Applied Translation Studies MA

Course overview

This course is your point of entry to the language service industry, with state-of-the-art translation and localisation technologies such as computer-assisted translation and machine translation at the heart of its curriculum. It also places considerable emphasis on translator competence and project management skills, giving you both the tools and the know-how to thrive in the industry and, should you wish, prepare yourself for the next steps of your academic career.

Provided you pass our entry translation test(s), you can specialise in translation with up to three language combinations 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, literary translation, legal translation and genre analysis.

You will be taught by both leading researchers at the Centre for Translation, Interpreting and Localisation Studies 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. You will also benefit from the CTILS Professionalisation Talk series, where we invite leading experts in the industry to share their insights and experience, providing you with valuable opportunities to directly network with them.

Specialist facilities

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) 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, 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.

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.

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.

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.