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. Course structure Core modules: All the MA programmes offered by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities consist of three components:
- Major Research Project to the value of at least 60 credits
- Modules to the value of 0-90 credits, depending on the programme
- Modules, making up the total number of credits to 180; some of these modules will be defined as Recommended Electives for particular programmes.
- Studies Dissertation (15,000 words)
- Translation Project (10,000-word translation, 5,000-word commentary)
- Standard Translation Projects in different languages or directions (5,000-word translation 2,500-word commentary)
Modules
The Recommended Electives aimed specifically at Translation Studies students include: Interpreting (Chinese<>English); Interpreting and Sight Translation (Chinese<>English); & Advanced CAT Tools; Ethics and Intercultural Project Management; Work Placement; Practica: Processes and Products. Additional Language Option: MA students can choose to take, in addition to their main course, a 20 credit language module at MLAC’s Centre For Foreign Language Study. This offers a wide range of European, Middle Eastern and East Asian languages at levels from complete beginner to advanced. Students who choose this option will gain an additional 20 credits, i.e. 200 credits in total.
Assessment method
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
You will be expected to have at least a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area (languages, linguistics, translation studies or similar) from a recognised national or international university. Students with a different academic background but significant professional experience in translation are also invited to apply. Students should possess at least level C1, of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or equivalent for non-European languages) – in your chosen language(s) – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish– and in English. You will also need to provide a personal statement of no more than 500 words. *Arabic, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish
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 | £6900 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6900 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6900 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6900 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £6900 | Year 1 |
| EU | £13800 | Year 1 |
| International | £13800 | 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 and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only.
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing on the Durham University website.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE