ability and confidence to translate independently between languages. You will also choose one from: Translation Studies Dissertation (15,000 words) Extended Translation Project (10,000 word translation, 5,000 word commentary) Two Standard Translation Projects in different languages or directions (5,000 word translation 2,500 word commentary) Examples of optional modules: Second Specialised Translation module; Conference Interpreting (Chinese<>English); Consecutive/Liaison Interpreting (Chinese<>English); Subtitling (Chinese<>English); Crossing Cultures: Word, Text and Image in Translation; History of Translation; Introduction to Linguistics and Translation; Translation Ethics and Intercultural Project Management; Translation Work Placement; World Literature and Translation; Grant-writing for Masters Students.
Assessment method
The course is delivered through a mixture of seminars, workshops, lectures, group projects, research seminars and individual tutorials. The balance between these learning sessions will depend on your study programme, which you can direct towards either training in professional translation or an in-depth examination of the practices, theories and global impact of translation. Optional modules for the former will include specialised language or language-oriented subjects while the modules for the latter will take a broader view of translation across a mix of cultures and timespans. There will be a shift from taught hours to more independent study and work experience in the third term, meaning you will complete a research-focused dissertation or a vocational-related translation project. You will also be expected to attend master classes and lectures by visiting speakers, which are seen as an integral part of the course. Assessment is rigorous and carried out through translations, essays, reports and a final dissertation or translation project plus commentary; one-to-one supervision is provided for the dissertation / project. Translation modules are assessed by a portfolio of work featuring two 1,000-word texts in terms one and two respectively and a 1,000-word translation commentary, providing a sample of the variety of text-types with which you will have engaged during the module. You will also complete a final timed translation of a general text, following the conventions of professional standards for translators.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
Applicants must have an upper-second class bachelor degree or equivalent in a relevant area. Students with a different academic background but significant professional experience in translation are also invited to apply. In such cases, we reserve the right to assess students’ preparation for our course through a test. Students should possess at least level C1, and preferably C2, of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or equivalent for non-European languages) – in their chosen language(s) – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish– and in English. In some circumstances, we may require students to provide proof of language competency.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £11400 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11400 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11400 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11400 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £11400 | Year 1 |
| EU | £23500 | Year 1 |
| International | £23500 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £23500 | Year 1 |
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
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE