MA in Translation Studies

Why study Translation at Durham University?

Durham is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in the United Kingdom. Our MA degrees are highly respected both nationally and internationally by employers and Universities alike.

The MA in Translation Studies Course

Our MA course is based within Durham’s School of Modern Languages and Cultures (MLAC), which comprises specialist language departments whose teaching and research activities are rated as amongst some of the best in the world. In 2011, the MA became a member of the European Masters in Translation (EMT) Network; in order to be admitted to this network universities have to prove that their translator training course complies with the highest standards of teaching and learning quality. The course covers a broad range of competences and is tailored to suit market demands. The MATS programme allows the students to choose a theoretical pathway and a practical pathway; both options include translation practice and professional accreditation, if the required level is achieved.

The MA in Translation Studies (MATS) at Durham prepares candidates to work as translators between English and Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and BSL*.

Students can train in translating from and into two foreign languages (students wishing to engage with translation from and into three languages should consult the Course Director). The MA modules engage with theoretical questions as well as with the most current translation practice. Specialised Translation modules train students to learn how to use the most popular translation tools among employers (such as SDL Trados Studio 2011, MemoQ, DVX2), in relation to the chosen language(s) of study. Additionally, in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL), the MA offers an exemption from one unit of the Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) offered by the IoL Educational Trust, Chartered Institute of Linguists. The DipTrans is officially recognized as the professional standard qualification in UK. As part of their professional training, students will have regular opportunities to meet with professional translators.

Research pathway

Supervision for research students is available in a wide range of areas offering research guidance and advice from specialist staff. Research interests in Translation Studies are nourished by a dedicated research seminar series (attendance at seminars is compulsory for all MA candidates), and meetings of the Translation & Linguistics Research Group. Students interested in following the research pathway are advised to consult with the Course Director and submit a 500-word research proposal prior to submitting their application.

Part of the dynamic research environment of MLAC, this MA supports the learning of candidates wishing to pursue a career as translators, and of those interested in pursuing a research career in Translation studies.

Supervision topics include: Literary translation, Translation ideology, Translator training, Audiovisual translation, Reception of translations, Translating for international organizations, Translation and censorship.

The MA in Translation Studies consists of a combination of core modules, which are taken by all students, and a number of optional modules and optional combinations, which students select individually according to their personal interests from the available options. The MA qualification is obtained by completing courses for a value of 180 credits. The MA structure has been designed in accordance with the most up-to-date quality assurance guidelines, following new pedagogical approaches, and in alignment with professional requirements for translators. The syllabus and the MA structure were inspired by the European Commission’s official document entitled European MA in Translation (2006), and satisfies the latest requirements of the major UK funding bodies - such as the AHRC, which offers one MA Preparation Award for the MATS programme.

Admission requirements

How to apply

In order to apply, applicants should first consult the postgraduate applications webpage of Durham University, where full instructions on the application process may be found.

Applications must be completed on-line, to apply click here.

Further information of the Course fees can be found by clicking here. Any queries on fees should be sent to pg.admissions@durham.ac.uk.

Deadlines

1. 28 February. Students applying for bursaries and scholarships must apply to the MA Course before 28 February of the year in which they intend to start the MA. All supporting documentation must arrive within 5 working days from this deadline. Please note that all applications will be assessed after 10 March. You will receive a conditional offer (for example asking for documentation that may not be ready at the time of application, such as the final degree certificate for freshly graduated applicants), an unconditional offer, or a rejection after the 10^th of March.
2. 28 May. Students who missed the first deadline, or decided to apply to the MA Course after the first deadline, must submit their applications before 28 May of the year commencing the MA. All supporting documentation must arrive within 5 working days from this deadline. Please note that all remaining applications will be assessed after 15 June. You will receive a conditional offer (for example asking for documentation that may not be ready at the time of application, such as the final degree certificate for freshly graduated applicants), an unconditional offer, or a rejection after the 15^th of June.

Check the general funding webpage for information on available scholarships and bursaries. For further information on the AHRC Professional Preparation Master Scholarship click here.

Further information

*All language combinations are offered subject to demand.

• MA in Translation Studies downloadable PDF leaflet (last modified: 15 December 2009)

Durham's MA provides the practical experience needed for a career in translation. I particularly enjoyed the variety of material, as well as the contact with professional translators. The professional accreditation provided solid evidence of my translation skills, and after graduating in January, I commenced work in April. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone wanting a career in translation.

Charlie, UK, 2009, MA Graduate