Course summary
Translation is about people as much as it is about texts. Translators are change-makers through the work they produce. The online MA Translation prepares you to find your individual voice as a translator, become a confident user of translation technologies, explore ethical questions in relation to clients and colleagues, and develop your entrepreneurial skills. The programme is offered in French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Translation is primarily from these languages into English. You are welcome to take courses in more than one language. The MA Translation belongs to a highly select group of global programmes that are formally validated by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL). They describe the programme as: 'A programme embedded in both academic and professional contexts that delivers an excellent preparation for linguists seeking a career in translation. Drawing on current practice, emerging trends and future language specialisms, the programme anticipates developments in the translation industry which will affect the working lives of aspiring translators. Students embarking on the programme can be confident that they will emerge equipped with the professional skills and knowledge they need to be work-ready to enter the translation industry.' The programme is also a corporate member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). In this online programme, teaching and learning primarily happen in asynchronous, interactive seminar groups, led by specialists in language and community, CAT tools and MT, subtitling, multilingualism, poetry, theory, translation as a service, and video game localisation and accessibility. Several tutors have extensive industry experience and continue to work as translators alongside their activities on the programme. Our student body is exceptionally diverse. Some have recently completed their undergraduate degree; others have professional experience in the language industry or elsewhere and are looking for a career change. Asynchronous learning is particularly suited to students with family or work commitments alongside their study. In addition to asynchronous core unit components, we offer non-compulsory synchronous meetings, and synchronous interaction between students is facilitated through a virtual common room. While you are not required to come to campus, you are just as much a member of the University as any other student, and we will be delighted to welcome you to Bristol when you visit. All applicants to MA Translation are eligible to apply for the MA Translation Scholarship. Applications close on 1 June 2025 at 12 midday (UK time).
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2025/ma-translation-online.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a relevant language (French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish), or any other degree subject, provided the language qualifications of study are equivalent to a minimum score of C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered. Applicants without the necessary academic linguistic background may be asked to complete a translation and/or diagnostic test. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications: evidence of significant, relevant work experience. Professional or significant volunteer experience translating. Working in an international company as a translator Project managing or Quality Control in a translation company Work within an international company or in a bilingual or multilingual context Professional language-related activity, e.g., Journalism, editing, lexicography/dictionary compilation, publishing, broadcasting Teaching in modern languages A relevant postgraduate qualification See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £2467 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2467 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2467 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2467 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £2467 | Year 1 |
| EU | £6433 | Year 1 |
| International | £6433 | 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
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.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU