Translation

Entry requirements

You should have a minimum of 2:1 (or equivalent) in a subject relevant to the programme or relevant equivalent experience.

You will also need to provide a personal statement (in English) in which you describe:

• why you are applying to the MA Translation and what you hope to achieve if successful
• your native or near-native fluency in at least one other language in addition to English. You should describe: any translations you may have undertaken and the purpose and context in which you undertook these; any experience you have of reading, speaking and writing in at least one other language in addition to English; and/or any relevant academic, professional or voluntary work experience. You may wish to attach any samples of writing in at least one other language in addition to English and/or any translations you may have produced
• your assessment of your ability to translate into the language in which you are dominant from the language(s) you have learned in addition to your native language

Months of entry

September

Course content

This programme responds to the increasing need in a globalised, interconnected world, for highly-qualified translators who can navigate different genres of text and negotiate the language needs of diverse audiences and industries.

English to ArabicWith its flexible language pair system, this linguistically and culturally diverse MA programme attracts students from around the world. Our trainee translators are supported to pursue a range of language combinations, and past students have completed translation projects and assessments in the following language pairs:

• English to Chinese
• English to Dutch
• English to French
• English to German
• English to Italian
• English to Polish
• English to Spanish
• English to Swedish
• English to Ukrainian
• Chinese to English
• French to English
• Spanish to English

You will be part of a supportive community of linguists. We help you develop peer support groups and offer language learning schemes where you can meet other students, develop your language skills, and help each other solve common problems.

Through the Goldsmiths “Learn a Language” scheme, you will be able to develop foreign language skills and create your own language-specialist support networks. You will be able to meet native speakers of a range of different languages and share your own language skills with others.

At the end of the MA, you will not be asked to complete a viva voce examination. Instead, you will complete an independent translation research project, with the option of a practical translation relevant to your career goals. Past students have used this as an opportunity to localise a videogame, subtitle a video, or translate a chapter of a book for pitching to publishers.

Computer-aided translation software for the degree is provided by Memsource, with training facilitated by the programme convenor, Dr Sarah Maitland, who is a Memsource Certified Trainer and Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies. All students are given the opportunity to apply for Student Certification free of charge, and become part of an active community. Through the Memsource Talent Endorsement Program, the top-scoring certified students will be eligible to compete for paid translation work experience.

We’ll help you build your employability skills and kickstart your continuous professional development. All students are encouraged to apply for placement and internship opportunities, and have access to an optional work experience module.

The MA in Translation is a member of the Institute of Translators and Interpreters (ITI), the only UK-based independent professional membership association for practising translators, interpreters, and language service businesses. The programme is also a member of the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies of the UK and Ireland (APTIS).

Goldsmiths is ranked in the world's top 100 for English Language and Literature (QS World University Subject Rankings 2021).

Information for international students

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 overall (and a minimum of 5.5 in each area) to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Fees and funding

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.