Applied Translation Studies MA

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 and Interpreting 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

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Applied Translation Studies MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Applied Translation Studies MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

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. 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.

It is essential for your application that you complete the two steps below:

1. LANGUAGE PATHWAY: use the text box below to state your native language and which language combination(s) you wish to study.
2. TRANSLATION TEST(S): you must upload one or more tests depending on which language combination(s) you wish to study. Translation tests are available to download from our webpage: https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/centre-for-translation-studies/doc/translation-tests

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: £12,500 (Total)

International: £27,000 (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