Applied Translation Studies MA

Course overview

A tech-smart translation and localisation course that prepares you to turn your language skills into a real, global career.

A practical, tech-focused translation and localisation course that trains you to use the tools and skills the modern language industry relies on. You can specialise in several language combinations and learn from experts using real professional software in dedicated translation labs.

Translation today is powered by technology, global communication, and fast-growing digital industries. This course prepares you for that world with training in CAT tools, machine translation, project management and specialist translation — plus insights from industry professionals.

You’ll gradate ready to run real translation and localisation projects from brief to delivery. That means careers in translation, localisation, project or content management — or a strong foundation for further study.

Why study at Leeds:

• Member of CIUTI, giving you access to high‑quality training standards and professional resources.
• Study in the Martin Thomas Translation Labs, equipped with 60+ high‑spec PCs and specialist translation and subtitling software.
• Option to study full‑time or part‑time (24 months) for added flexibility.
• Hands‑on training across the language services industry, including CAT tools, machine translation, localisation and project management.
• Gain professional skills in communication, negotiation, finance and marketing tailored to translator and project‑manager roles.
• Learn industry‑standard software such as Trados Studio, Multiterm, Passolo, memoQ, Phrase, OmegaT, Matecat, Verifka and Xbench.
• Access additional tools including Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Sketch Engine and PerfectIt.
• Study translation theory and specialised translation to deepen your understanding of language, text and localisation.
• Take part in multilingual group projects, often in collaboration with NGOs and educational partners.
• Build real‑world experience in translation, localisation, PEMT, revision, quality assurance and full project cycles from client brief to delivery and invoicing.

Course details and modules

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.

In addition to computer-assisted translation tools, you will also have the option to develop a deeper understanding of machine translation technology and AI applications in translation; alternatively, you can choose to study localisation and its application in the industry, such as game, website and media localisation.

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) or 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, Interpreting and Localisation Studies runs a regular programme of Professionalisation Talks with visiting speakers coming from the industry and sharing their experience as practising translators, interpreters, subtitlers or project managers.

Please see our interpreting language table for a list of available language pairs.

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

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a translation related degree, specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under ‘Translation related subjects’.

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in translation, or coming from an area of expertise to which translation is complementary such as the ones listed under ‘Other areas’.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed.

All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

You may be required to submit a translation test for each language combination you wish to study and in each direction. If we require this from you, we will request this after you have submitted your application.

Translation related subjects

• Translation
• Linguistics
• Intercultural studies
• Language and Literature

Other areas

• Psychology
• Computing and coding
• Artificial intelligence
• Corpus studies
• Film
• Media studies
• International communication
• Politics
• Business studies
• Public administration
• Publishing
• International law

International

Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team.

You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.

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.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read  Language for Education (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Education (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines

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 intend to apply for funding, we advise you to submit an application for your chosen course as early as possible and at least one month before any scholarship deadline.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (please submit an official English translation where the original is not in English)
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form
• A full up-to-date CV
• Any previous UK CAS, visa and BRP documents if you’re an international applicant who has previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4/ Student Visa

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Personal Statement Requirements

Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular programme of study. Your response can include details of your previous study/work experience relevant to the programme and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this Masters course at the University of Leeds by answering the following questions in separate numbered paragraphs:

• What areas of this course particularly interest you and why? Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course
• Why do you want to study this course at Leeds? Please comment on aspects such as available resources at the University and in the city, research specialisms within the school or academics you would like to work with.
• What potential themes have you considered for dissertation research?
• How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?
• Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?
• What skills and experience do you have that have prepared you for this course? You may like to give details of any final year work/projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience etc.

Relevant work experience might include: advertising, marketing, visual media, publishing, IT, politics, business studies, public administration and community service, publishing, international law.

Next Steps

TRANSLATION TEST(S): you may be required to upload one or more tests depending on which language combination(s) you wish to study. If we require this from you, we will request this after you have submitted your application. Translation tests are available to download from our webpage.

If you require any further information, please contact the School’s admissions team.

Where further information to support the assessment of your application is needed, we may ask for a recent sample of written work.

We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application.

Support for part-time and mature learners

The Lifelong Learning Centre provides support for mature and part-time learners across the University, including advice on how to apply to university and support throughout your studies.

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 2026

This course is taught by

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Contact us

Taught Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: lcspg@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £12,500 (Total)

International: £27,500 (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.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

A postgraduate qualification in Applied Translation Studies doesn’t just sharpen your language skills, it gives you the practical IT skills you need for the industry. You’ll advance your knowledge and skills in IT, research, communication and critical thinking, giving you the kind of skill set employers are looking for.

And with the language‑services industry growing worldwide, our students often get hired before they even graduate. Our graduates successfully secure roles as project managers, in‑house translators, revisers or freelancers, working with companies big and small. Others work in competitive positions in major global organisations like the UN, WHO, WIPO, the European Parliament, the European Commission and leading NGOs.

Where this degree could take you

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

• Head of Language Department/Deputy Director
• Head of Communications for Google Hardware APAC
• Translation and Localisation Engineer
• Founder of own education company
• Chinese to English Patient Translator
• Arabic to Spanish/French to English Translator
• Technical Translator and Proofreader
• Director of Guidance Counsellor
• Editor and Translator
• Lecturer
• IP Services
• Private Tutor

“I currently work as a French and German into English in-house translator and the company for which I work is particularly interested in translation students from Leeds, due to all the extensive software and practical training we receive."
Rebecca Janota, Applied Translation MA

Learn more about the careers our students have pursued – read our alumni student profiles.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.

• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.

• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.

• MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.

• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Watch our Employability Team video.

Study abroad and work placements and industry experience

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This course offers you the chance to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year, which will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Make connections, practice skills and build future confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.

A work placement can be a great investment in your future:

• Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas.
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field.
• Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.
• Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry.
• Improve your employability.
• All placements sourced by the University are paid positions
• We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.

Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.

If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.

If your application is successful, during placement, you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout.

On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

Students in our Faculty have recently completed placements at:

• The Walt Disney Company Limited
• adidas
• Unilever
• L’Oreal
• Nestlé
• Primark Ltd
• National Grid
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Warner Bros
• Mercedez-Benz Grand Prix
• Adobe
• Barbour
• Next
• Department of Work and Pensions

We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.

Find out more about Industrial placements.