Newcastle University

Modern Languages

Translation Studies MA

12 or 24 months full time

Fees

Fees per academic year 2012-13

UK/EU: full time £5,155 (stage 1) £5,585 (stage 2)
International: full time £11,060 (stage 1) £12,165 (stage 2)
Please refer to our Tuition Fees section for information about changes to fees and fee discounts.

Aims

This programme aims to provide you with substantial theoretical knowledge to develop an interest in the field of translating and/or interpreting as a topic of academic study and research.

Programme Description

This MA consists of two stages of study over 24 months, and uses English and Chinese as working languages. The programme concentrates on translation and interpretation as an academic subject. In Stage 1 you take 100 credits of compulsory modules that typically include: translating; simultaneous interpreting; consecutive interpreting; sight translation exercise; information technology for translators and interpreters; and translation studies. A further 20 credits of optional modules are also taken from across an extensive range of disciplines.

Stage 1 is common to the suite of MAs in Translating and Interpreting. If you meet the entry requirements for this Stage, you will be registered on to the MA in Translating and Interpreting starting at Stage 1. Upon successful completion of this Stage, you will take one of the suitable Stage 2 pathways, according to your academic results and your personal preferences.

If you leave the MA programme after completing Stage 1, without proceeding to Stage 2, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting, subject to your academic results.

In Stage 2 you take 50 credits of compulsory modules and 70 credits of optional modules. You also undertake either a dissertation or a translating/interpreting project (60 credits). Compulsory modules typically include: translating; translating studies; research methods in translating and interpreting; and professional issues in translating and interpreting.

Optional modules cover: sight translation exercise; bi-lateral interpreting; English-Chinese subtitle translation; literary translation; and other suitable modules available in the University with the approval of the Degree Programme Director. Direct entry to this Stage is possible if you meet the Stage 2 entry requirements.

If you leave the MA programme after completing Stage 2, without proceeding to a dissertation or project, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Translation Studies, subject to your academic results.

Assessment is by examination, practical assessments, class/seminar presentations, essays or assignments and other submitted work (including a dissertation or project).

Find out more detailed information about the programme modules

Entrance Requirements

For Stage 1 entry you need a BA degree with a minimum average of 75 per cent (or GPA 2.75) on your transcript or an upper-second-class Honours degree or higher.

If you are not a native English speaker please enclose a recent IELTS certificate (no more than two years old) with your application. We normally consider only IELTS scores. To be considered, you need to have IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 or above on speaking and writing subskills.

If you are a native English speaker, we require good degree-level knowledge of Chinese. When applying, please enclose any evidence you may have to support your second language proficiency qualification.

For Stage 2 entry (ie advanced entry) you should have a good first degree (for example an upper-second-class Honours degree or an equivalent GPA). You must also have expert second-language knowledge. For non-native speakers of English, we require a minimum of IELTS 7.5 with no less than 7.0 in all sub-skills. We normally consider only IELTS scores. Native speakers of English should contact the School of Modern Languages for requirements of their second language proficiency.

All applicants (Stage 1 and Stage 2) will be interviewed and must pass this element of the selection process.

Tier 4 Student Visas (International Applicants)

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has now revised its rules for Tier 4 student visa applications regarding English language ability. You are now required to hold a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in all sub skills (listening, writing, reading and speaking) to be eligible to apply for a Tier 4 visa.

Please note that the University’s English language requirements are normally higher (see above).

Typical Funding

International students - British Council; own government; University scholarships.
See also: Funding and Finance.

How to Apply

Interviews are compulsory to all applicants and will be held during spring 2012. The application deadline is 15 February 2012 in order to be in time for an interview. Due to enthusiastic and strong subscriptions to this programme, applications may be closed earlier than 15 February 2012 if places are filled up.

To allow time for processing your application, you could consider to apply initially with as many available supporting documents as possible if you have not yet obtained an adequete IELTS certificicate which may follow later.

Please note that all applicants should enter "MA in Translation and
Interpreting" in their applications. For those who aim for the other
specialized pathways, such as MA in Interpreting, the decision will be
made after you have met all the entry requirements.

For the quickest and easiest way to apply, visit our postgraduate online application site.

Further Information

You will be required to pay a deposit of £1500 in order to secure your place after you have taken the interview, within 10 days after you are informed of having passed it. This will be offset against the tuition fees at registration. Applications submitted after the end of February will be subject to availability of places.

For further information please contact:
Lucy Brickwood
School of Modern Languages
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 5867
E-mail: modlang.pgadmin@ncl.ac.uk