Taught course

Arabic-English-Arabic Translation Studies

Institution
University of Birmingham · Department of Modern Languages
Qualifications
MA

Entry requirements

The language you intend to translate into needs to be your mother tongue language or a language you use regularly. If you want to translate into a language that you use regularly, but isn't your mother tongue, you may need to provide evidence of your language proficiency.

We usually expect you to be trained at degree level in the language(s) you intend to translate from. If you don't hold a degree in your ‘second’ language, you may need to provide other evidence of proficiency. This needs to be equivalent to a minimum of level C1 on the Common European Framework for Languages.

If you don't hold a languages or humanities-related degree, you may need to provide evidence of relevant work experience.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Transform your passion for languages and translation into a professional career.

This course is for you if you're proficient in English and Arabic and want to begin a career in translation or undertake further research in translation.

Course highlights

At Birmingham, we work closely with translation institutions, agencies in the Arab region and freelancers to make sure our course gives you industry skills.

Our specialist Arabic modules focus on translation practice in Arabic creative sectors. You'll enhance your analytical skills, develop your understanding of different theories of translation, and gain practical translation experience. On this course you'll access software and technology used in the English – Arabic translation industry so you're ready to work in the sector.

Course delivery

At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Arabic-English-Arabic Translation. You’ll get to work in small groups with tutors and receive training so you can confidently use state-of-the art translation technology.

  • Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation. 
  • Seminars – modules are mainly taught by online small group teaching. 
  • Dissertation - you will undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you. This can be a traditional written dissertation or an extended translation project, translating a 7,500-word text of your choice, plus a 7,500-word commentary on the text.

Information for international students

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification. You'll need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 in any component
  • LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and funding

The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Postgraduate Enquiries