Conference Interpreting PGDip
Year of entry 2025
- Start date
- September 2025
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 9 months full time
- Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons)
Full entry requirements - English language requirements
- IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in Reading and Writing and 7.5 in Speaking and Listening.
- UK fees
- £9,167 (Total)
- International fees
- £18,333 (Total)
- Contact
- lcspg@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
![Students in conference room](http://courses.leeds.ac.uk/images/resized/1600x520-0-0-1-80-Conference_Interpreting.jpg)
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.
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 and the European Commission. We enjoy close ties with international organisations including the UN.
Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies
As a proud member of CIUTI (Conférence internationale permanente d'instituts universitaires de traducteurs et interprètes), the most prestigious international association for universities with established translation and interpreting programmes, the Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies 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
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.
Course details
The course aims to prepare students for life as a professional conference interpreter, whilst giving them broader skills in the translation service industry.
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.
AB Pathway (choose one) | ACC pathway (choose two) |
Chinese: Chinese into English / English into Chinese | Chinese: Chinese into English |
French: French into English / English into French | French: French into English |
German: German into English / English into German | German: German into English |
Italian: Italian into English / English into Italian | Italian: Italian into English |
Portuguese: Portuguese into English / English into Portuguese | Portuguese: Portuguese into English |
Spanish: Spanish into English / English into Spanish | Spanish: Spanish into English |
This is the PGDip study option over nine months which does not include a theoretical module and summer project. If you choose the MA option, you will study all modules under this programme and the theoretical module as well as summer project over one year.
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 |
---|---|
Interpreting Skills: Consecutive and Simultaneous | 15 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Introduction to Screen Translation | 15 |
Introduction to Corpus Linguistics for Translators | 15 |
English for Translators | 15 |
Rhetoric and Public Speaking | 15 |
Managing Business Across Cultures | 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 Translation L1 A | 15 |
Specialised Translation L1 B | 15 |
Introduction to Dubbing and Voice Over | 15 |
Retour Interpreting: Consecutive | 15 |
Advanced Retour Interpreting: Simultaneous | 15 |
Learning and teaching
As a distinctive professional interpreter programme well known for its long history and fine tradition, this course will provide language specialists, from the UK and abroad, who meet the entry requirements and pass the aptitude tests, 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 competencies 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 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
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons). We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines. Applicants are required to have an excellent command of English and one or more foreign languages. Applicants will be interviewed and undertake translation tests in their chosen languages.
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.
Applications will not be considered until required documents (including evidence of meeting the English language requirements) have been submitted.
Applicants must meet the English language requirement, submit their application and submit all required supporting documents by the course deadline:
- Overseas applicants studying Chinese as a working language: 31st March 2024
- Home applicants studying Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish: 31st August 2024
- Overseas applicants studying French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish: 12th August 2024
The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes 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) (optional)
This course does not require you to take modules in specialised translation, however, if you wish to enrol on these you must complete the corresponding translation test(s), i.e.:
- AB pathway with French, German, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish: submit the relevant translation test into English.
- AB pathway Chinese-English: submit both “Chinese into English” and “English into Chinese” translation tests.
- ACC pathway (all languages): submit translation tests from each ‘C’ language into English.
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: £9,167 (Total)
International: £18,333 (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 at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate qualifications from the Centre for Translation Studies are prestigious and respected. They 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.