Applied Translation Studies MA
Year of entry 2024
- Start date
- September 2024
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 12 months full time
- 24 months part time
- Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a related subject.
Full entry requirements - English language requirements
- IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in all components.
- UK fees
- £12,000 (Total)
- International fees
- £25,250 (Total)
- Contact
- lcspg@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
This course places considerable emphasis on computer-assisted translation and project management, giving you valuable experience of the localisation, project and terminology management tools that are used in professional practice. You'll also work with students specialising in a wide range of languages to carry out multilingual translation projects.
Provided you pass our entry translation test(s), you can specialise in translation between English and up to three languages, as follows: from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish into English, and from English into Arabic and Chinese. In addition, you will be able to choose from optional modules informed by the research of our experts on topics such as audiovisual translation, machine translation, literary translation, legal translation and genre analysis.
You will be taught by both leading Centre for Translation Studies researchers and contracted practitioners who will equip you with a strong knowledge base and practical skills to launch an exciting career in the language services industry.
Specialist facilities
As a proud member of CIUTI (Conférence internationale permanente d'instituts universitaires de traducteurs et interprètes), the Centre for Translation Studies benefits from excellent facilities and resources to support your studies. Our Martin Thomas Translation Labs (MTL1 and MTL2) support all of our translation programmes, complete with around 60 high-spec PCs and a wide range of specialist software for translation and subtitling.
The Centre for Translation Studies is also constantly compiling and updating very large corpora of texts in digital form so you can analyse source texts and produce more idiomatic translations. Moreover, you can also see our interpreting students at work in our state-of-the-art conference suites.
This course is also available to study part-time over 24 months.
In addition to translation theory and specialised translation, this course focuses on providing you with training in the different facets of the Language Services Industry, from localisation and project management, to working with CAT tools, communicating and negotiating effectively, and developing finance and marketing skills. In this context, the core modules provide specialised training in an impressive range of software tools widely used by leading translation and localisation companies, such as Trados Studio, Multiterm and Passolo, memoQ, Phrase, OmegaT, Matecat, Verifka and Xbench. You will also have access to additional cutting-edge language technologies such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Sketch Engine, and PerfectIt. Note that access to certain software is subject to availability.
Our core modules include multilingual group projects, sometimes organised in collaboration with local or global NGOs or educational partners. These projects provide valuable experience of translation and localisation project management, as well as localisation, translation, post-editing machine translation (PEMT), revision and review work, giving you a much more accurate idea of the complexities of managing real projects, starting with the client briefing and going through the analysis and quoting stage, the actual translation, PEMT or revision and quality assurance, and the final delivery, invoicing, and reflection.
Course details
You'll focus on computer-assisted translation throughout this programme using a wide range of professional software tools. A core module with at least three hours of hands-on practice in our computer labs every week will run throughout the year developing your skills through multilingual group projects, which also give you valuable experience of translation project management.
You'll study another core module introducing you to approaches and research methods in translation studies, practice translation in one of your language pairs throughout the year in core specialised translation modules, then choose optional modules to build your additional specialist written translation skills between English and up to three other languages for which you have passed our entrance translation test(s). You can also choose from any of the research-led practical optional modules exploring topics such as audio-visual translation or genre analysis.
Throughout the year, you will be sharpening your skills through a wide variety of hands-on tasks, and developing your theoretical and practical understanding of translation. You'll showcase this in your summer project which can be a long translation and commentary or a dissertation, which you will hand in towards the end of August.
If you choose to study part-time, you will take fewer modules in each year and study over a longer period. If you take the PGDip, you'll only study 120 credits as opposed to 180 for the MA, and you will not have the opportunity to complete the summer project.
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.
For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read MA Applied Translation Studies (Full-Time) in the course catalogue.
For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read MA Applied Translation Studies (Part-Time) in the course catalogue.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Methods and Approaches in Translation Studies | 30 |
| Introduction to Computer-Assisted Translation | 15 |
| Advanced Computer-Assisted Translation | 15 |
| Localisation and Project Management | 15 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You can choose from a range of optional modules displayed below. You’ll also choose one 30 credit summer project, either Dissertation: Translation Studies, or Extended Translations.
