Professional Translation for European Languages MA
This Professional Translation Master's combines practical training and theory to give you the skills and knowledge to become a professional translator.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Start date(s):
- September 2023
Overview
This Professional Translation Master's will enable you to gain practical skills and critical academic knowledge in the fields of translation and localisation.
You will translate into your native language. You can specialise in translation between English and up to three European languages. You can translate:
- from French, German, Italian, or Spanish into English
- or from English into French, German, Italian, or Spanish.
Chinese into English translation is also available as an optional module.
You will learn from experienced researchers and translation professionals. You will have access to the latest industry insights and Translation Studies research.
Practice-based modules are at the core of the Professional Translation MA. You will develop professional-level translating skills in several genres. These include Business & Finance, Legal, Technical, Marketing, and Literary.
You will receive expert training in computer-assisted translation (CAT) software (memoQ and Trados). You will become confident in using IT in a translation context, as a translator, editor, project manager, or post-editor of Machine Translation output. You will be able to adapt to emerging trends of IT applications in the localisation/translation industry. You will receive a free individual one-year license for memoQ.
We’ll introduce you to key theoretical issues in translation studies. You will develop an analytic and reflective understanding of your own translation practice. This will serve as a basis for further professional development.
We are a corporate education member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting. We are also an academic member of the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA).
READ MORE
Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you'll learn
You will develop the expertise enabling you to enter the translation industry as a fully-fledged translation professional. Our teaching is informed by cutting-edge research in professional practice.
Translation practice
You will learn to use a wide range of professional working strategies.
You will develop:
- text-analysis skills
- strategies to comply with a variety of industry-specific client briefs
- research strategies to improve translation output
- translation editing skills
- post-editing machine translation (PEMT) skills
- self-monitoring strategies for translation quality
Technology competence
You will become proficient in the use of industry-relevant CAT tools (Trados and memoQ).
You will learn how to create a full translation project with key functions such as translation memories (TM), term bases (TB), and quality assurance (QA) checks. You will also gain the practical skills required to deal with the localisation of digital products such as apps, video games, and websites.
Service provision and career management
You will develop the career-management skills needed for entry into the translating profession. You will gain a critical understanding of the norms and debates relating to professional practice, ethics, and interpersonal relationships. Our successful Translation & Interpreting Guest Speakers Programme will offer you further insight into professional practice.
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.
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Research Methods in Translating and Interpreting | 10 |
Translation Practice and Principles | 30 |
Translation Workshop | 20 |
The Language Industry: Professions, Processes and Society | 20 |
Localisation 1 | 10 |
The Professional Translation MA course structure allows you to tailor your own programme of study. You will study professional practice and research-led compulsory modules. In addition to the above, you can choose from a wide range of optional modules.
In the summer, you will complete a dissertation or a translation project (a long translation plus an academic commentary).
How you'll learn
Our teaching is based on experiential learning. You will carry out simulated professional tasks in small-group seminars and hands-on workshops. You will receive regular lecturer feedback on translation skills development. Lectures will provide a grounding in the key practical and theoretical issues involved in professional translation.
Taught classes run Monday to Friday in semesters one and two (September to May). From June to August, you will work with a research supervisor on an extended translation project or dissertation.
Our teaching is supplemented by the Translation & Interpreting Guest Speakers programme. This features a wide range of industry talks throughout the year. We’ve had speakers from the European Central Bank, RWS Group, Keywords Studios, Surrey Translation Bureau, and AppLingua Ltd.
We organise study visits to the EU’s Directorate General for Translation and European Commission in Brussels. We also do visits to international organisations in The Hague.
Part-time study
Part-time study on the Professional Translation MA is split over two years. You will agree your individual study plan with the Degree Programme Director. Core practical translation modules normally feature in year one. You can start your translation project or dissertation at any time in year two.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral examination
- Performance
- Portfolio
- Research proposal
- Written exercise
You will have a Personal Tutor assigned to you when you start the course. Your Tutor will be there to help you make the most of your studies. They will be your first port of call for all academic and pastoral matters. You will also have regular one-to-one consultations with lecturers on the course.
We provide a friendly learning environment, with small teacher-student ratios. We work closely as a team and believe in supporting your personal development.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
We're proud to be part of Newcastle University's School of Modern Languages. Our highly-qualified educators are a key strength of this course. You'll be taught by academics who are:
- experts in translation studies or other relevant fields
- translating and interpreting professionals
- specialist translator and interpreter trainers
Find out about individual members of our Translating and Interpreting Studies team.
Your future
The Professional Translation MA will equip you with the skills and strategies to enter a career as a freelance or in-house translator. You can work in public or private organisations, in or beyond the language-services sector.
We ensure that our students are fully formed professionals. You will gain the reflective and analytical skills needed for a rapidly changing industry. These skills will enable you to secure professional or managerial jobs within or outside the language services industry.
Our graduates have gone on to work for leading translation agencies and companies, as well as international organisations, including:
- the European Central Bank
- Amazon
- the International Atomic Energy Agency
- Hodder and Stoughton
- TransPerfect
- Penguin Random House
- THG Plc
Other graduates have built successful freelance careers in the Languages Services Industry.
Some of our graduates return as guest speakers for our “Graduate Spotlight Talks” and “Meet the Alumni Evenings”. They pass on advice to students about entering the profession.
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.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The Language Resource Centre
We have a Language Resource Centre dedicated to the study of languages. The centre contains a vast collection of books and audio-visual tools. It also has computing facilities linked to a digital speech bank.
Specialist IT facilities and resources
Our online memoQ translation server is unique in UK Translation and Interpreting programmes. Professional CAT tools (Trados and memoQ) are also installed in Language Labs and in the Language Resource Centre. As a student on the Professional Translation Master’s course, you will receive a free 1-year license for memoQ. You can also install this software on personal computers.
Other facilities
The Robinson Library has a vast collection of resources on translation and interpreting studies. These are accessible onsite or via the Library’s digital service
You will also have access to three dedicated interpreting suites and a senior common room.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)
If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
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.
Apply Online
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.
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Dr Myriem El Maizi
Degree Programme Director
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.
Live chat
Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.
You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.
Keep updated
We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.
Receive regular updates by email
Chat to a student
Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.
Social Media
Get involved with the School of Modern Laguages.