Translation Studies MA

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.<br/><br/>The languages you will be able to choose from include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.<br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>The focus of the course is effective intercultural communication and we are proud of the vital work our graduates do in fostering international understanding. <br/><br/>**Course structure**<br/><br/>**Core modules:**<br/><br/>All the MA programmes offered by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities consist of three components:<br/><br/><br/>- Major Research Project to the value of at least 60 credits<br/><br/><br/>- Modules to the value of 0-90 credits, depending on the programme<br/><br/><br/>- Modules, making up the total number of credits to 180; some of these modules will be defined as Recommended Electives for particular programmes.<br/><br/><br/>Students studying the MA in Translation Studies can choose from one of three 60-credit Major Research Project options as follows: <br/><br/><br/>- Studies Dissertation (15,000 words)<br/><br/><br/>- Translation Project (10,000-word translation, 5,000-word commentary)<br/><br/><br/>- Standard Translation Projects in different languages or directions (5,000-word translation 2,500-word commentary)<br/><br/><br/>You will also be required to take the following 30-credit core module: <br/><br/>**Translation Theory, Research and Practice** examines 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. <br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>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.