Conference Interpreting and Translation Studies MA

Course overview

Develop high-level interpreting and translation skills on this challenging course, where you’ll use state-of-the-art technology to gain the knowledge base and practical skills to succeed in the language services industry. Benefit from Leeds' unique breadth of languages available including all the United Nations official languages including Arabic and Russian.

You’ll gain essential skills in interpreting, analysis, active listening and note-taking, then build on this foundation by practising specialised consecutive and simultaneous interpreting in our conference interpreting facilities. At the same time, you’ll deepen your theoretical and practical understanding of translation, exploring how interpreting and translation interconnect in professional practice. Additionally, you can tailor your learning experience by selecting from a range of optional modules, such as genre analysis, corpus linguistics, computer-assisted translation and machine translation.

As a programme included in the AIIC Interpreting Schools & Programmes Directory, the Leeds interpreting programme follows best practices that are recommended by AIIC (the International Association of Conference Interpreters). The University of Leeds is also a partner university of the Directorate-Generale for Interpretation of both the European Parliament, with whom we have an MOU which serves as a basis for pedagogical support from experienced professional interpreters. We also benefit from support and guidance from the interpreting service from the European Commission. We enjoy close ties with international organisations including the UN and have an MOU with UNESCO.

Centre for Translation, Interpreting and Localisation Studies

As a proud member of CIUTI (Conférence internationale permanente d'instituts universitaires de traducteurs et interprètes), the most presitigious international association for universities with established translation and interpreting programmes, CITLS benefits from excellent facilities and resources to support your studies. Our conference interpreting facilities are equipped with single and double interpreter booths, and a video link to practise remote interpreting. The Electronic Resources and Information Centre (ERIC) will be the centre of your translation work, complete with 59 high-spec PCs and a wide range of specialist software for translation and subtitling.

As a member of the prestigious University Contact Group (UCG) for International Organisations, we enjoy close ties with the UN and other global institutions.

This programme is regulated by a Memorandum of Understanding between the University and The European Parliament – a testament to our success in training conference interpreters.

It’s a great opportunity to prepare for a career in the language services industry in a city that’s full of cultural and linguistic diversity.

Additional highlights

• The opportunity to study at a centre for research into the application of new technologies in interpreting, such as AI
• Insights into how interpreters use new technology, including AI, in preparing for meetings and delivering interpreting
• Intensive 'hands-on' teaching of interpreting geared to domestic and international practices
• Market-oriented training with high level of participation of practising professional interpreters and translators
• Practice in both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting
• Training in real-life scenarios and mock conferences
• Practice in state-of-the-art interpreting conference suits
• Opportunity to gain professional insight through a study visit to the European Parliament and European Commission in Brussels, or to the UN (Geneva or Vienna)
• Close contact with various industry partners through the "Professionalisation Talks" series and the opportunity to develop a Personal Career Development Plan

Our facilities

Our two interpreter training facilities (ITFs) use Brahler Consoles, supported by Sanako software, giving high quality dual-track recording. Between the two suites, we have a total of 14 booths, 7 of which can accommodate a team of two or more interpreters, to simulate professional conditions. Interpreting students enjoy exclusive 7 day-a-week exclusive access to the ITFs via a coded door. All booths are full soundproofed and air-conditioned.  

In addition to our physical facilities, to enable individual home study, we have also work with GoReact to provide students an easy way of setting tasks, and recording and playing back interpretation in dual track, when choosing to study from home. 

To simulate the realities of professional interpreting in a post-pandemic world, we hold simulated conferences in hybrid mode, supported by industry-leading software. 

In addition, as a proud member of CIUTI (Conférence internationale permanente d'instituts universitaires de traducteurs et interprètes), the Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies benefits from excellent facilities and resources to support your studies. Our Martin Thomas Translation Labs (MTL1 and MTL2) support all of our translation modules, complete with around 60 high-spec PCs and a wide range of specialist software for translation and subtitling.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters), and is listed in its Interpreting Schools and Programmes Directory.

Course details and modules

The course aims to prepare students for life as a professional conference interpreter, whilst giving them broader skills in the translation service industry, and an understanding of the theory and research underpinning current practice.

