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Translating MA

Our Translating MA uses English and Chinese as working languages. You will gain industry-relevant skills and critical academic knowledge in translation, audio-visual translation, and localisation.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:


Start date(s):

  • September 2023
Masters level study – Webinar - 29 March, 14:00-15:00 (BST)  

Overview

This Master's in Translating focuses on the language directions of English into Chinese, and Chinese into English.

Under our guidance, you will hone the skills you need to excel in your chosen translation field. You’ll gain an expert understanding of how theory and practice intersect. You’ll also benefit from our industry experience and established connections.

Our team of lecturers have a wealth of professional experience, both in-house and freelance. They have worked in the fields of translation, audio-visual translation (AVT), and localisation.

This Translating MA course has two stages. Each stage lasts one year.

You can either:

  • study for two years – In your first year, you’ll join the Translating & Interpreting MA. Then in your second year, you’ll take the Translating MA pathway.
  • study for one year – You will join the Translating MA directly at Stage 2. This option will depend on your previous qualifications and experience.

In Stage 2, you can also choose to follow another of our pathways if your interests or aspirations change:

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

What you'll learn

Stage 1

You'll gain a thorough grounding in both translation and interpreting skills and knowledge.

You’ll translate a wide variety of texts on topics such as journalism, social trends, literature, and advertising. These will contain many different cultural, linguistic, and theoretical challenges.

In relation to translating, you will learn how to:

  • improve your written translation skills to create translations of a professional standard
  • adapt to a variety of client briefs that will redefine your concept of translation
  • leverage translation-studies theories, approaches, and concepts to produce better final translations
  • conduct pre-editing, as well as post-editing machine translation (PEMT)
  • approach localisation projects (including processes before, during and after the translation stage)
  • use computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools to create full translation projects
  • apply CAT tool functions such as translation memories (TM), term bases (TB), and quality assurance (QA) checks

You’ll also learn how to interact with agencies, secure translation work, and utilise your CV to gain better work.

Stage 2

You will continue to develop your translating and localisation skills and knowledge. We'll cover specialised areas of technical translation with more demanding industry requirements.

You can gain valuable audio-visual translation (AVT) skills on our Subtitle and Video Game Translation module.

On completing the Translating MA course, you’ll learn to:

  • translate technically demanding texts on topics such as science, commerce, law, art, and technology
  • strategically approach a range of industry-specific client briefs
  • leverage theoretical knowledge to craft translations that meet industry requirements
  • identify key challenges in translation tests that agencies use to determine applicants’ suitability

With our expert guidance and industry opportunities, you’ll succeed in the fields of translation, AVT, and localisation.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you'll learn

Your development

Professional opportunities and development

We organise industry talks, study visits and internship work placements for our students. These are in the fields of translation, audio-visual translation (AVT), and localisation.

Past examples include:

  • Keywords Studios trainee programmes and other video game translation and localisation opportunities
  • translating and subtitling opportunities with our industry contacts
  • study visits to the EU’s Directorate General for Translation and European Commission in Brussels
  • study visits to international organisations in The Hague

We'll help you take translation, AVT, video game translation, and other digital localisation assignments. We have a global reputation for knowledge and expertise in these fields. A growing number of organisations offer our students opportunities to gain professional experience.

We’ll keep you up to date with the latest developments in localisation. We have full academic membership with the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA).

You’ll also get academic membership to established translation societies. This includes the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL).

Your future

What can you do with a Translating MA degree?

Our graduates use their linguistic, IT, and interpersonal skills, and cultural knowledge in a range of sectors.

Audio Visual Translation (AVT) careers

  • in-house subtitle translator (translation and dubbing of audio-visual content)
  • in-house project manager in a translation agency, working on a range of AVT projects
  • freelance subtitle translator, working as a self-employed translator and dubber of audio-visual content

Localisation careers

  • in-house localisation in an agency, working on digital and non-digital products (from brochures to apps, websites and video games)
  • in-house project manager working for a localisation agency
  • freelance localisation - running your own business as a self-employed independent localisation specialist
  • cultural liaison - working for developers or companies in one locale liasing with clients and publishers in another locale to promote products

Translation careers

  • in-house linguists working for a translation agency
  • in-house project manager working for a translation agency
  • freelance self-employed translator
  • translating documents for EU Institutions and members of the European Parliament

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

Language Resource Centre

Our Language Resource Centre is dedicated to the study of languages. It contains a vast collection of books, journals, and audio-visual tools. It also has computing facilities linked to a digital speech bank.

Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools

You’ll have access to professional CAT tools like Trados and memoQ. These are installed in the Language Resource Centre for ease of access. You’ll receive free 1-year licenses. You’ll also have the option of using this software on personal computers.

Other facilities

The Phillip Robinson Library has an excellent collection of books and articles. There are resources on translation and interpreting studies, audio-visual translation and localisation. Many of the materials can be read online via the library’s digital service.

You can practice in one of two dedicated interpreting suites. You will also have access to a senior common room where you can relax, eat or study.

Learn more about the School of Modern Languages facilities and resources.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

  • additional costs
  • living costs
  • tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts

Search for funding

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply


Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.


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Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

  • campus tours
  • on-campus open days
  • virtual open days
  • webinars

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

School of Modern Languages
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5867
Email: modlang.pgadmin@ncl.ac.uk

Online

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

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