Translation and Localisation MA

Course overview

Develop mastery of translation and localisation techniques, and use your passion for language and culture to pursue a career in global communication.

The global language services industry is transforming as media, ideas and discourse transcend borders in new ways thanks to AI. In this course, develop advanced linguistic expertise alongside the technological fluency needed to work in this growing sector. You’ll gain the skills you need to adapt written and multimedia content for new linguistic and cultural contexts, unlocking careers fostering greater connection and understanding.

Learn translation practice and theory, professional tools and industry-standard technologies, project management, and localisation across a wide range of written and audiovisual forms. You’ll also have opportunities to take part in multilingual group projects, often in collaboration with NGOs and educational and professional partners.

Optional modules let you explore specialised areas informed by new and leading professional practice and research, tailoring your studies to your interests and career ambitions. From translation, dubbing and media accessibility to copywriting, parliamentary reporting and game localisation, you’ll get the skills you need to gain a foothold in tomorrow’s language services industry.

Why study at Leeds?

• Specialist facilities: Study in the Martin Thomas Translation Labs, equipped with 60+ high-spec PCs and specialist translation and subtitling software, and in our dedicated, professional-standard interpreting facilities.
• Hands-on training: Regular seminars, team projects, workshops, mock conferences and professionalisation talks with practising translators, subtitlers, project managers and international organisations.
• Build real-world experience: Become confident in translation, subtitling, localisation, project management, machine translation post-editing, revision, quality assurance and full project cycles from client brief to delivery and invoicing.
• Member of CIUTI: The world's most prestigious association for university translation and interpretation courses, giving you access to high‑quality training standards and professional resources.
• Industry-standard software: Learn using professional programmes such as Trados Studio, Wincaps, Multiterm, Passolo, memoQ, Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Access additional tools including Phrase, OmegaT, Matecat, Verifka, Xbench, Sketch Engine, Handbrake, Aegisub and PerfectIt.
• Real-world industry experience: Network with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our online Global Industry Programme.

The MA is an excellent choice for career-driven individuals, equipping you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the language industry, all while learning from amazing teachers. As soon as I entered the workplace, I didn’t have to be taught how to use the software or have the workflow explained to me, because I had already experienced all of this in class.

Dan Foster, Vendor Recruitment Manager, ICS

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Course details and modules

Your learning begins with a foundational technology module introducing computer‑assisted translation (CAT) and the basics of project management. This is alongside a core theoretical module that provides the conceptual grounding needed to apply translation theories, strategies and techniques in your practice. In the Spring Semester, you’ll deepen this knowledge through Localisation and Project Management, exploring professional workflows and case studies across areas such as web, videogame and marketing localisation.

Throughout the year, you’ll develop your translation skills in one or more language pairs through specialised translation modules. Typical language combinations include Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Thai. If your language combination isn’t listed, you can still enrol and take a dedicated module in English for Translation and Editing.

Core modules incorporate multilingual group projects, giving you realistic experience in translation and localisation practice and project management, machine-translation post-editing, and revision and review work across different domains. Towards the end of the Spring Semester, you can choose to take part in the Annual CTILS Symposium – a simulated multilingual conference delivered jointly with students on the MA Conference Interpreting programme.

You'll also take a module designed to prepare you for your end‑of‑year project, which may take the form of a dissertation, an extended translation, or a subtitling project.

The structure of the course offers significant flexibility so you can choose the balance that works for you. You can customise your path by choosing to focus on a particular area such as audiovisual translation and localisation (e.g. Subtitling, Media Accessibility, Introduction to Voice Over and Dubbing) or translation technology (e.g. Advanced CAT tools, Machine Translation and AI, Data Science). Alternatively, you can mix and match from multiple specialist areas according to your interests.

Other optional modules let you explore topics such as additional specialised translation and localisation language pairs, live captioning, easy-to-read translation, literary translation, legal translation, interpreting, intercultural studies, communication studies, and beginner-level language learning.

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

Methods and Approaches in Translation Studies (15 credits)
This module introduces key theories, concepts and debates in translation studies. You’ll explore how translation is understood across different traditions, examine major methodological approaches and strategies and learn how to apply theoretical insights to your own practice.

Introduction to Computer‑Assisted Translation (15 credits)
Gain hands‑on experience with industry‑standard CAT tools and learn how they shape contemporary translation workflows. The module covers translation memory systems, terminology management, quality assurance processes and the basics of project management.

Localisation and Project Management (15 credits)
Develop your understanding of localisation workflows and the project management skills required to deliver multilingual content. Through case studies in areas such as media, cinema, web, video game, and marketing localisation, you’ll explore how projects are planned, executed and evaluated.

Year 1 Optional Modules (Typical Selection)

Specialised Translation, Domains A (15 credits)
Practise translation in one or more language pairs across domains commonly used in the language services industry. You will work with a variety of text types, developing domain‑specific strategies and gaining confidence in producing accurate, well‑researched translations.

Machine Translation and AI (15 credits)
Explore how machine translation (MT) and AI technologies are reshaping translation workflows. You’ll explore how MT systems function, practise post‑editing and evaluate output quality across different domains.

Subtitling: Theory and Practice (15 credits)
Train in the professional principles and techniques of subtitling using industry‑standard software. Learn about segmentation, timing, multimodality and adapting audiovisual content for different audiences.

Media Accessibility (15 credits)
Learn how audiovisual content can be adapted for audiences with sensory disabilities, including through audio description for blind audiences, and subtitling for deaf audiences.