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Translation for International Organisations (English-Arabic) | 15 |
| Introduction to Screen Translation | 15 |
| Corpus Linguistics for Translators | 15 |
| English for Translators | 15 |
| Managing Business Across Cultures | 15 |
| Introduction to Interpreting Skills | 15 |
| Genres in Translation | 15 |
| Introduction to Legal Translation | 15 |
| International Organisations: Context, Theory and Practice | 15 |
| Principles and Applications of Machine Translation | 15 |
| Literary Translation | 15 |
| Writing for Professional Purposes | 15 |
| Specialised French-English Translation A | 15 |
| Specialised German-English Translation A | 15 |
| Specialised Italian-English Translation A | 15 |
| Specialised Portuguese-English Translation A | 15 |
| Specialised Russian-English Translation A | 15 |
| Specialised Spanish-English Translation A | 15 |
| Specialised English-Arabic Translation A | 15 |
| Specialised French-English Translation B | 15 |
| Specialised German-English Translation B | 15 |
| Specialised Italian-English Translation B | 15 |
| Specialised Portuguese-English Translation B | 15 |
| Specialised Russian-English Translation B | 15 |
| Specialised Spanish-English Translation B | 15 |
| Specialised English-Arabic Translation B | 15 |
| Specialised Arabic-English Translation A | 15 |
| Specialised English-Chinese Translation A | 15 |
| Specialised Arabic-English Translation B | 15 |
| Specialised English-Chinese Translation B | 15 |
| Respeaking: Reporting And Live Subtitling | 15 |
| Specialised Chinese-English Translation A | 15 |
| Specialised Japanese-English Translation A | 15 |
| Specialised Chinese-English Translation B | 15 |
| Specialised Japanese-English Translation B | 15 |
Learning and teaching
We use different teaching methods to help you develop a range of practical skills, as well as a sound theoretical knowledge base. These include lectures and seminars, interactive online resources, and practical classes where you'll make the most of our facilities.
In addition, the Centre for Translation Studies runs a regular programme of Research and Professionalisation Talks with visiting speakers coming from the industry and sharing their experience as practising translators, interpreters, subtitlers or project managers.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a wide range of methods. Translation tests are an important element, as are essays and individual and team projects. You’ll also be assessed on your individual summer project, which can be either two extended translation pieces or one short research project.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons). We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines. Other relevant qualifications or experience may also be considered, such as professional/work/voluntary experience. Applicants will undertake translation tests in their chosen language/s.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in all components.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
How to apply
Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines.
Applications will not be considered until required documents (including evidence of meeting the English language requirements) have been submitted.
We recommend that you provide evidence of English language proficiency at the point of application, however, it is not a requirement to do so. Applicants must meet the English language requirement, submit their application and submit all required supporting documents by the course deadline. Applicants applying for funding/scholarships are advised to apply at least eight weeks ahead of any deadline.
Application Deadlines for International applicants: 12 August 2024
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you'll need
You must upload the following documents before we will assess your application:
- Official degree certificate(s) and transcript of marks or enrolment certificate and partial transcript of marks
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Translation Test(s)
Submit a translation test for each language combination you wish to study and in each direction you wish to study.
Applicants are not required to submit a supporting statement, though one may be requested if further information is needed.
The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures receives very large numbers of high-quality applications and regrets that it cannot make offers to all of its applicants. Some particularly popular schools may have to reject many that hold the necessary academic qualifications.
If you require any further information, please contact the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Taught Postgraduate Admissions Office.
Email: lcspg@leeds.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)113 343 0233 or +44 (0)113 343 3234
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
This course is taught by
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
Contact us
Taught Postgraduate Admissions Team
Email: lcspg@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £12,000 (Total)
International: £25,250 (Total)
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Find out more about Funding and Scholarships.
Career opportunities
A postgraduate qualification in Applied Translation Studies will equip you with valuable practical skills, underpinned by a solid theoretical foundation. You’ll also develop advanced skills in IT, research, communication and analysis that are very valuable to future employers.
Because of the rapid growth of the language services industry (estimated at $64.7 billion in 2022 and forecast to grow to $90.8 billion by 2027), many of our students find work in the industry even before graduating. Many go straight into practice as project managers and in-house translators and revisers across a range of small to large language service providers, and others pursue a freelance translation career path. Some students have also secured careers in the language service departments of institutions such as the UN, WHO, WIPO, European Parliament, European Commission, and NGOs.
Careers support
We provide plenty of support to help you reach your career goals. We offer targeted careers advice and professional training throughout your course, as well as events including workshops arranged with professional national and international organisations.
Several translation technology certification schemes (such as the Trados Certification Program and the Memsource Certification) may be available to you for free as a student at Leeds. Moreover, we have also been able to offer discounts on CAT and subtitling software to our students to help them prepare for their careers.
Read more about Careers and Employability