(Full time / Part time) 2019 start
Audiovisual Translation Studies MA
Overview
This challenging and exciting course will introduce you to key methods and approaches in translation studies and computer-assisted translation, specialising in the processes and practices of audiovisual translation. You'll also work with students specialising in a wide range of languages and use use specialist software to produce multilingual translation projects.
You’ll work between English and one or two languages, including Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. You’ll also have the chance to study modules informed by research taking place at our Centre for Translation Studies on topics such as machine translation, corpus linguistics, interpreting and genre analysis.
Leading researchers work alongside contracted practitioners to equip you with a range of practical skills, as well as a solid understanding of the principles that underpin audiovisual translation and applied translation, to enable you to launch an exciting career in the language services industry.
Specialist facilities
We have excellent facilities and resources to support your studies. Our Electronic Resources and Information Centres (ERIC & ERIN) support all of our translation programmes, complete with 59 high-spec PCs and a wide range of specialist software for translation and subtitling.
The Centre for Translation Studies is also constantly compiling and updating very large corpora of texts in digital form so you can analyse source texts and produce more idiomatic translations. Moreover, you can also see our interpreting students at work in our state-of-the-art conference suites.
This programme is also available to study part-time over 24 months.
Course content
You’ll focus on computer-assisted audiovisual translation throughout this programme using a wide range of professional software tools. In addition to the processes and practices of professional audiovisual translation, core modules will introduce you to essential concepts in computer-assisted translation, as well as hands-on practice in our computer labs throughout the year developping your skills thought individual and team projects, giving you an overview of translation project management principles and translation workflows.
You will 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 two 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 machine translation or corpus linguistics. 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 an extended translations, a dissertation or a subtitling project, and which you'll hand in towards the end of August.
If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules each 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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Methods and Approaches in Translation Studies 30 credits
- Strategies and Tools in Audiovisual Translation 30 credits
- Introduction to Translation Technologies and Workflows 15 credits
- Subtitling and Respeaking for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Audiences 15 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Translation for International Organisations (English-Arabic) 15 credits
- Principles and Applications of Machine Translation 15 credits
- Corpus Linguistics for Translators 15 credits
- English for Translators 15 credits
- Introduction to Interpreting Skills 15 credits
- Genres in Translation 15 credits
- International Organisations: Context, Theory and Practice 15 credits
- Literary Translation 15 credits
- Writing for Professional Purposes 15 credits
- Specialised French-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised German-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Italian-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Portuguese-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Russian-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Spanish-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised English-Arabic Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised French-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised German-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Italian-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Portuguese-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Russian-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Spanish-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised English-Arabic Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Arabic-English Translation 15 credits
- Specialised English-Chinese Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Arabic-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised English-Chinese Translation B 15 credits
- Dissertation: Translation Studies 30 credits
- Extended Translations 30 credits
- Subtitling Project 30 credits
- Specialised English-Japanese Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Chinese-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Japanese-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Chinese-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Japanese-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised English-Japanese Translation B 15 credits
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 Studies runs a regular programme of Research and Professionalisation Talks from visiting speakers, coming form the industry and sharing their experience as practicing translators, interpreters, subtitlers or project managers.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a wide range of methods. Translation tests are an important element, as are essays together with individual and team projects. You’ll also be assessed on your individual summer project, which can be either two long translation pieces, one long subtitling project, or one short research project.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons) or equivalent.
You don't need to have a language degree or any qualifications in a non-English language, since we assess your language ability as part of the application process.
International qualifications
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies admissions team.
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.How to apply
This link 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
When you have decided which course to apply for you will need to register for a University of Leeds Applicant Portal account to begin your online application. https://application.leeds.ac.uk/sign-up/
You must upload the following supporting documents before we assess your application:
- Official degree certificate(s) and transcript of marks
Applicants who have not yet graduated may provide an enrolment certificate and partial transcript of marks. You should provide copies of your documents in their original language and where this is not English, you must also provide an official translation of these documents. - Evidence of English language proficiency
Ordinarily for non-native English speakers only. See the individual course descriptions for exact requirements.
Please read the instructions in the Supporting Statement section of the Applicant Portal, as you will also be required to submit the following:
- Translation Tests
You must submit a translation for each language combination you wish to study and in each direction you wish to study. Ensure that you sign and complete each declaration form to confirm that the translations are your own work. You may use dictionaries to help you with your translation.
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.
Fees
- UK/EU: £9,000 (total)
- International: £19,000 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Part-time fees 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 about additional costs
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
A postgraduate qualification in Audiovisual Translation Studies equips 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 employers.
Many of our students go straight into practice with their project management or translation skills, whether they work in large organisations, small or medium-sized language service providers, or as freelance translators and audiovisual translators. Others pursue related careers in language services. Our graduates work in organisations such as the UN and affiliated organisations, the European Parliament and the European Commission, commercial enterprises 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 the programme, as well as events including workshops arranged with professional national and international organisations.
Several translation technology certification schemes (such as the SDL Certification Program) 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.
Read more about Careers and Employability