Advanced Computer‑Assisted Translation (15 credits)
Develop deeper engagement with CAT tools, automation and workflow optimisation. You’ll explore advanced functionalities and quality assurance processes, preparing you to work with complex translation projects.

Easy-to-Read Translation (15 credits)
Learn how written and audiovisual content can be adapted for audiences with intellectual disabilities, using Easy-to-Read language.

Beginner language modules
Typical options include British Sign Language, Czech, Egyptian Arabic, French, Modern Standard Arabic, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Persian, Russian and Portuguese.

View the languages available to learn.

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught by leading researchers, expert practitioners and trained postgraduate instructors from the Centre for Translation, Interpreting and Localisation Studies (CTILS) and the wider School of Languages, Cultures and Societies. Together, they’ll equip you with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and professional awareness needed for a successful future in the language services industry or a portfolio career combining translation, localisation and related activities.

Your learning will be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, hands‑on practical classes and guided independent study. You’ll work with industry‑standard tools and technologies, gaining confidence in the workflows used across translation, localisation and media accessibility. Interactive online resources support your learning throughout the year, and you’ll receive structured guidance from academic staff as well as opportunities to consult practitioners whose expertise aligns with your interests.

The Centre also runs a regular programme of Professionalisation Talks. Here, visiting speakers from across the language services industry share their experience as translators, subtitlers, interpreters, project managers and other language professionals. These sessions offer valuable opportunities to network, explore different career paths and gain insight into current industry trends and emerging technologies.

We are also a proud member of international associations such as CIUTI, ELIA, ITI and GALA, and maintain collaborations with UN and EU bodies as well as major national and international companies, institutions and NGOs. These networks connect you with leading professionals – including many alumni – working across the global language services sector.

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 range of methods. Depending on the modules you choose, this may include practical translations and subtitled videos alongside essays and components from individual and team projects.

Many assessments are based on realistic scenarios that you are likely to encounter in the workplace. You’ll also complete an individual summer project that can include translating any type of text with commentary, subtling any type of video with commentary or writing a research dissertation on any translation and localisation topic.

Facilities

The Centre provides dedicated facilities and specialist technical support to help you develop your translation, technology and media localisation skills. You’ll work in the two high‑spec Martin Thomas Translation Labs (MTL), equipped with industry‑standard software and designed for both taught sessions and independent study. The larger lab (MTL1) contains around 40 computers, while the smaller lab (MTL2) offers 18 workstations.

You’ll use a wide range of software commonly employed across the language services industry, including computer‑assisted translation tools (Trados Studio, memoQ, Phrase), quality assurance tools (Verifika, Xbench), media localisation tools (WinCaps, ZOOdubs, YellaUmbrella) and speech‑recognition software such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

Applying

Entry requirements

You’ll need a bachelor's degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a translation-related degree (see below).

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 below under ‘Other areas’.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines, so don’t worry about applying if your subject isn’t listed. If you are unsure, feel free to contact the programme convenor to discuss the suitability of your background for the programme.

Respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form and explain why you wish to study the course and what your career plans are. We will also consider relevant professional experience and may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

Translation-related subjects

• Modern languages
• Translation
• Linguistics
• English language
• Language teaching

Other areas

• Media studies
• Media communications
• Social media
• Philosophy
• Applied mathematics
• Data science
• Social sciences
• Psychology
• Computer science
• Anthropology

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. 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 Arts and Humanities (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Arts and Humanities (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 apply 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 course. 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 it carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this 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?
• 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 wish to provide details of any final-year work or projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience, etc.

Relevant work experience might include teaching, translation, speech and language therapy, data science, computing, coding, communication, publishing, and media.

Next steps

If further information is needed to support the assessment of your application, 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.

Read about visas, immigration and other information for International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure they have time to obtain their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027

This course is taught by

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Contact us

Email:

Fees

UK: £12,900 (Total)

International: £28,300 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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

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. Learn more about Masters funding. 

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

Career opportunities

A postgraduate qualification in Translation and Localisation equips you with valuable practical skills underpinned by a strong theoretical foundation. Alongside specialist training in translation, localisation and media accessibility, you’ll develop advanced transferrable skills across IT, research, communication and analysis.

Our strong links with industry and regular talks and workshops by speakers working in the language services industry provide excellent opportunities for you to build your professional network and knowledge of the sector, kickstarting your career.

Where this degree can take you

Demand for skilled translators and localisation experts continues to grow, particularly as AI‑driven solutions expand and require expert human input, evaluation and refinement.

Our graduates progress in large organisations and small and medium‑sized language service providers across the translation, language services, and media localisation industries. Some work in the film industry and the media accessibility world. Careers can also include working as a freelance language professional.

Roles include translator, localiser, subtitler, live captioner, and other translation-related roles such as copywriter, copyeditor, parliamentary report, language services consultant, and project manager.

Many graduates also pursue roles in international organisations and multilingual institutions, including the United Nations, the European Parliament, the European Commission, NATO and a variety of NGOs.

Although I didn’t ultimately pursue a career in the translation industry, the excellent training I received during the MA and the transferable skills I developed have proved invaluable in my current role. They have not only helped me enormously in adapting to and carrying out my role, but the job itself has also benefited directly from the skills and perspective I brought to it.

Sarah Buckle, Workforce Operations Manager for the Olympic Games, On Location

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 well 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. ​

Work placements and industry experience

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.