Translation Studies

Entry requirements

You will be expected to have at least a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area (languages, linguistics, translation studies or similar) from a recognised national or international university.

Students with a different academic background but significant professional experience in translation are also invited to apply.

Students should possess at least level C1, of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or equivalent for non-European languages) – in your chosen language(s) – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish– and in English.

You will also need to provide a personal statement of no more than 500 words. You are invited to cover the following points in your personal statement:

• Why have you chosen the MA in Translation Studies at Durham University?
• What are your specific interests in the programme and maybe also potential modules you would choose?
• In which specific language(s) the School of Modern Languages and Cultures* offers are you interested?
• How do your prior qualifications prepare you for this degree course? Please focus on the ones you would consider particularly pertinent.
• What do you hope to get out of the course?

*Arabic, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish

Months of entry

October

Course content

The MA in Translation Studies is a specialist course that will provide you with the professional skills to translate between a wide range of languages and English and equip you with an understanding of translation as an academic discipline with its own cultural and historical heritage. The course prepares graduates to become professional translators and intercultural communicators or to go on to academic research in the subject.

The languages you will be able to choose from include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.

The course has been developed around modern theories and strategies and is enriched by the input of professional translators and research-active staff. There are modules in language, the use of translation technology, linguistics, professional skills, subtitling, professional ethics, project management, and intercultural awareness. For Chinese there is also interpreting.

The course can be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two years and is based in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures in the centre of Durham.

In support of your studies, you will have access to a wide range of technical facilities, technical expertise and software, including an interpreting suite for Chinese interpreting, and specialist eye-tracking and key-stroke logging equipment for process research projects. You can gain practical experience from the work placement scheme and will also benefit from the programme of master classes with professional translators and visiting speakers.

We are a partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists which acts as an assessor and moderator for the course’s specialised translation exams, and offers the opportunity to gain a CIoL qualification as part of the course.

The focus of the course is effective intercultural communication and we are proud of the vital work our graduates do in fostering international understanding.

Course structure

All the MA programmes offered by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities consist of three components:

• Major Research Project to the value of at least 60 credits
• Modules to the value of 0-90 credits, depending on the programme
• Modules, making up the total number of credits to 180; some of these modules will be defined as Recommended Electives for particular programmes.

Students studying the MA in Translation Studies can choose from one of three 60-credit Major Research Project options as follows:

• Studies Dissertation (15,000 words)
• Translation Project (10,000-word translation, 5,000-word commentary)
• Standard Translation Projects in different languages or directions (5,000-word translation 2,500-word commentary)

You will also be required to take the following 30-credit core module:

Translation Theory, Research and Practice will examine various theories and issues of translation such as text type, target audiences and translation strategies, matching theoretical points with practical translation examples to give you a sound understanding and insight into key aspects of modern theories in translation. The module will also improve your understanding of the processes involved in translation and the main assessment criteria for good translation practice. It will also teach the research skills needed to complete the course and for future research at a higher level. You will also be given instruction and hands-on experience with computer assisted translation tools that are essential for a professional translator.

Additionally, you will take either one or two Specialised Translation modules (30 credits each), choosing from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian or Spanish. These, which include different text-types and subject areas, aim to provide you with the necessary grounding and training to translate in both directions between your chosen language(s) and English. They give you the experience, ability and confidence to translate independently between languages.

Depending on the precise combination of core modules chosen above, students may have up to 60 credits of elective modules available from across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities so that your total number of credits adds up to exactly 180.

The Recommended Electives aimed specifically at Translation Studies students include:

• Interpreting (Chinese<>English)
• Interpreting and Sight Translation (Chinese<>English)
• & Advanced CAT Tools
• Ethics and Intercultural Project Management
• Work Placement
• Practica: Processes and Products

Additional Language Option:

MA students can choose to take, in addition to their main course, a 20 credit language module at MLAC’s Centre For Foreign Language Study. This offers a wide range of European, Middle Eastern and East Asian languages at levels from complete beginner to advanced. Students who choose this option will gain an additional 20 credits, i.e. 200 credits in total. Details can be found here.

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.