Interpreting works with an “ABC” language classification. Your A-language is your mother tongue, your B-language is an active language that you can work both from and into, and your C-language is a language that you can only work from. At Leeds, you can either work from and into one foreign language (AB pathway) or from two foreign languages (ACC pathway). We will not provide training in a combination that does not include your mother tongue as this could severely limit your employability as an interpreter. 

Year 1 compulsory modules - ACC pathway

Consecutive interpreting language 1

Consecutive interpreting language 2

Simultaneous interpreting language 1

Simultaneous interpreting language 2

Advanced consecutive interpreting language 1

Specialised translation L1/2

Year 1 compulsory modules - AB pathway

Consecutive interpreting language 1

Retour interpreting

Advanced retour interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting language 1

Advanced consecutive interpreting language 1

Specialised translation L1/2

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 Conference Interpreting and Translation Studies MA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

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

Learning and teaching

As a distinctive professional interpreter programme well-known for its long history and fine tradition, this programme will provide language specialists, from the UK and abroad, who meet the entry requirements and pass the interpreter aptitude test, with conference interpreting training in both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills and in acquiring subject matter knowledge of a wide range areas such as international affairs, politics, international business, and science and technology.

The intensive professional training will enable students to develop professional interpreting skills that are highly valued in major international, governmental and non-governmental organisations as well as in commerce, diplomacy, industry and the academic world.

It will also provide specialised translation training as well as an introduction to translation theory and research methods. If you’re studying with English and two passive foreign languages (ACC), all your interpreting modules will provide training INTO English. If you’re training with English and a single, active foreign language (AB), you will train to interpret INTO and FROM English. We don’t offer training in any combination of languages that doesn’t include your first language.

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

The Conference Interpreting programme has two language combination pathways: Conference Interpreting (ACC) and Conference Interpreting (AB). For example, ‘Conference Interpreting (AB), Chinese/English’, or ‘Conference Interpreting (ACC), English/French/Spanish’.

Whilst some theory and research is discussed in the Interpreting Skills Module, all interpreting modules are practical modules, with emphasis placed on targeted exercises, with peer and tutor feedback. Tutors endeavour to provide a diverse range of source material for practice, including live speeches from language assistants in class, as well as targeted pedagogical material and speeches from a range of media platforms. For language specific interpreting modules, great emphasis is placed on private study. Students are expected to exceed the time spent in class with personal practice hours. 

Other modules are delivered through lectures, seminars, and group discussions.

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

For interpreting modules, live interpreting performance will be the primary means of assessment. For translation and other modules, you will be assessed using a wide range of methods. Translation tests are an important element, as are essays together with individual and team projects. The Interpreting Skills module is assessed though two commentaries of your own interpreting performance, each on a different mode of interpreting (simultaneous and consecutive).

Applying

Entry requirements

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

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in interpreting, translation or language, or coming from an area of expertise to which interpreting, translation or language 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. We may also invite you for interview. If we require these from you, we will be in contact with you after you have submitted your application.

Interpreting, translation and language related subjects

• Interpreting
• Translation
• Linguistics
• Intercultural studies
• Language
• IT

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 Reading and Writing and 7.5 in Speaking and Listening.. 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: international politics, journalism, marketing, media, international communication, international business studies, public administration, community or legal service, IT, publishing.

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: https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/centre-for-translation-studies/doc/translation-tests

We may also invite you for interview. We will contact you after you have submitted your application if this is required of you.

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: £13,750 (Total)

International: £28,000 (Total)

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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 about Funding and Scholarships.

Career opportunities

Postgraduate qualifications from the Centre for Translation Studies equip you with valuable skills to succeed in a thriving and competitive industry, as well as advanced communication, research, IT and analytical skills. 

Graduates from our interpreting programmes are working in some of the world’s leading government bodies, media organisations, NGOs, private companies and international political organisations. These include the BBC, UN, EU, World Bank, World Trade Organisation, SAP and translation companies such as thebigword and RWS. 

Graduates work as interpreters on the private market, or in international organisations. Others work in other areas of the language service industry.

Careers support

We work alongside you to support you in developing and then achieving your career goals. You’ll discuss your customised personal development plan with your personal tutor.

In addition you’ll have the chance to attend our Research and Professionalisation Talks by visiting speakers, many of whom are currently practising translators, interpreters, project managers and subtitlers for some of the world’s largest organisations.

Read more about Careers and Employability.